5 fun things to do this weekend in Exeter

From beer festivals and films to exhibitions and live theatre, here’s what’s happening in Exeter this weekend.

FOOD & DRINK
15–17 January
Exeter Festival of Beer 2026
Exeter Corn Exchange plays host to this celebration of beer, featuring more than 70 real ales alongside real ciders and wines. The festival also includes tutored tastings led by internationally renowned experts.
The timetable is: Friday 1pm–2.30pm, Understanding the Difference Between Bitters and Pale Ales.
Saturday 11.30am–1pm, Meet the Cider Makers (Sandford Orchards & Rull Orchard).
Saturday 1.30pm–3pm, Beer Instead of Heineken. All sessions are £15.

FESTIVAL
17 January
Environment Film Festival
This environmentally focused festival invites audiences to watch two powerful documentaries, Six Inches of Soil and Wilding, set within the breath-taking surroundings of Exeter Cathedral’s nave.
Six Inches of Soil tells the uplifting story of young British farmers challenging industrial food systems and reshaping how food is grown – restoring soil health, improving wellbeing, and supporting local communities.
Wilding follows a young couple who place their faith in nature. By removing fences and allowing the land to return to the wild, they embark on an ambitious experiment that becomes one of Europe’s most important rewilding projects.
Each screening will be followed by a panel discussion with expert speakers exploring how the films connect with faith, followed by audience questions. 12.30pm–5pm.

FILM
17 January
Bugsy Malone
Jodie Foster and a whole cast of young performers star in this much-loved Alan Parker classic about rival gangs in 1920s New York. Expect unforgettable songs, energetic dance numbers, and the iconic cream-filled splurge gun finale. 10am showing at Exeter Picturehouse.

EXHIBITION
On now until 4 February
Hidden Figures of the South West
Hidden Figures of the South West presents more than 150 portraits celebrating people working in often overlooked professions whose skills and contributions risk being forgotten. Featured roles include conservationists, traditional craftspeople, artists, and more.
Photographer Caitlin Pharoah has ventured across the region – climbing barnacle-covered rocks to observe seaweed harvesters, exploring the intricate environments of mushroom farms, and learning from those safeguarding age-old crafts.
Each ‘Hidden Figure’ has written the text that accompanies their portrait, combining image and voice to reveal rich, personal stories behind these professions. Open Monday–Saturday from 10am at Exeter Phoenix.

MUSICAL
15-17 January
Rent the Musical
Shotgun present their 2026 production of RENT. First staged Off-Broadway in 1996 before transferring to Broadway later that year, Jonathan Larson’s ground-breaking musical (also the writer of Tick, Tick… Boom!) follows a group of friends living in New York’s East Village.
Set against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis, the story explores love, friendship, creativity, and resilience in the face of hardship. Featuring iconic songs such as La Vie Bohème and Seasons of Love, the show celebrates life, diversity, and the LGBTQ+ community through the perspective of filmmaker Mark Cohen. 2.30pm and 7.30pm showings at Barnfield Theatre.