5 fun things to do this weekend in Exeter

Looking ahead to the weekend? From festivals and family fun to theatre and film, there’s plenty happening over the next few days. Here are our top picks - enjoy!

1. FESTIVAL

14 March

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S FESTIVAL

This free event at Exeter Phoenix, hosted by Devon United Women, invites everyone to come together under the theme Women Raising Voices for Change. Expect a vibrant programme of activities, performances and workshops including music,  dance, stalls, spoken word, speakers, poetry and art.

The day begins at 10.30am. Highlights include Inspiring Women - a short film screening focusing on Gaza - plus Women Leading the Change in Food and Farming via Agroecology, and a performance from the Wren Music Choir.

2. CHILDREN

14 March

BOVEY BOOK FEST

A brand-new children’s book festival arrives in Bovey Tracey, promising a joyful day of storytelling for ages four to 14. Held across Wickham Hall and the Pavilion at Bovey Tracey Cricket Club, the event runs from 10am to 5pm and brings together some of the UK’s most engaging children’s authors and illustrators.

Organised by First Draft Books, Bovey Tracey’s independent bookshop, with The Rebel Reading Society, the inaugural Bovey Book Fest features Reeve & McIntyre, Mikey Please, Serena Patel, Zohra Nabi and Neill Cameron, alongside local storytellers.

Tickets for speaker sessions are £3, with free community events throughout the day.

3. MUSICAL

11-15 March

FOREVER YOUNG 

Forever Young is a jukebox musical packed with humour, heart and legendary songs. Set fifty years in the future, the Northcott Theatre has become a retirement home for former actors – but these residents have no intention of taking it easy. Familiar faces from past Northcott plays and pantos return as their older, rebellious selves, reliving their glory days and rocking out to classic hits.

Featuring favourites like I Will Survive, I Got You Babe, I Love Rock ’n’ Roll, Imagine and Respect, this playful show mixes physical comedy, nostalgia and plenty of surprises in a joyful celebration of music, theatre and refusing to grow old quietly.

Multiple shows at Exeter Northcott Theatre.  

4. FESTIVAL

13–14 March

Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival

Two days of stimulating conversation, fresh perspectives and big ideas. From insider political diaries and the future of Europe to mental health, food science, environmental crime and fashion, this year’s programme offers insight, challenge and inspiration in equal measure.

This year’s line-up includes retail pioneer and innovative businesswoman Mary Portas and Dr Jack Mosley. Speaker events will be held at St Peter's Church. 

FILM

14–15 March

MUPPET FILMS

Got mini Muppets fans at home? There are two family-friendly screenings this weekend at Exeter Picturehouse.

Muppets from Space screens at 10am on Saturday, while The Muppets Take Manhattan shows at 3.20pm on Sunday.

Both are part of the Kids’ Club screenings, which are exclusively for children and their parents or carers.