What’s on in Exeter in March 2026: Major spring events, theatre, concerts and family activities

Exeter will host a wide range of cultural, community and outdoor events throughout March 2026, with major venues across the city launching new seasonal programmes alongside charity fundraisers, concerts and family activities.

At the centre of the spring programme is Exeter Phoenix, which announced its 2026 Spring Performance Programme in January. 

The venue’s new season focuses on contemporary theatre, dance, spoken word and comedy, alongside opportunities for audiences to engage with artists beyond the stage.

On Tuesday 3 March, Bobak Champion brings “I’m Muslamic Don’t Panik” to Exeter Phoenix, combining breakdancing, live saxophone, Iranian folk music and comedy. 

Later in the month, on Saturday 21 March, international theatre collective fish in a dress presents The City for Incurable Women, a production blending physical theatre, integrated audio description and historical storytelling. 

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Both performances include additional audience engagement, with a post-show gathering following Bobak Champion’s performance and a pre-show Movement Makes Story workshop led by director Christina Deinsberger ahead of The City for Incurable Women.

Dance also features in the spring programme. mapdance 2026, staged on 25 February, and JV2 on 31 March showcase post-graduate dancers at the beginning of their professional careers, working with established choreographers. Each performance includes short curtain-raiser pieces by local students.

Comedy continues at Exeter Phoenix on Wednesday 25 March with Game of Crones, presented by A&E Comedy. 

Looking ahead to April, the Exeter City of Literature team will host the fourth annual City Slam, with the winner progressing to the international Slamovision competition between UNESCO Cities of Literature.

Elsewhere in the city, Exeter Cathedral will hold a candlelight concert on Saturday 7 March at 7pm, featuring the Exeter Cathedral Choir performing choral music in the cathedral’s cloisters. Tickets are priced at £20 for adults and £5 for under-18s.

Outdoor and heritage attractions are also taking part in national initiatives. National Trust property Killerton will participate in National Lottery Open Week from 7 to 14 March. 

Visitors presenting a valid National Lottery ticket can gain free entry during the promotion period, subject to capacity and standard terms.

At Haldon Forest Park near Exeter, the Earth Photo outdoor exhibition continues until 19 March, displaying shortlisted international photography focused on environmental themes. The site is also running its Room on the Broom themed family trail throughout the month.

Charity fundraising remains a key feature of the city’s events calendar. On Saturday 7 March, Hospiscare will hold its annual Men’s Walk, a seven-mile route beginning and ending at Double Locks in Exeter, raising funds for local end-of-life care services.

Live music performances include folk duo Spiers & Boden in Topsham on 8 March, while themed music events continue in Starcross with Cofton’s Country Music Hoedown running from 13 to 19 March.

Creative workshops are also scheduled in nearby Dunchideock, including seasonal flower arranging sessions in the lead-up to Mother’s Day and Easter.

Across theatre, music, heritage and community fundraising, March 2026 presents a varied programme of events in Exeter and the surrounding area, with major venues and organisations launching new seasonal schedules alongside established annual activities.