Summer at the Quayside returns with free family fun

Exeter’s much-loved Summer at the Quayside programme is back — and this year promises the most exciting line-up yet. Running from 29 July to 29 August, the waterfront will once again come alive every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday with free, drop-in activities for all ages.

Organised by the Exeter Canal and Quay Trust, events will be based at the Transit Shed and nearby locations. Families can expect hands-on art workshops, lively performances, and creative games that celebrate the beauty and history of the Quay.

Highlights include wool weaving with Lou Chapman, miniature boat making with Sophie Doodles, and postcard printing with Double Elephant. Uncle Tacko and friends also return for 'Free Quay Fridays', delivering classic seaside entertainment.

Other standout sessions include a live cartoon Doodle Jam, a collaborative woven artwork, circus skills with Higher Beings, and spray stencil art with Szabotage. Young scientists can enjoy making seaweed slime, while music lovers can join in with drumming and singing workshops.

All events are free and require no booking — just turn up and join the fun. It's a perfect way to keep the kids busy and creative during the summer holidays.

Stay tuned online for updates and surprises.

Summer at the Quayside – Full Itinerary

Tuesday 29 July, Transit Shed
10am–4pm: Wool Weaving with Lou Chapman – Make a woven bird using a frame.
11am–4pm: Miniature Boat Making with Sophie Doodles – Create boats inspired by the Quay using scrap materials.

Wednesday 30 July, Transit Shed
11am–4pm: Print Your Own Postcard with Double Elephant – Design and print a postcard inspired by Quayside landmarks.

Friday 1 August, Transit Shed
11am–4pm: Free Quay Fridays with Prom Prom – Enjoy storytelling, puppets, games, a flea circus and seaside fun.

Tuesday 5 August
Transit Shed, 11am–4pm: Animals & Insects with Helen McCormick Ceramics – Paint a creature from the River Exe.
Custom House, 11am–4pm: Doodle Jam with Scott Walker – Watch cartoon doodles come to life and join in.

Wednesday 6 August, Transit Shed
11am–4pm: Quayside Snapshots with Sara Hurley & Monica Shanta – Help build a community photo album of Exeter Quay.

Friday 8 August, Transit Shed
11am–4pm: Free Quay Fridays with Prom Prom – Another day of traditional fun with Uncle Tacko & friends.

Tuesday 12 August
Piazza, 11am–4pm: Drumming Workshop with Drum Devon – Take part in a drop-in rhythm session.
Piazza, 11am–4pm: Circus Workshop with Higher Beings – Try out circus skills with the experts.
Transit Shed, 11am–4pm: Woven in Time with Weird Sticks – Contribute to a large-scale woven art piece.

Wednesday 13 August, Transit Shed
11am–12.30pm and 1.30pm–3pm: Flying with Strings with Sarah Vigars – Watch a puppet show with live music, followed by a workshop.=

Friday 15 August, Piazza
11am–4pm: Free Quay Fridays with Prom Prom – More puppetry, games and good old-fashioned seaside charm.

Tuesday 19 August, Transit Shed
11am–4pm: Seaweed Slime with Devon Science – Make your own pot of slime.
11am–4pm: Naturemake Workshop with Mountain Ash – Build imaginative mini boats with natural materials.

Wednesday 20 August, Transit Shed
11am–4pm: Drop-in Music Making with Moor to Sea – Join in with song and instrument sessions.

Friday 22 August, Transit Shed
11am–4pm: Free Quay Fridays with Prom Prom – Join the fun again with performances and quirky activities.

Tuesday 26 August, Transit Shed
11am–4pm: Wet Felting Workshop with OrganicARTS – Make your own felted piece and contribute to a larger artwork.

Wednesday 27 August, Transit Shed
11am–4pm: Drop-in Stencil Spray Session with Szabotage – Create your own spray-painted stencil artwork.

Friday 29 August, Piazza
11am–4pm: Free Quay Fridays with Prom Prom – A final celebration of seaside fun to end the summer.