Tavistock is a market town within West Devon, on the River Tavy. Tavistocks' most famous son is Sir Francis Drake.

The Market continues to operate from the large covered market building, the Pannier Market; the main market is on Fridays, with other days playing host to various more specialised events, such as craft fairs and antiques fairs. There is a Farmers' Market which takes place on the Square fortnightly.

The biggest event in the town's calendar is the annual Tavistock Goose Fair (known locally as "Goosey Fair"), which has existed since 1116. Originally scheduled to take place on the feast-day of St. Rumon, it now occurs on the second Wednesday of October, and takes over much of the town for several days either side, drawing crowds which far outnumber the resident population. Traditionally, the Fair was an opportunity for locals to purchase their Christmas goose, allowing plenty of time to fatten the bird before Christmas came; nowadays, along with a multitude of street vendors selling a vast range of wares, there are all the rides and games associated with funfairs.

There is an annual 2-day Food Festival in July and a Carnival with a 2-day Balloon Fiesta each August bank holiday weekend.