3 - 11 October 26
Find what’s on in the Isle of Wight, from seaside events in Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor to festivals, outdoor adventures and family-friendly days out across the island. Discover everything from music and food festivals to unique experiences by the sea, with plenty of ideas for days out, short breaks and holidays. See what’s happening today, this weekend and throughout the summer below.
Visit the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, where you can see rescued animals including bears, tigers and lynx, each with their own incredible story. It’s a memorable experience for families looking to combine a day out with wildlife conservation. Returning this June, the FOCAS Festival (27 - 28 June) takes visitors on a journey through science and conversation with hands-on activities and immersive experiences for all ages. Meanwhile, the newly renovated Dinosaur Isle invites you to travel back in time, explore towering dinosaurs, go on an island fossil hunt and discover why the Isle of Wight is one of the richest fossil sites in Europe. The colourful annual Sandown Children's Carnival (25 July) is one not to miss, setting off from Sandown Pier to Sandham Gardens, where you will find a program of free family entertainment and activities to enjoy, whilst the Yarmouth Carnival Week (15 - 22 August) includes classic cars, treasure hunts, crabbing and parade.
Whether you're planning a nature‑filled escape, a weekend of culture or a family break by the sea, the Isle of Wight offers countless ways to get out, explore and create memories all year round. Let 2026 be the year you discover something new on this truly unique island.
Scroll down to discover upcoming events across the Isle of Wight, or use the search filters to find something near you. Explore our featured events happening across the island this summer from fireworks to music festivals, outdoor theatres and family-friendly days out.
From coastal festivals and sailing events to countryside experiences and family attractions, the Isle of Wight offers a varied calendar of events throughout the summer. With events taking place across coastal towns, countryside locations and historic sites, the Isle of Wight is an ideal destination for a day out, short break or longer holiday.
If you're planning a trip to enjoy one of the many events on Isle of Wight, you'll find answers to some common questions below?
If you are travelling from outside the area for an event in the Isle of Wight, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs. Search & Book Isle of Wight Accommodation to plan your visit.
It takes ten minutes to reach the Isle of Wight from Portsmouth with Hovertravel as a foot passenger, or if you wish to take your car, it is around 40-minutes from Lymington, near Southampton to Yarmouth with Wightlink Ferries. If travelling from London, hop on the South Western trains from London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, and then connect with the Wightlink FastCat inside the train station, for the 22 minute journey to the Isle of Wight.
You can find daily updated listings using the location and date filter in the search box above, or scroll down to explore the full Isle of Wight events guide - providing great ideas and inspiration for your weekend plans.
Discover events for local residents, day visitors and holiday makers below with the calendar of events or switch to our 'Map View' to find out what's happening nearby. A visit to the Isle of Wight means you're never far from an event along its stunning coastline or in its beautiful countryside.
The Isle of Wight is ideally location in South East England, making it easy to visit for a short break from London or a day trip from the surrounding counties of Hampshire, Sussex and Dorset.
Number of results: 30
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Tour
Ryde
For a unique experience only offered on the South Coast, try a Hovercraft Experience Flights on your next visit to Portsmouth or the Isle of Wight
Workshop
Sandown
Step into the world of wildlife photography right here at the Sanctuary with our new Bear Photography Workshops — enjoy a half-day experience designed especially for beginners and keen amateurs.
Festival
Ventnor
Ventnor Fringe is a unique celebration of the arts, showcasing emerging and established talent across every creative discipline.
Tour
Ryde
Discover more about the iconic hovercraft which takes passengers on their daily commute or for a day visit to the Isle of Wight from Portsmouth. The behind the scenes tour is offers the chance to get up close and personal and learn more about our…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sandown
Head out with the team from Dinosaur Isle Museum for a fossil hunting walk. These really popular walks will take you to fantastic locations to find fossils and learn about the geology of the Isle of Wight and about palaeontology. Walks take place in…
Summer
SANDOWN
The popular Sunrise Breakfasts are returning to Wildheart Animal Sanctuary on the Isle of Wight this summer. Doors open from 8.30am so you can have a delicious breakfast while enjoying a rare early morning encounter with our rescued animals.
Carnival
Newport
Newport Main Carnival on the Isle of Wight Carnival fever comes to the island's capital town, various locations around Newport.
Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.
Sporting Event
Cowes
Since 1826 Cowes Week has played a key part in the British sporting summer calendar and is one of the UK's longest running and most successful sporting events.
Family
Sandown
This summer enjoy a relaxing Sunset Safaris at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary in Sandown on the Isle of Wight. Every Wednesday evening between the 5th August - 26th August, this is a rare opportunity to see the animals in a completely different…
Carnival
Sandown
Sandown Bay Regatta on the Isle of Wight Annual summer celebration of Sandown Bay with FREE family entertainment from the stage, beach fun at the Beach Sports Arena and a street market lining Sandown Esplanade.
Family entertainment For the…
Carnival
Ventnor
Children's Carnival in Ventnor on the Isle of Wight Fun for all the family at Ventnor Children's Carnival!
Carnival route information For the route details please visit the carnival website.
Carnival
Yarmouth
Yarmouth Carnival Week on the Isle of Wight Events every day of the week at Yarmouth Carnival from Saturday 15 August to Saturday 22 August 2026 - come and join in the fun!
Family fun activities all week There are a variety of family fun…
Carnival
Ventnor
Ventnor Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight Join in with the carnival fun of Ventnor's Illuminated procession!
Carnival route information For the route details please visit the carnival website.
Festivals
Sandown
A heady mix of country fair, pop festival and a vampire’s worst nightmare, this festival offers everything for the family!
Music
Newport
Strings Bar & Venue present Scouting for Girls, The Lilacs, The Covasettes, Goodbye Stereo & Ruby in the intimate setting of Robin Hill Woodlands.
Carnival
Newport
Newport Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight Join in the carnival fun with Newport's Illuminated procession!
Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.
Carnival
Sandown
Sandown Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight Join in the fun and spectacle of Sandown's Illuminated Carnival!
Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.
Carnival
Ryde
Ryde Children's Carnival Day on the Isle of Wight Join Ryde Carnival for some free family fun as we celebrate Children's Carnival Day. Lots of activities and entertainment will take place in different locations around Ryde town centre.
Family…
Performing Arts
Newport
Welcome to the Rock!
Shoreline Productions is thrilled to bring the Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical Come From Away to the Isle of Wight for the very first time, from 3rd–6th September at the spectacular Robin Hill Amphitheatre.
Carnival
Ryde
Ryde Main Carnival on the Isle of Wight Joyous and inspirational, Ryde Carnival brings a dazzling end to Summer on the Isle of Wight. All are welcome to enjoy the entertaining parades that light up the coastal town with fun, colour and carnival…
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