9th - 17th May 2026
The Isle of Wight is set for another eventful year with a calendar crammed to bursting with festivals, sailing events, music events and family-friendly activities. Being surrounded by water means there's looks of nautical events to enjoy, and with its strong sustainability and food scene, alongside its array of homegrown producers, food festivals, artisan markets, and dining experiences feature heavily in the islands 2026 events calendar. Heading over to the island with the family? Look out for fantastic added-value events and experiences being offered at many of the tourist attractions on the island alongside lots of community events to celebrate the island spirit.
Make a visit to Carisbrook Castle and walk the walls with the breathtaking views, or visit one of the most famous houses on the Island, Osborne, it's a great choice whenever you visit. Why not take a stroll down to Queen Victoria's private beach, explore the royal childrens playhouse and marvel at the stunning Durbar Room. A visit combines history, the coast and the countryside in one and is a great value day out for all the family.
To find out what's on in Isle of Wight today or this weekend, explore our featured list or use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. On a budget? Look out for the free events (F) happening over 2026, alongside the plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break.
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
The guide below shows our calendar of events on the Isle of Wight. Whether you are local or visiting the area, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button.
Number of results: 33
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Free Event
Newtown
Birdwatching at Newtown National Nature Reserve Join the National Trust and step into the calm beauty of Newtown with a guided walk through its saltmarshes, meadows, and winding creeks.
Discover birds on guided walk This peaceful corner of…
Childrens Events
Cowes
As the name suggests, Feb Fest is all about bringing those energetic festival vibes to your half-term holiday. Expect a packed itinerary of exciting free activities, meet-and-greets with the kids’ favourite characters, live music, and more. Sounds…
Competition / Game
Ryde
Isle of Wight Chess Masters 2026 Chess takes centre stage on the Isle of Wight between the 16 - 22 February 2026 when the Wightlink Isle of Wight Chess Tournament takes place in Ryde.
Elite chess players With over 30 chess masters taking…
Childrens Events
Brading Road, Ryde
Children's activity during school holidays at Wight Karting For age 8-15 years junior drivers get the chance to be Adrenaline Junkies without parents!
Training to race from Level 1- 5 and by the end of the programme being ready for our larger,…
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…
Family
Newport
Family-friendly festival on the Isle of Wight The IW Story Festival is a special place for children and families to have fun together; where we can all CREATE, INSPIRE and IMAGINE.
Stories are all around us; not just in books and poems and…
Heritage & History
Ventnor
Dickens House Party Weekend on the Isle of Wight Celebrate Charles Dickens at The Royal Hotel's Dickens House Party Weekend taking place from 27 February 2026 to 1 March 2026.
The weekend will celebrate Charles Dickens' works and strong ties…
Walking
Islandwide
Walk this way! The Isle of Wight Walking Festival, sponsored by Outdooractive, will return in Spring and Autumn 2026.
Arts
Islandwide
Open studios on the Isle of Wight Isle of Wight Open Studios continues to grow as a cornerstone of the Isle of Wight’s cultural calendar. From 15 - 25 May 2026, this vibrant 11 day celebration of art will once again open doors across the island,…
Festival
Cowes
Cowes Fringe is a vibrant celebration of music, theatre, and comedy that lights up the town of Cowes on the Isle of Wight annually in May. The festival fills local venues with an electrifying mix of performances, showcasing both local and national…
Festival
Porchfield
Three Rivers Festival returns to Durrants Farm, Porchfield, from 29–31 May 2026, with its first wave of artists now confirmed. This year's early announcement features Dub Pistols, Jaguar Skills, The Undercover Hippy, Born ina Barn, Fellowship of…
Sporting Events
Freshwater
Explore our island through running Dramatic cliffs, beautiful coves, a stately home, a world famous pop festival site… the Isle of Wight Festival of Running boasts an unparalleled location!
Full programme of running events The Isle of Wight…
Festival
Newport
The award winning Isle of Wight Festival is steeped in history and famed for mixing iconic legendary artists with the hottest up and coming acts.
Concert
Newport
The Ibiza Orchestra Experience: The Final Encore This incredible 26 piece orchestra will be performing some of the greatest hits from the famous white isle, for the very last time!
Expect an unforgettable night featuring:
26 piece…
Festivals
Newport
Sausage and Cider Festival at Robin Hill on the Isle of Wight Sausage and Cider Festival returns to the Isle of Wight on Saturday 4 July 2026.
HEADLINER TO BE ANNOUNCED!
Huge line up Kasabian tribute. UB40 tribute. Foo Fighters…
Sporting Event
Cowes
Isle of Wight sailing race The annual Round the Island Race, organised by the Island Sailing Club, is a one-day yacht race around the Isle of Wight. The race regularly attracts over 1,000 boats and thousands of sailors, making it one of the largest…
Show / Display
Northwood
Historic county show on the Isle of Wight Get ready for a field full of fun at The Royal Isle of Wight County Show. It’s 37 acres of entertainment – from adorable animals to exciting events and hands-on activities.
Since 1833 the show has…
Festival
Ventnor
Ventnor Fringe is a unique celebration of the arts, showcasing emerging and established talent across every creative discipline.
Carnival
Sandown
Children's Carnival in Sandown on the Isle of Wight Enjoy a fun-filled family day with Sandown Children's Carnival!
Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.
Family entertainment There will be a…
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.
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