What's On Isle of Wight

Find what’s on in the Isle of Wight, from events by the sea 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 rest of the year below.

Family-friendly events and days out on the Isle of Wight

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. This September sees the wildlife sanctuary celebrate its 50th anniversary with an epic animal drone show (19 September). Meanwhile, the newly renovated Dinosaur Isle invites you to travel back in time, and discover why the Isle of Wight is one of the richest fossil sites in Europe. In October visitors can explore the Isle of Wight countryside and coastline with the autumn walking festival (3 - 11 October) - with over half of the island designated as a National Landscape (formerly known as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) exploring on foot is a great way to make sure you don't miss anything. Book an autumn break to the Isle of Wight this October and enjoy a whole month of spooktacular entertainment at Whitecliff Bay near Bembridge (2 October - 1 November) with thrills, family-friendly chills and direct access to the beach.

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.

Events on the Isle of Wight 

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 from carnivals to anniversary celebrations, guided tours, heritage attractions and family-friendly days out.

• Behind the Scenes Tour
  2, 16, 20 September | Hovertravel, Ryde, Isle of Wight
• Free Ryde Carnival Illuminated Procession
  5 September | Ryde Esplanade, Ryde, Isle of Wight
• 50th Anniversary Celebrations and Drone Show
  19 September | Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Sandown, Isle of Wight
• Windsor Day Trip with Hovertravel
  24 September | Hovertravel, Ryde, Isle of Wight
• Free Guided Tour of Quarr Abbey Church
  30 September | Quarr Abbey, Ryde, Isle of Wight
• Isle of Wight Walking Festival
  3 - 11 October | Across the Isle of Wight
• Free Vintage Bus Travel
  10 - 11 October | Bus and Coach Museum, Ryde, Isle of Wight
• Beer & Steam Festival
  10 - 11 October | Isle of Wight Railway, Havenstreet, Isle of Wight
• 31 Days of Halloween
  2 October - 1 November | Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park, Bembridge, Isle of Wight

 From coastal festivals and literary events to walking experiences and family attractions, Isle of Wight events offer something for every age and interest throughout the year. 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.

Plan your visit to the Isle of Wight

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Events on Isle of Wight

Can I plan a short break around an event?

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.

How long does it take to reach the Isle of Wight?

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 Railway 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.

What's on the Isle of Wight today or this weekend?

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.

Are there family-friendly events on the Isle of Wight?

Yes. The Isle of Wight hosts a wide range of family-friendly events throughout the year, including wildlife experiences, walking festivals, steam railway events, outdoor activities and seasonal celebrations. Many hotels and holiday parks on the island also offer special entertainment and additional child friendly activities in the school holidays.

Isle of Wight events near me

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 located 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.