Cowes
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: 34
, 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.
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…
Free Event
Cowes
Picnic in the Park is back The Cowes community is getting back together again for the enormously popular "Picnic in the Park", So call your friends, plan you picnic and come on down for a fantastic free afternoon of family fun and entertainment…
Festival
Cowes
New festival experience on the Isle of Wight The Isle of Wight is set to welcome one of the UK’s most exciting lifestyle festivals as Joyride Festival arrives from 12 June to 14 June 2026. The festival blends cycling, wellness, music and dining…
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.
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…
Nature
The Isle of Wight Biosphere Festival will return for its second year to the island between 27th June - 5th July 2026
Childrens Events
Sandown
FOCAS FEST is back again in 2026 at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary in Sandown, Isle of Wight!
The aim of FOCAS FEST (Focus on Conservation and Science Festival) is to help make science and conservation more accessible to all children, bringing both…
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…
Heritage & History
HAVENSTREET
Enjoy a memorable day of nostalgia for the whole family and be immersed in the sights and sounds of England during the 1940s at this years Isle of Wight Steam Railway 1940's weekend.
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.
Sporting Event
Sandown
2026 is the 50th anniversary of the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary on the Ilse of Wight and you can help celebrate bu signing up to the new 5K fancy dress fun run on Sunday 5th July.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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