What's On Isle of Wight

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.

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. 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.

Events on the Isle of Wight this summer

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.

• PAWsome Activity Trail
  23 - 31 May | Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Sandown, Isle of Wight
• Isle of Wight Running Festival
  31 May - 7 June | Freshwater, Isle of Wight
• Behind the Scenes Tour
  4 and 18 June | Hovertravel, Ryde, Isle of Wight
• Joyride Festival
  12 - 14 June | Northwood House Grounds, Cowes, Isle of Wight
• Biosphere Nature Festival
  27 June - 5 July | Across the Island, Isle of Wight
• 1940's Experience Weekend
  4 - 5 July | Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Isle of Wight
• Round the Island Race
  11 July | Island Sailing Club, Cowes, Isle of Wight
• Ventnor Fringe Festival
  17 - 26 July | Venues around Ventnor, Ventnor, Isle of Wight
• Fossil Walk
  27 - 28 July | Dinosaur Isle, Sandown, Isle of Wight
• Isle of Wight Garlic Festival
  15 - 16 August | Isle of Wight Garlic Farm, Sandown, Isle of Wight

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.

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 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 in 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.

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 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.