What’s On Guide

Don’t miss any events during your visit

Our what’s on guide is updated throughout the year, bringing you events to suit all ages and interests across the Isle of Wight. Annual favourites include the Isle of Wight Festival and Cowes Week, the famous Round the Island Yacht Race, Walk the Wight and of course the Garlic Festival.

Every month brings countless opportunities to enjoy live music at venues across the Island, from pubs like The Spyglass Inn to The Wight Proms and Jack Up Events. During the summer months, don’t miss our historic town carnivals and local favourites, such as The Chale Show and the Royal Isle of Wight County Show.

Many of our leading attractions also host special events to keep you entertained, including the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Blackgang Chine, Robin Hill and The Needles Landmark Attraction.

Our Isle of Wight events guide is always packed with diverse and entertaining activities, so you don’t need to miss a thing.

What's on all year round

Bear Photography Workshops

Wildheart Animal Sanctuary

,
Sandown
|
4 April - 19 September 2026
Join the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary’s new Bear Photography Workshops – a half-day experience perfect for beginners, keen amateurs, or anyone with a passion for nature. Using either a DSLR or just your mobile phone, you’ll enjoy exclusive, safely sectioned access to photograph the resident bears from unique vantage points. With expert tuition from professional wildlife photographer KJ Dudley, you’ll learn simple techniques to capture expressive, dynamic images while building confidence behind the camera. Dates Available:
Bear Photography Workshops at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Sandown
Isle of Wight Festival
Newport
|
18 - 21 June 2026
The Isle of Wight Festival is always the first major music festival in the summer calendar and with Lewis Capaldi, Calvin Harris and The Cure already confirmed for 2026, it’s a fantastic experience for music lovers of all ages. Including family-friendly areas and a huge range of accommodation options and VIP packages. Four days of great music, arts and culture that mark the start of the UK’s festival season.
Isle of Wight Festival
FOCAS Festival

Wildheart Animal Sanctuary

,
Sandown
|
27 - 28 June 2026
The Focus on Conservation and Science (FOCAS) Festival is back for its fourth year! Part of the Isle of Wight Biosphere Festival, FOCAS Festival aims to help make conservation and science more accessible to all children. Tickets are just £3.50 and include access to a host of fantastic exhibitor stalls and displays, animal carer talks, and FULL admission to the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary.
Isle of Wight Biosphere Festival
Islandwide
|
27 June - 5 July 2026
Celebrate nature and community at the Isle of Wight Biosphere Festival, a fun, family-friendly celebration of the Island’s unique landscapes, wildlife and culture. Enjoy hands-on activities, guided walks, creative workshops and inspiring talks. Perfect for all ages, the festival invites families to explore, learn and connect while discovering how to care for the environment together in meaningful ways.
Notes at Noon - James Longford
Ryde
|
27 June 2026
Curated by James Longford, Notes at Noon is a new monthly concert series at Garfield Road Methodist Church in Ryde, featuring professional musicians. In the second of the Notes at Noon series, join James Longford for a solo piano recital.
Meet The Wolfguard Vikings

The Garlic Farm

,
Newchurch
|
28 June 2026
Meet the Wolfguard Vikings! See how the Vikings lived and worked to survive, from the everyday necessities to fighting for survival on the battlefield. Experience a Viking encampment, learn how they cooked, crafted, played games, looked after weapons and prepared for battle. The Wolfguard Vikings will be at The Garlic Farm from 10:00-17:00, with a battle at 15:00.
Ibiza Orchestra Experience

Robin Hill

,
Newport
|
3 July 2026
Don’t miss your opportunity to see this incredible 26-piece orchestra performing some of the greatest hits from the famous white isle, for the very last time! Expect an unforgettable night featuring a huge line-up of special guests to be announced, a silent disco, glitter artists, lasers, pyrotechnics, and fire breathers, as well as a 90s dance tent.
Sausage and Cider Festival

Robin Hill

,
Newport
|
4 July 2026
The Sausage and Cider Festival returns to the Isle of Wight at Robin Hill. With over 30 sausage flavours and 20+ ciders to try, as well as incredible live music from tribute bands including Kasabian, Foo Fighters and UB40, eating competitions, axe throwing, a circus workshop and a kids’ stage, there’s plenty of festival fun to keep the whole family happy! Book your tickets online at sausageandciderfest.co.uk/iow