The Isle of Wight is home to a vibrant community, with numerous events, both large and small, held throughout the year. This is only a very brief list.
This is a curated list of events held annually on the Isle of Wight There are also many others. Please also check www.onthewight.co.uk for up to date listings and events and also www.isleofwightguru.co.uk where you will find comprehensive information on just about anything Island related.
May
Isle of Wight Walking Festival – guided walks across the Island
Isle of Wight Randonnee – a popular cycling event
Wolverton Folk and Blues Festival – a one day festival in the grounds of Wolverton Manor
Riverfest Isle of Wight – held at the Quay in Newport, a fun and free family event.
The Cowes Fringe – music, comedy and the performing arts
Yarmouth Sea Songs and Shanties festival – held on the town green, this event raises money for the lifeboat.
Isle of Wight Open Studios – local artisans open their studios to the public. Multiple locations.
May/June
Chillerton and Gatcomb Scarecrow Festival – view over 100 scarecrows hand made by local people
June
Round the Island Yacht Race – A world-renowned yachting event. Catch this event from the cliff top here at Brambles Chine or go into Cowes for the many social and musical events.
The Isle of Wight Festival – An iconic music festival held in Newport. There are shuttle buses direct to the site from Freshwater.
The Royal Isle of Wight County Show – A celebration of farming and rural life held at the County Showground in Northwood, near Cowes.
The Isle of Wight Sheepdog Trials – free to enter, this event raises thousands of pounds for the local hospice by donations.
July
The Isle of Wight Mardi Gras – A vibrant street parade held in Ryde
British Classic Week – a yachting regatta
The National Trust Sandcastle Building Competition – This event takes place on a variety of dates and beaches throughout July.
The Ventnor Fringe – a performing arts festival held at several locations within the town.
The 1940s Experience – an immersive event held at the Steam Railway in Havenstreet, near Ryde.
South Island Sevens – a unique Island rugby event
Wight Wave Beach Fest – showcasing all the usual beach-based sports eg, volleyball, football,tennis along with stalls and music to give a festival vibe.
August
The Wight Proms – this is a real gem on an event which you can go to over several nights or just pick one. It features different genres of music so there’s something for everyone. Held at Northwood House, in Cowes.
Carisbrook Castle – weekend events including jousting.
The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival – this has become a major event on the Island over the years. As well as the opportunity to sample all things garlic, there is a dog show, vintage tractors, stalls and a funfair.
Regattas – look out for regattas over the month of August as many seaside towns hold these including Sandown, Ventnor, Seaview and Shanklin.
Isle of Wight Scooter Rally – held every year, usually on the bank holiday, this features both vintage and modern scooters and is one of the biggest rallies worldwide.
The Isle of Wight Steam Show – based in Havenstreet, this attracts thousands of enthusiasts.
September
The Isle of Wight Jazz Weekend – friendly festival with a mix of free and paid for events.
The Sandown Sprint – car race on the seafront at Sandown
The Isle of Wight Classic Car Show – enjoy over 500 vintage cars based in Newport and Ryde.
October
The Isle of Wight Marathon – usually between Newport and the West Wight.
Isle of Wight Walking Festival – guided walks across the Island
The Isle of Wight Literary Festival – showcasing literature, with speakers and events.
November
The Tapnell Farm Pumpkin Festival – pick and carve your own pumpkin and take part in other fun activities.
December
Christmas Tree Festival at Brighstone and Mottistone – grab a piece of festive cheer and admire some beautifully decorated trees.
The Isle of Wight Railway Santa Special – festive fun riding the steam train. Great for kids and adults alike.
Light up the Wight – Christmas decorations tour – operated each year by the local bus company. The bus itself comes decorated with its own Christmas soundtrack and takes revellers to look at the best of the best decorated homes on the Wight. This raises money for charity too, so take some loose change!
Ventnor Boxing Day Swim – a long standing traditional sea dip on Boxing Day. There are others but Ventnor is the biggest (and some would say, best).
Isle of Wight Carnivals
Most of the carnivals are held in August (see below). Actual dates and times can be found on the Newport Carnival Facebook Page
- Sandown Carnival – usually held in July
- Shanklin Carnival
- St Helens Carnival
- Ventnor Carnival
- Yarmouth Carnival
- East Cowes Carnival
- Cowes Carnival
- Newport Carnival
- Ryde Carnival
Islanders do love a good carnival and each town makes sure there are lots of events to suit all ages during their carnival week.