Isle of Wight festivals

You can not accuse the Isle of Wight of being a sleepy backwater - not when you see the lineup of festivals taking place across the Island every year. From iconic music festivals to food and drink festivals; from arts and crafts to carnivals, parades and much more, it’s really little wonder we are known as ‘Festival Island’.

Read on to find your perfect Island event…

Music festivals

The Isle of Wight has been firmly on the music festival map since the 1960s when the very first Isle of Wight Festival took place. Since then, the Island has gained a reputation for showcasing a diverse range of music, catering for all genres and tastes. 

The Isle of Wight Festival remains top of the bill. Steeped in history and famed for mixing iconic legendary artists with the hottest stars of the future, year on year this award-winning festival attracts over 55,000 festival-goers to enjoy one of the most distinctive events of the season. With a fun and friendly atmosphere across the Island, as soon as you set sail on The Solent, it feels like the holiday has already begun.

And that’s not all, there are plenty of other boutique music events happening around the Island every year. Enjoy folk and blues music at the family friendly Wolverton Folk & Blues Fair within the stunning grounds of Wolverton Manor in Shorwell.

Jack-up Events present a range of music concerts and mini-festivals including the firm favourite Ticket to Ryde which is so popular that it takes place twice a year - the May and August Bank Holidays.

The Wight Proms in August presents music from around the world with Country, Opera and Show tunes all set to a beautiful backdrop of a manicured lawn and the imposing Northwood House. The Wight Proms Wednesdays start in February and with two concerts taking place on one Wednesday each month, there is sure to be something.

Walking festivals

With miles of footpaths and a stunning coastal path to enjoy, it’s natural that the Isle of Wight should host fun events that take in the beautiful landscape. 

The Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge attracts up to 2,000 adventurers to take it on – all out to push themselves further. It’s along the spectacular southern cliffs, past the iconic Needles, and up to historic Cowes at the halfway stop. Choose from full challenges, halves or shorter distances. 

The Isle of Wight Walking Festival takes place in both Spring and Autumn and offers a fantastic range of walks for all abilities, from the eager adventurers to the casual stroller and everyone in between. This friendly festival hosts a variety of walks led by knowledgeable volunteer walk leaders. You’ll easily find a walk that suits you - whether you’re looking for a shorter stroll or a day-long hike across the Island, this event makes the most of the beautiful scenery. 

Walk the Wight sees thousands of walkers take on short walking challenges, or take on the full 26 miles from the east coast to the west of the Island, raising money for the Isle of Wight hospice.

Food & drink festivals

The Island is famed for its local produce so it's no surprise that our local fayre is celebrated with some exciting food and drink festivals each year.

Perhaps the most famous, The Garlic Festival set in the heart of the fertile Arreton Valley, is a mix of country fair, family fun and, of course, anything and everything garlic! Lovers of the pungent bulb unite to celebrate this world-famous ingredient. You’ll find all things garlic here: ice cream, popcorn, fudge, biscuits, sweetcorn, mushrooms and more. 

The Isle of Wight Steam Railway might not be the first pitstop you think of when it comes to food events, but one look at their bursting calendar proves they love their food and drink almost as much as they love their steam engines! Enjoy the popular Cider & Cheese Festival with a whopping 30-plus ciders and even more cheeses to try. Or the famous Real Ale Festival with a huge array of ales including those from our local Island breweries alongside others from up and down the country. 

Arts and crafts festivals

There is an eclectic and varied arts scene on the Island, with many events celebrating the diverse local artisans.

Ventnor Fringe is the Island's largest arts festival, with a packed programme spanning 10 days of music, comedy, cabaret, circus and visual arts. Pick and choose whichever shows interest you, sample the bars, street food and markets or explore the vast Free Fringe with buskers and pop-up shows across the Island's hilltop southernmost town. 

The Royal Isle of Wight County Show celebrates the rural heritage of the Island. Experience a slice of country life and take the opportunity to learn more about the Island’s farming, food and countryside. From Queen Victoria exhibiting and becoming one of the show’s first patrons in 1882, the event has a pedigree for showcasing the best of the Island’s growers, producers, makers and artists.

Cowes Fringe guarantees a memorable weekend extravaganza of entertainment for all ages with the opportunity to enjoy a diverse range of music and unique performances. Hosted in various venues throughout the town, there is something to suit all ages and tastes.

The Chale Show has grown from a small-scale village show to now attracting thousands of visitors and guests. Enjoy a wide selection of fascinating displays and presentations, crafts stalls, rides and a great community atmosphere.

Sporting festivals

If keeping active is your thing, there are plenty of sporting events taking place each year that are great fun, whether you are taking part or are an avid spectator.

The Isle of Wight Festival of Running is based in the beautiful West Wight and has a plethora of running events to join in with. From short Parkrun style to longer and more challenging Needles Half Marathon, you are sure to get your heart pumping!

The annual Round the Island Race, which started back in 1930, is a one-day yacht race around the Isle of Wight. The race regularly attracts over 1,400 boats and around 15,000 sailors, making it one of the largest yacht races in the world. It is also the fourth largest participation sporting event in the UK after the London Marathon and the Great North and South Runs. 

First taking place in 1826, Cowes Week is the longest-running and perhaps the most famous sailing regatta in the world with around 800 boats and 8500 competitors entering each year. Spectators will find plenty going on day and night including live music, street entertainers and, of course, a bit of sailing action too.

Carnivals & parades

There have got to be more carnivals per square metre here on the Isle of Wight than anywhere else in the UK! The combination of joyous music, family fun, entertaining costumes and a sense of community means the streets are packed with carnival watchers during the season.

Locals have been on the carnival scene since 1888 - in fact, Ryde Carnival is actually the oldest carnival in the UK. The first true event was held in 1888 however the real origins extend a year further back, to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1887.

There are main carnivals in almost every town across the Island as well as plenty in our smaller villages too. There are many parades to choose from, with the towns offering a main, children's and illuminated procession with some even ending with a dramatic firework display!