Visitors are always welcome to join in island life. Whilst some events might be organised very much with the tourist in mind, others – like the annual agricultural show – are firm fixtures in the local calendar, and allow visitors the chance to really live like a local, meet the community and enjoy some real island life.
May
Saturday May 9 – Boat trip to Staffa and Iona with Islay Sea Adventures. Islay Sea Adventures | Explore Islay & Jura (islayjura.com)
Friday May 22 to Sunday May 31 Fèis Ìle – The Islay Festival. With events at each distillery throughout the festival plus cultural events celebrating local heritage, music, dance and more please visit the website more information: The Official Website of Fèis Ìle – The Islay Festival
Check out the full list of distillery days, dances, competitions and cultural highlights for the whole festival here
June
June to September – Nature walks every Sunday organised by the Natural History Trust – for full details see the website www.islaynaturalhistory.org
Saturday June 27 – Boat trip to Staffa and Iona with Islay Sea Adventures. Islay Sea Adventures | Explore Islay & Jura (islayjura.com)
July
July to September – Nature walks every Sunday organised by the Natural History Trust – for full details see the website www.islaynaturalhistory.org
July and August – family ‘Mini Wildlife Adventure’ sessions on Thursdays at 2pm (details tbc. see website, or listings below) www.islaynaturalhistory.org
Sunday July 5 to Friday July 10: Cantilena Festival – A Week of World-class Music on Islay – Every July the beautiful Hebridean island of Islay is home to Cantilena’s professional musicians and students of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland who together bring their unique sound of chamber music to residents and visitors, with many of the concerts being held in the famous Islay Malt Whisky distilleries. Venues and music to be confirmed. Tickets go on sale in May 2026 – for details visit Cantilena Festival – A week of Classical Music www.cantilenafestival.co.uk
Saturday July 10 – Boat trip to Staffa and Iona with Islay Sea Adventures. Islay Sea Adventures | Explore Islay & Jura (islayjura.com)
August
Aug to September – Nature walks every Sunday organised by the Natural History Trust – for full details see the website www.islaynaturalhistory.org
July and August – family ‘Mini Wildlife Adventure’ sessions on Thursdays at 2pm (details tbc. see website, or listings below) www.islaynaturalhistory.org
August 1 – Islay Ardbeg half marathon. For more details Islay Half Marathon (www.islayhalfmarathon.co.uk)
Monday August 3 – tickets go on sale for September Jazz festival (see September 11 listing for more details)
Saturday August 7 – Boat trip to Staffa and Iona with Islay Sea Adventures. Islay Sea Adventures | Explore Islay & Jura (islayjura.com)
Thursday August 13 – Islay, Jura and Colonsay Agricultural Show – this annual event, now in its 178th year, showcases the best of the islands agricultural heritage and present with a host of craft and community events to delight visitors. It’s a not-to-be-missed event on the islands. See cattle, horses, sheep and dogs in the main judging ring. With handicrafts and hens, vegetables and home baking also coming under the judge’s keen eyes there is plenty to see, and plenty of silverware up for grabs. Around the main tents, showground and horse jumping ring you’ll find a host of entertainment from children’s rides and stalls, to food and drink, local groups and organisations, vintage vehicles and tractors and much more. It all takes place at the showground near Whin Park, Bridgend, Islay. Tickets can be bought on the day and there will be parking on the showground fields. For more information ISLAY ANNUAL AGRICULTURAL SHOW
Thursday August 27 to Sunday August 30 Islay Book Festival – authors, venues and further details tbc. For more information visit Islay Book Festival www.islaybookfestival.co.uk
September
Throughout September – Nature walks every Sunday organised by the Natural History Trust – for full details see the website www.islaynaturalhistory.org
Islay Jazz Festival – Friday September 11- Sunday September 13. Enjoy a range of jazz styles being performed in venues across the island For more information Islay Jazz Festival – Jazz Scotland – 📅22 June 2026 Festival Pass goes on sale.The Festival Pass will be valid for a full-suite of concerts at a discounted price, priority booking and more, and is the best way to lock in for an immersive festival experience. There will only be 40 limited festival passes available. Tickets go on sale to general public August 3
Saturday September 12 Islay Marathon – Experience the beauty of the Queen of the Hebrides while running in one of the most scenic marathons in the world! It takes place on Saturday 12th September 2026. Starting at 10:30 from Bruichladdich you will run through Bridgend, Bowmore, along the low road, into Port Ellen before heading out and back to Ardbeg along the Three Distilleries path, finishing in Port Ellen. Strictly over 18s. Either run the whole race or recruit friends, family or colleagues to do a relay (relay members can be 15+ check entry rules). Enter online at Entry Central – search: Islay Marathon Islay Marathon – EntryCentral www.entrycentral.com/festival
Friday September 25 to Sunday September 27 – Jura Music festival. Programme tbc but expect music, dance and performance at this 32nd Jura Music Festival. For more information Home | Jura Music Festival (www.juramusicfestival.com)
October
Saturday October 3 and Sunday October 4 Oktoberfest at Islay Ales, Glenegedale. Expect beers, music and food at this weekend event at the new Islay Ales brewery and Visitor Centre opposite the airport at Glenegedale, Islay. Islay Ales | Explore Islay & Jura