Feis Ile – the Islay Festival of Malt and Music – was founded by the local people of Islay in 1986 to celebrate the heritage and culture of Isle of Islay and to provide a pan cultural and activity based series of events. The Feis starts the last weekend of May each year and lasts for one week.

Using the entire island as a backdrop you can hear world-class musicians playing a concert in a distillery filling shed, after a bird-watching walk, in the front room of Islay House or whilst sampling the home baking at Portnahaven. The islay jazz festival takes place in September during one week.

The Cantilena Festival on Islay follows the Ethos of the original group, to develop new and specific sounds and styles of playing both corporate and individual in an atmosphere and environment away from the pressures of a professional musician's life.

The Islay Book Festival, formerly known as Port Ellen Book Festival, is held annually in the first weekend of September in the Port Ellen Primary School. There is something to do for everyone, with a programme for adults and children. The events also receives (famous) authors.

Walk Islay is an annual event that takes place in the month of april. Walks take place during 7 days on Islay and Jura and bring the visitors to some beautiful Islay scenery and wildlife. A unique opportunity to discover Islay and its wildlife.

The Ride of the Falling Rain 2009, a 100 mile (162km) ride along the roads of the Isle of Islay, Scotland, will take place on Sunday 2nd August, leaving from Debbie's Cafe in Bruichladdich at 10am (ish) and finishing at the same point several hours later.

The Islay Half Marathon started in 1986 and involves a 13 mile 192yd run from the village of Bowmore on Islay out to Islay Airport and back in a circular route. The half marathon is held early August and the day will finish off with a licensed dance held in Bowmore Hall.

Islay is rapidly gaining prominence for its beach rugby. Islay Beach Rugby is now established as one of Scottish rugby's most successful events and is the only beach rugby tournament in the UK. On the second Saturday of June, 18 teams compete for honour on Islay's White Hart Beach in this hard fought but great fun contest.

Tope's are regular visitors in Islay's waters and also in Loch Indaal. That's the reason Stormcats, boat builders at Lagavulin, are organizing the Islay Tope Fishing Festival annually since 2006.