What's on - events

There’s plenty to do on Islay, year-round. Check out our ongoing activities as well as these events. And be sure to revisit: we add new details when they’re available.

September 2025

Sunday, 14 September

Islay Marathon: 7.30am start; run the whole race or recruit friends, family or colleagues to do a relay. Enter online at Entry Central or search Islay Marathon.

Sunday, 14 September

Explore and help with the practical management of Shorefield Ponds: help us clear encroaching pond vegetation to make it better for the ducks and wildlife, and improve access for our pond-dipping activities for children. Meet 2pm Bruichladdich Pier for onward direction. Bring wellies or waders if you have them; rakes would be useful. All welcome: please dress for the weather. Organised by Islay Natural History Trust. Suggested donation for walks: £5 for adults, £12 for a family and £2 for INHT members.

Friday, 19 September-Monday, 22 September

Islay Jazz Festival: enjoy a range of jazz styles performed at venues across the island. For more information visit the Islay Jazz Festival website. Full programme of concerts and events will be announced from 4 August and bookings open to the general public from 10 August. Sponsored by Caol Ila.

Sunday, 21 September

Waders, wildfowl and eagles (maybe), Black Rock: expert guide Gary Turnbull will help you discover the birdlife on the mud and saltmarsh of Bridgend Flats - autumn migrants and early winter visitors. Meet 2pm at track Carnain/Coss Houses Corner. W3W (What Three Words): shuttle.faded.vintages. NR319627. All welcome: please dress for the weather. Organised by Islay Natural History Trust. Suggested donation for walks: £5 for adults, £12 for a family and £2 for INHT members.

Friday, 26 September

Jura Music Festival weekend: expect three days of music, dance and performance at the 2025 Jura Music Festival. Check out the website for more details and line-up: www.juramusicfestival.com.

Sunday, 28 September

Autumn woodland wander, Bridgend: gentle stroll through the woods to view the autumn changes, fruits, seeds and fungi. Meet 2pm at Bridgend woodland car park. All welcome: please dress for the weather. Organised by Islay Natural History Trust. Suggested donation for walks: £5 for adults, £12 for a family and £2 for INHT members.

October 2025

Friday, 3 October-Sunday, 5 October

Machrie Team Championship at Another Place, The Machrie, Islay: end the season in style and come together with your chosen team of four players on our championship links for a challenging and camaraderie-boosting, group golf competition with three rounds over three days. Enter online here.

Friday, 10 October

Photography and wildlife break: get to know Islay’s wildlife and landscape – as well as your camera – as your explore the mediums of landscape and wildlife photography, refining your composition, lighting and other technical skills. Led by Islay photographer Ben Shakespeare and wildlife expert and RSPB warden David Dinsley. More information here.