What's on
There’s plenty to do on Islay, year-round. We add new details when they’re available, so be sure to revisit. Here’s what's happening month by month; go here for ongoing activities.
June 2026
Nature walks every Sunday
Organised by the Natural History Trust. For full details see their website.
Monday, 22 June
Islay Jazz Festival Pass goes on sale. The 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. Only 40 limited festival passes will be available. Tickets go on sale to general public on August 3. See listings in August and September.
Saturday, 27 June
Islay Sea Adventures. Boat trip to Staffa and Iona. Discover more here.
July 2026
Nature walks every Sunday
Organised by the Natural History Trust. For full details see their website.
Every Thursday
Family ‘Mini Wildlife Adventure’ sessions. Thursdays at 2pm. Details TBC: please see their website.
Sunday, 5 July-Friday, 10 July
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. Many of the concerts are held in the famous Islay malt whisky distilleries. Venues and music to be confirmed. Tickets go on sale in May 2026. For details visit the Cantilena Festival website.
Saturday, 10 July
Islay Sea Adventures. Boat trip to Staffa and Iona. Details here.
Saturday, 18 July
If you’re feeling fit, why not try the Isle of Jura 10k? It starts at 11.30am at Jura Village Hall, Craighouse (registration 10.30am).
You’ll run through some of Jura’s most stunning landscapes and help the Islay Running Club with funds at the same time.
It’s £10 per entry, and you’ll be rewarded with tea, coffee and cake. We look forward to welcoming you on Jura.
August 2026
Nature walks every Sunday
Organised by the Natural History Trust. For full details see their website.
Every Thursday
Family ‘Mini Wildlife Adventure’ sessions. Thursdays at 2pm. Details TBC: please see their website.
Saturday, 1 August
Islay Ardbeg half marathon. For more details see the Islay Half Marathon website.
Monday, 3 August
Islay Jazz Festival. Tickets go on sale (see 11 September listing for more details).
Saturday, 7 August
Islay Sea Adventures. Boat trip to Staffa and Iona. Visit here.
Thursday, 13 August
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. See cattle, horses, sheep and dogs in the main judging ring. With handicrafts and hens, vegetables and home baking also coming under the judges’ 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.
You can buy tickets on the day and there will be parking on the showground fields. More information.
Thursday, 27 August-Sunday 30 August
Islay Book Festival. Authors, venues and further details tbc. For more information visit the Islay Book Festival website.
September 2026
Nature walks every Sunday
Organised by the Natural History Trust. For full details see their website.
Friday, 11 September-Sunday 13 September
Islay Jazz Festival. Dates TBC. Enjoy a range of jazz styles being performed in venues across the island. Check out the Islay Jazz Festival/Jazz Scotland website.
Saturday, 12 September
Islay Marathon & Relay. Experience the beauty of the Queen of the Hebrides while running in one of the most scenic marathons in the world!
Starting at 10.30am 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.
You can run the whole race or recruit friends, family or colleagues to take part in the Relay (relay members can be 15+; please check entry rules). Enter online at Entry Central. Search: Islay Marathon. You can also download a copy of the 2026 Islay Marathon and Relay brochure here.
Friday, 25 September-Sunday, 27 September
Jura Music Festival. Programme TBC but expect music, dance and performance at this 32nd Jura Music Festival. Here’s more information.
October 2026
Saturday, 3 October-Sunday, 4 October
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. Details here.