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.

September 2026

Every Tuesday

Craft fair, Bruichladdich Hall. 10.30am-4.30pm. A fine selection of arts and crafts made on Islay and Jura, offering excellent souvenirs of your visit, or gifts for family and friends.

Nature walks every Sunday

Organised by the Islay Natural History Trust. Learn more at their website.

Friday, 11 September-Sunday 13 September

Caol Ila Islay Jazz Festival. Enjoy a range of jazz styles performed on three days 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

Islay Ales Oktober Fèis beer festival. Islay Ales, Glenedgale, is launching a special event to brighten up a dark October weekend with a good knees-up, Islay style.

Your ticket (£10 plus a 50p booking fee) will give all-day access to the festival, a ½-pint tasting glass and a token for your first half pint of Islay Ales core range.

Islay Ales has invited five breweries across Scotland to bring together some of their favourite beers. Joining them will be Wild Barn (Oban), Gigha Brewing (Gigha), Loch Lomond Brewery (Loch Lomond), Williams Bros Brewing (Alloa) and Swannay Brewery (Orkney). Each brewery will offer a selection of their beers which you’ll be able to purchase in ½ pints. In addition, Orsay Sea Food and the Grub Hub will provide snacks and hot meals throughout the day.

For keep you dancing Oban-based trad band Ceol an Aire will play Ceilidh tunes and Scottish folk classics. Local legends North of the Bridge will be with us too for some rock classics, while Calum has promised to try his hand at a bit of oompah. To get in the Oktoberfest spirit, fancy dress in encouraged and there may even be a prize for the best dressed!

Islay Ales is 100 metres from the Airport bus stop so you don’t need to bring the car. However, there is car-parking on site.

To book tickets use the QR code above or go here. Queries or questions about the day? Email the team or call us on 01496 305472.