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.

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.

Saturday, 10 October

Celebrate National Bookshop Day at Celtic House, Bowmore. The event, in association with Islay Book Festival, starts at 5.30 pm and includes live music. It will feature guest author John Devine, writer of The Sound of Islay. This novel centres on a music festival taking place on the island. Joy turns to tragedy when the body of a much-loved local journalist is found at the edge of the field…