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.
April 2026
Church services for Holy Week
April 2, Maundy Thursday
2pm: Communion: St Columba’s Episcopal, Bridgend
7pm: Communion: St Kiaran’s Church of Scotland
7.30pm: Communion: Port Ellen Baptist
April 3, Good Friday
10.30am: Ecumenical Service, meet at Round Church Bowmore and Walk to the square 2pm: St Columba’s Episcopal Church, Bridgend
3pm: Jura Church of Scotland
7pm: Round Church Bowmore, Church of Scotland
7pm: St John’s, Church of Scotland, Port Ellen
7.30pm: Bowmore Baptist Church
April 5, Easter Day
8.30am: Sunrise Service at Community Garden Port Ellen followed by breakfast at the Baptist Church
10am: Family Celebration Service, Port Ellen Baptist Church
10am: Round Church, Bowmore, Church of Scotland with Christening
10.30am: St Kiaran’s Church of Scotland 11am: St Columba’s Episcopal Church, Bridgend 11.30am: St Johns Church of Scotland, Port Ellen
11.30am: Jura Church of Scotland
4pm: Roman Catholic Easter Mass at St Columba’s Episcopal Church, Bridgend
6.30pm: Easter Hymn Service Bowmore Baptist Church
Other events
Wednesday, 1 April
Islay Natural History Trust opens for the season. For details, see ongoing activities.
Friday, 3 April
Bingo at the Rhinns Hall, Portnahaven. Eyes down for a night of fun. Starts 8pm.
Saturday, 4 April
T in the Church at Portnahaven. Join the locals for homemade cakes and refreshments – all welcome. Prize for the best Easter bonnet. 11am-3pm.
Saturday, 4 April
Live music with North of the Bridge. Join in at Bridgend Hotel, 9pm-midnight.
Saturday, 4 April-Sunday, 5 April
RNLI book fair at Lagavulin Distillery Malt Mill. Open 11am-3pm. (Hardbacks £2 and paperbacks £1 – kids’ books for a donation.) With food from Orsay Seafood.
Saturday, 4 April & Monday, 6 April
Open days at Islay Quilters. See the work of Islay quilters and browse this beautiful handcrafted work and shop at Islay Square, Bridgend. Open 11am–3pm.
Sunday, 5 April
Easter Duck Derby and family fun at Auction Mart, Bridgend. Starts 1pm (duck race down the river at 2pm). Quack your way to family fun this Easter with a BBQ, bouncy castle and stalls, all organised by Bowmore Community Association. Ducks £1, race prizes: 1st - £100; 2nd - £50; 3rd - £25. Last duck across the line gets their £1 back.
May 2026
Saturday, 9 May
Boat trip to Staffa and Iona with Islay Sea Adventures. Learn more here.
Saturday, 16 May
Fèis Ìle Fishing Competition. Meet Loch Lossit. 1-5pm.
Thursday, 21 May
Family Ceilidh. At Ballygrant Hall.
Friday, 22 May-Sunday, 31 May - Fèis Ìle.
This is the Islay Festival, with events at each distillery plus cultural events celebrating local heritage, music, dance and more. Please visit the official Fèis Ìle website for more information. You can book many of the events through Skiddle.
Friday, 22 May
Opening Event. Parade through Port Ellen followed by Family Friendly Entertainment. Parade begins 5pm. Country Music Family Hoe-down with Rosemill Kix, 7.30pm-10pm. Ticketed via Skiddle.
Saturday, 23 May
MAIN EVENT
Lagavulin Distillery. 11am–6pm. Open day with bookable experiences - free entry. Live music from Heron Valley and Donnie Mackinnon & Friends. Hosted by Ally Heather. Whisky & cocktail bars plus Islay Oysters, Pizza Geeks, Rafa’s Mexican Diner, Basement Gelato & Flat Flat White.
Islay Rum 10am-9pm. Open day with bookable experiences - free entry. Cocktail Bar, Live Music & free tours every hour throughout the day, plus food from the Orsay Seafood Shack. Islay Whisky Vault Open Day with Live Music, Burgers from Bridgend and Scozzese Pizza and Islay Whisky Vault’s exclusive single cask release. Islay House Square, Bridgend. 1pm–6.30pm. Tickets through Skiddle.
FÈIS COMMITTEE EVENTS
The First Fling, Ramsay Hall. Ceilidh music and more. Tickets through Skiddle.
ADDITIONAL EVENTS
Port Askaig by Elixir Distillers: First Sip and Final Toast. Port Askaig Hotel Beer Garden. 12pm–6pm. Free entry (drinks payable) drams, cocktails and coastal atmosphere.
Big Peat x Peatzeria. Definitive Collection Tasting. 4.30-6pm.
Islay Rum: Rum & Rhythm. A live music paired Islay rum/whisky tasting. Islay Rum Warehouse No.1. 5–6.30pm. £50. Live music paired with two Islay rums and two Scotch whiskies. Tickets through Skiddle.
Craic, Curry and Quiz, Café Mor at Port Mor. Doors 7pm, runs 8-10.30pm. Curry night and quiz celebrating forty years of Fèis Ìle, raising money for the Islay High School Expedition. Tickets through Skiddle.
Sunday, 24 May
MAIN EVENT
Bruichladdich Rock’n’Daal. Bruichladdich Distillery. Headline by Nathan Evans and the Saint PHNX Band. Ticketed day - link here.
FÈIS COMMITTEE EVENTS
Fèis Ìle Boat Trips with Committee members and Islay Sea Adventures crew. Tickets through Skiddle.
ADDITIONAL EVENTS
Big Peat x Peatzeria: Definitive Collection Tasting. 4.30-6pm. Booking via Big Peat. Eat, Peat & Repeat: Join Sponsors Big Peat at the Islay Gaelic Centre for an evening filled with whisky, music and food. 7.30-11pm. Tickets through Skiddle.
Monday, 25 May
MAIN EVENTS
Caol Ila 11am–6pm. Open day with bookable experiences. Live music from Valtos, Rhuvaal & others. Hosted by Ally Heather. Whisky & cocktail bars plus Pizza Geeks, Rafa’s Mexican Diner, Basement Gelato & Flat Flat White.
FÈIS COMMITTEE EVENTS
The Manager’s Evening: Whisky Dinner with the Distillery Managers. Tickets through Skiddle.
ADDITIONAL EVENTS
Islay Encounters Nature Walk 1, Port Ellen to Carraig Fhada and the Singing Sands. Meet at Port Ellen car park. 10am. Approx 5 miles/3 hours. Easy. Guided coastal walk to Islay’s iconic square lighthouse and beach. Tickets are required for this event through Skiddle.
Portintruan Distillery - Plans and Drams. On the Path in the PORTINcabin at Portintruan Portacabin, Three Distilleries Path. 10am–5pm daily (Mon, 25–Fri, 29 May). Free. Drop-in Portacabin showcasing distillery plans, virtual tour and drams.
The Illicit Distillers Experience. Come and join us at Finlaggan to experience the ancient art of illicit distilling. 2-4pm. Tickets through Skiddle.
The Islay Whisky Vault Presents: A Tasting with David Brodie. 7-8.30pm. Tickets through Skiddle.
Big Peat x Port Charlotte Hotel. Whisky pairing dinner. 7-10pm. Email info@portcharlottehotel.co.uk.
Tuesday, 26 May
MAIN EVENTS
Laphroaig 10am–4.30pm. Open day with bookable experiences. Live music, Local craft stalls, food stalls, whisky & cocktail bars & one-off Fèis tastings. Port Ellen Distillery. 12pm–6pm. Open day with bookable experiences. Food from Monachyle Mhor, music from High Water Mark & local musicians, plus cocktails from the team at Mr Lyan Studios.
Indie Whisky Fèis Ìle. Join the Indie Bottlers Festival at the Ramsay Hall, Port Ellen. Sessions at 10am-1pm, 2-5pm and 6-9pm. Tickets through Skiddle.
ADDITIONAL EVENTS
Islay Encounters Nature Walk 2. Port Ellen to Laphroaig via the Standing Stone Loop. Meet at Port Ellen car park. 10am. Approx 5 miles/3 hours. Easy. Historic walking loop taking in standing stones and three distilleries. Tickets are required for this event and are available through Skiddle.
Boozy, Bluesy Brunch with Elixir Distillers. The Bothy, Port Ellen Playing Fields. 11am–1pm. Blues music, brunch buffet and guided Islay whisky tasting experience. Tickets through Skiddle.
The Illicit Distillers Experience. Come and join us at Finlaggan to experience the ancient art of Illicit Distilling. 2:00pm til 4:00pm. Tickets through Skiddle.
Islay Rum: Manager’s tour & beach-side tasting. Islay Rum Distillery. 5–6.30pm. In-depth rum distillery tour finishing with beach-side rum tasting. Tickets through Skiddle.
Wednesday, 27 May
MAIN EVENTS
Bowmore Distillery. Gates open at 10am. Festival 11a -5pm. Open day with bookable experiences. Live music from Corra and Brother Sea. Distillery bar, cocktails and a range of food.
Ardnahoe Distillery. 12–5pm. Open day with bookable experiences. Live music from Skerryvore, Rollin’ Drones plus Pete Smoke and the Roaches. Local food from Orsay Seasalt, The Grubhub and Heather’s Ices. Free welcome dram plus bar and cocktails.
FÈIS EVENTS
The Folk Night. Round Church, Bowmore. Tickets through Skiddle.
ADDITIONAL EVENTS
Big Peat and Craic. Come and join Big Peat and friends at the Islay Gaelic Centre for a night of whisky, trivia, stories and camaraderie. 7.30-10.30pm. Tickets through Skiddle.
Islay Whisky Academy Presents: Scotch and Stories. Whisky and walking tour. 12-1.30pm. Tickets through Skiddle.
The Illicit Distillers Experience. Come and join us at Finlaggan to experience the ancient art of illicit distilling. 2-4pm. Tickets through Skiddle.
Islay Whisky Academy Presents: Ceòl agus Craic. Whisky and music, celebrating the whisky and culture of Islay. Port Ellen Pavilion. 7pm. Tickets through Skiddle.
The Islay Whisky Vault Presents. A tasting with George Campbell of Laphroaig. 7-8.30pm. Tickets through Skiddle.
Thursday, 28 May
MAIN EVENTS
Kilchoman Distillery. 10am–4.30pm. Open day with bookable experiences. Whisky & cocktail bar, BBQ, live music from Rhuvaal, Ceol An Aire and The Isle of Islay Pipe Band.
FÈIS EVENTS
The Whisky Nosing & Ceilidh. Ramsay Hall. Tickets through Skiddle.
ADDITIONAL EVENTS
Boozy, Bluesy Brunch with Elixir Distillers. The Bothy, Port Ellen Playing Fields. 11am–1pm. Blues music, brunch buffet and guided Speyside whisky tasting experience. Tickets through Skiddle
Islay Whisky Academy Presents: Peat Cutting Session. 11.30am-1pm. Tickets through Skiddle.
Port Askaig Whisky Tasting at Port Askaig Hotel Beer Garden. Sessions at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm. Relaxed outdoor tasting of four Port Askaig whiskies overlooking Jura. Tickets through Skiddle.
Islay Whisky Academy Presents: Seachad an Eòrna. Follow the sound of the pipes and embark on a unique whisky adventure. Islay Gaelic Centre. 4.30pm.
Islay Rum: Manager’s tour & beach-side tasting. Islay Rum Distillery. 5–6.30pm. In-depth rum distillery tour finishing with beach-side rum tasting. Tickets through Skiddle.
The Islay Whisky Vault Presents: Bowmore from the Archives. With Daryl Haldane. 11am-12.30pm.
Friday, 29 May
MAIN EVENTS
Bunnahabhain Distillery. 10am–5pm. Open day with bookable experiences. Live
music, food and more to be announced soon.
Jura Distillery. 10am–6pm. Open day with live music, whisky, cocktails and more.
Lussa Gin. Meet the team on the Jura Hotel Field for the day and sample the award winning Lussa Gin.
FÈIS EVENTS
The ‘Life Moves Pretty Fast’ Bus Tour. Where will it stop, where will it go? Florence knows! Tickets through Skiddle.
ADDITIONAL EVENTS
Islay Encounters Nature Walk 3. Beinn Bheigeir. Full-day mountain walk to Islay’s highest point with panoramic views. Tickets are required for this event and are available via Skiddle.
The Clootie Dumpling Ceilidh. Family-friendly ceilidh run by the Islay and Jura Highland Dancers. Tickets through Skiddle.
Saturday, 30 May
MAIN EVENT
Ardbeg Distillery. The ultimate Ardbeg celebration returns! Full programme announced 14th April. Tickets available on the day and in advance online.
FÈIS EVENTS
The Final Fling. Special guests to be announced. Full details and tickets to follow. Tickets through Skiddle.
Sunday, 31 May
Laggan Bay Distillery and Islay Ales. Glenegedale, opposite Islay Airport. 11am–5pm.
Live Music from Rhythm and Booze & North of the Bridge. Food from Islay Oysters, Scozzese Pizza and the RNLI Burger Bar. Islay Ales Free brewery tours on the day plus bookable masterclasses available via Skiddle.
Laggan Bay free mini-tours throughout the day. Cocktail bar with new make spirit cocktails. Parking at the distillery. Free entry: tickets through Skiddle.
June 2026
Saturday, 27 June
Islay Sea Adventures. Boat trip to Staffa and Iona. Discover more here.
Nature walks every Sunday
Organised by the Natural History Trust. For full details see their website.
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.
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.
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, 22 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.
Saturday, 12 September
Islay Marathon. 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. Either run the whole race or recruit friends, family or colleagues to do a relay (relay members can be 15+ check entry rules). Enter online at Entry Central. Search: Islay Marathon.
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.
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.
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.