A summer of fun on the Isle of Wight

From star-studded stage performances to vintage steam, and from maritime spectacle to garlic‑heavy cuisine, the Island boasts plenty of unique events to get involved in during the summer. Here are some of our favourites…

Ventnor Fringe – 18th–27th July
Ventnor’s famous arts festival returns for ten electrifying days this summer. Running from Friday, 18 July to Sunday, 27 July, it transforms the southern town into a hive of creativity. Discover over 150 performances in pop-up venues such as bunkers, 1930s Parisian buses, local churches, and Ventnor Park’s ‘festival village.’
Expect cutting-edge circus, immersive theatre like Darkfield’s ARCADE, world-class comedy and music, and a buzzing Free Fringe with street artists everywhere you look.
Whether you’re after a ticketed show or an impromptu performance, Ventnor Fringe offers a refreshing antidote to the mainstream.

Cowes Week – 2nd–8th August
Each August, Cowes becomes a global sailing hub with Cowes Week, the world’s longest-running regatta. From 2 to 8 August, nearly 1,000 yachts and 8,500 competitors converge over 50 racing classes around the Solent
Spectators line the harbourside or cruise alongside the fleet, soaking up excitement and maritime tradition. Onshore, enjoy yacht-club glamour and pop-up bars, plus evening concerts like “Mumma Mia ABBA” on Super Sunday and the famous Pink Party mid-week.

The Garlic Festival – 16th -17th August
One of the Island’s tastiest traditions, the Garlic Festival has been celebrating all things allium since 1983. Taking place during mid-August, this two-day festival at Newchurch thrives on garlic beer, garlic ice cream, and foodie innovation.
Expect cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, live music, arts & crafts stalls, and a giant garlic-inspired party. With around 20,000 visitors each year, the Garlic Festival is a flavourful highlight for families and foodies alike.

The Royal Isle of Wight County Show – 12th-13th July
Head to Northwood in July for the Royal Isle of Wight County Show, a timeless celebration of the Island's rural life. This family-friendly fair features sheepdog demos, vintage tractors, agricultural livestock, and local food producers
Kids will love pony rides, fairground attractions, and the sense of countryside tradition. The County Show is the perfect way to connect with the Island’s heritage.

Wight Proms – 12th–17th August

Set in the elegant grounds of Northwood House, Wight Proms delivers six nights of refined entertainment from 12 to 17 August. This boutique, open‑air experience brings together opera, classical ‘Last Wight of the Proms’, drag, comedy, country nights, and musical theatre.
The line-up features stage celebrities: Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice, comedy trio Fascinating Aïda, opera star Wynne Evans with G4’s Mike Christie, and West End legend Lee Mead
Wrap your evening with wine, gourmet food stalls, and a landscaped lawn setting.

Island Steam Fair – 22nd–25th August
Steam whistles will echo across Havenstreet as the 50th Island Steam Fair takes over from Friday 22nd to Monday 25th August
Step into a vintage world of steam traction engines, historic vehicles, classic cars, fairground rides, and action‑packed shows like "Reel Stunts in Action." The main arena comes alive daily with game events including traction engine pulls, miniature train rides, coconut shies, gallopers, and motorbike demos.
With heritage steam trains rolling between afternoons of family fun, this Bank Holiday fair is fun for everyone.