Isle of Wight What's On Guide: 2024 Events OnTheWight

Current and Upcoming Festivals

Creative Ryde

Wed 24 Apr 2024 - Tue 31 Dec 2024

Creative Ryde is a cultural hub, facilitated by Creative Island, the Island's Cultural Development Agency who is committed to convening a series of local conversations with the cultural community of each town on the Isle of Wight.

Creative Island's ambition is to speak about and listen to the particular challenges and opportunities that we all face, to explore collaborative opportunities, share information and network with others.

Painting of Ryde by Nick Martin
© Nick Martin

The first of many
The first of these creative events was held in Ryde in October 2023. It involved creative practitioners, cultural leaders, town councillors and influencers in Ryde. Meetings are held every quarter to discuss challenges, achievements and more.

This section of the site encompasses all arts events taking place in Ryde.

Find out more
Visit the Creative Island website to find out more the Isle of Wight Cultural Development Agency

Fairest Isle Festival

Fri 10 May 2024 - Sun 12 May 2024

Embark on a musical journey through time at the Fairest Isle Festival on the captivating Isle of Wight. Delight in the harmonious early music tunes of the 16th-18th century, brought to life by a stellar lineup of world-class artists on an island steeped in rich history, that sets the stage for an unforgettable celebration of music and culture.

Ryde Gypsy Jazz Festival

Mon 13 May 2024 - Sat 18 May 2024

The sounds of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli are coming to the Isle of Wight with UK's leading Gypsy Jazz musicians at the Island's first Ryde Gypsy Jazz Festival organised by Monkton Arts at various venues around Ryde.

Cowes Fringe Festival 2024

Fri 24 May 2024 - Sun 26 May 2024

Isle of Wight Festival 2024

Thu 20 Jun 2024 - Sun 23 Jun 2024

Experience the legendary Isle of Wight Festival 2024, returning with a bang from June 20-23. Celebrating its rich legacy, the festival showcases a stellar lineup, including headliners The Prodigy, Pet Shop Boys, and Green Day, among other top-tier acts. As one of the UK's most anticipated music events, Isle of Wight Festival combines the charm of its historic roots with a modern flair that caters to fans across the musical spectrum. Tickets are now available for those looking to capture the essence of live music at one of the year's most vibrant gatherings. Don't miss out on the chance to be part of the Isle of Wight Festival's 2024 edition – a cornerstone of the summer festival season!

Biosphere Festival 2024

Sat 29 Jun 2024 - Sun 30 Jun 2024

Open Studios 2024

Fri 23 Aug 2024 - Sun 8 Sep 2024

The Isle of Wight’s artistic tapestry is set to be showcased once more, as the IW Open Studios makes a triumphant return in 2024.

This event, steeped in a rich history of fostering community and creativity, opens doors — quite literally — to the vibrant studios of local artists, inviting both residents and visitors to embark on a journey of artistic discovery.

Spanning nearly two decades, the IW Open Studios has been a cornerstone of cultural exploration on the Island, allowing the public a rare glimpse into the creative processes of artists.


Past Festivals


Ventnor Fringe Festival 2023

Ventnor Fringe returns for 10 days in July 2023 to celebrate creativity in all its forms !

Full programme to follow once all acts are confirmed - April 2023

A wonderland of pop-up bars and boutique venues, featuring more than 300 artists from across the world!

During this unique Island tradition, the Isle of Wight’s southernmost town is totally transformed into a whole world of pop up venues and bars in every conceivable space, hosting over 100 different shows.

Pick and choose which ticketed events to see or simply explore the many free events on offer.

Dark Skies Festival 2023

A celebration and promotion of the Isle of Wight’s Dark Skies.

Talks, interactive activities, and installations will engage and inspire young and old. Likeminded organisations, schools, and the IW college, will work together to highlight the Island’s dark skies, the importance of preserving and enhancing them for the health and wellbeing of people and nature.

Raising awareness of Dark Skies on the Isle of Wight. Astronomy, nocturnal wildlife and insects, photography, science, art, heritage, and culture will be explored within the festival, supporting the Isle of Wight’s application to become a ‘Dark Skies Park’.

Isle of Wight Literary Festival 2022

The Isle of Wight Literary Festival will be held On 6 – 9th October, 2022. Over 45 speakers have been confirmed and include Lynda La Plante, Jeremy Bowen, Richard Ingrams, Tracy Borman, Robert Hardman, Joanne Harris, And Alan Johnson.

Harp on Wight 2022

The Harp On Wight International takes place between 28th October 2022 - 1st November 2022. See the Website for the latest news.

Heritage Open Days 2022

Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture. It's your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are FREE to explore.

Ventnor Bicycle Film Festival 2022

7th-11th September at Ventnor Arts Club

Screenings £10 each

Open Studios 2022

Individual opening dates will vary

Ventnor Fringe Festival 2022

Ventnor Fringe Festival returns for another year, with music, comedy, theatre and loads more.

Platinum Jubilee

Celebrating seventy years of Queen Elizabeth being on the throne

Long to Reign: Jubilee on Screen

Long to Reign: Jubilee on Screen is a series of eight British feature films showcasing the changes in British society from 1952 through to the 2020s.