Events July to September

The events below are taking place on the Isle of Wight between July and September this year. Click on the links for full details.

Folkstation Festival

6-8 July 2012, Havenstreet
A unique festival of music, dance, songs, sessions, bands, Real Ale, on-site camping and a real Steam Railway – what’s not to like! The event offers a weekend packed full of great folk music, concerts, workshops, kids entertainment dance displays real ale and lots more. Folkstation Music Festival...

Isle of Wight Open Arts Studios

South & Sout West Wight 13-16 Jul 2012
Central, North & East Wight 20-23 Jul 2012
Each July Isle of Wight artists and makers open their homes or studios to visitors for two Open Studios weekends. Open Studios gives visitors the opportunity to meet local artists in their working environment, find out about how they work and should you choose, make a purchase direct from the artist. A record 125 painters, glass artists, sculptors, jewellers, textile artists, potters, print-makers, photographers and digital artists will be inviting visitors to come and see them at work in their homes, gardens or studios. Isle of Wight Open Studios

Farmer Jack's Maize Maze

TBC 2012
More than just a maze - navigate the maize maze and Bee A Hero!  Can you help Bobee, Honey and Bumble bee to find their new colony?  The three intrepid bees will need lots of nectar, so you'll help them by finding the flowers and collecting clues to solve the mystery of the bee's dance. 

Decode the dance and the steps will lead you to the new colony! Lots of fun for all the family!  There is even a mini maze for the younger members of the family. More...

RhythmTree Festival

20-22 July 2012, Calbourne
A fusion of didgeridoo, Samba and World Music in the beautiful setting of Calbourne Water Mill. The line-up includes the awesome Baka Beyond, Kanagaroo Moon and many more making it one of the hottest world music festivals of the summer.
Rhythm Tree Music Festival...

August Family Events at Carisbrooke Castle

TBC August, Carisbrooke Castle, Nr Newport
Children will love dressing up as Norman soldiers or Civil War troopers, and meeting the castle's famous donkeys, while for the grown-ups, the new Edwardian style Princess Beatrice Garden is a joy to explore. Carisbrooke Castle Summer Events...

Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week

11-18 August 2012, Cowes/Solent
Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week offers a fantastic experience for sailors and non-sailors alike. This prestigious regatta attracts thousands of boats of all sizes and classes. Soak up the unique party atmosphere, which culminates with a spectacular firework display on the Friday night. Cowes Week...

Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week Fireworks Night

Fri 17 August 2012, Cowes/Solent
Big, spectacular and noisy, the Friday night firework display offers a fabulous finale to an exciting week of sailing. Set to music, the explosive show is best viewed from Cowes, or even from out on the water, perhaps on the outside deck of a Red Funnel Ferry as you enjoy a long cool drink! Cowes Week...

Ventnor Fringe Festival

15-18 Aug 2012, Ventnor
The Isle of Wight's answer to the world famous Edinburgh Fringe,  the Ventnor Fringe takes place over four days in locations encompassing the entire town, from parks to basements, churches to courtyards, all play host to artists in disciplines as diverse as spoken word, film, music and theatre.  Ventnor Fringe Festival

V-Dub Island

2-6 Aug 2012, IoW County Show Ground
V-Dub Island is for all Volkswagen owners new and old, Vee Dub enthusiasts and like-minded people. Featuring the best entertainment, heaps of family fun and lots more beside. Discounted ferry travel available. Buy V-Dub Island Tickets...

Isle of Wight Garlic Festival

18-19 Aug 2012, Totland Bay
Over 20,000 visitors are expected to attend, sampling the famous garlic sausages, garlic beer, and even garlic Ice Cream. The event also showcases the best of Island produce, plays host to bands, remarkable circus performers and exotic animals, not to mention a huge beer tent and classic car show. Isle of Wight Garlic Festival...

The British Powerboat Festival

TBC 2012, Cowes, Isle of Wight
The Formula One of the Sea, powerboat racing returns to the Solent with the Cowes-Torquay-Cowes endurance race and the UIM Marathon Series World Cup. With thrills on the water and plenty of shoreside entertainment, it's a great day out for the whole family. British Powerboat Festival...

Island Steam show

24-27 Aug 2012, Havenstreet
An action-packed show and great family day out! Stunning shows including ‘Legends’ Medieval Jousting in the main arena, will make you gasp, cheer and laugh … And see silly things to do with traction engines, plus lots to keep you entertained all day!  Climb aboard the traditional fairground rides ... And marvel at the beautifully maintained traction engines, vintage cars, motorcycles and old wagons. With steam train rides, stalls, country crafts, refreshments, and even a Red Indian encampment, the Island Steam Show will make your August Bank Holiday a weekend to remember! Isle of Wight Steam Show...

Isle of Wight Scooter Rally

TBC 2012, Ryde
Held in Ryde over the August bank holiday, the Isle of Wight Scooter Rally has been taking place for over 10 years and is now firmly established in the Isle of Wight event calendar. Every August bank holiday thousands of scooter enthusiasts from all over the world descend on the Island to celebrate iconic Italian design and British youth culture.
Isle of Wight Scooter Rally...

Wolverton Manor Garden Fair

TBC 2012, Shorwell
Set in the magnificent gardens of Wolverton Manor the annual Garden fair features stalls and horticultural displays from local and mainland nurseries, as well as a themed Elizabethan village complete with fantastical costumes, delicious food and magical musicians. The fair is run in aid of Age Concern and many other deserving local charities. Wolverton Manor Garden Fair...

Bestival 2012

6 & 7 Sept 2012, Robin Hill Country Park, Newport
Robin Hill will once again come alive with the sound of music and Bestival devotees can expect another eclectic and inspired range of artists. The music is only part of what makes Bestival so magical. The family friendly atmosphere and weird and wonderful events and attractions such as the famous fancy dress carnival and the inflatable church help make Bestival a fitting finale to the festival season. Bestival Isle of Wight...

Isle of Wight Cycling Festival

22-30 Sept 2012, Island wide
With its mix of events and activities to suit all ages and abilities, hardcore cyclists can take their pick from the notorious Hills Killer Challenge; a gruelling orienteering mountain bike race against the clock, over 3, 7 or 14 hills, or attempt to "Cycle the Wight" a 65 mile road ride around the Island in aid of the British Heart Foundation. Alternatively, you can simply join in with one of many rides taking place all over the Island, and enjoy the stunning scenery from the comfort of your saddle. Isle of Wight Cycling Festival...

Sweetcorn Fair

TBC 2012, Arreton Old Village
Come and meet Bob the Cob, watch the terriers racing, ride on a tractor, make popcorn, hunt the sweetcorn family, meet husky dogs and ferrets, watch the majestic falconry display, learn to cook a sweetcorn fritter, eat BBQ sweetcorn and try the sweetcorn eating competition!  There's lots of stalls and have-a-go-games, local food to eat, a beer festival and you can watch the village craftsmen making glass, pottery and cane work. Entry is £2.50 per person and children under 11 are free, with the proceeds going to Lord Mountbatten Hospice and IW Lions.