There are always many activities going on in Islay (for the Islay Diary, we advise you pick up a copy of the Ileach on the ferry – Islay’s local newspaper)

Below are some events which happen annually:

Walk Islay

Taking place every April with walks over 7 days all over Islay and Jura
www.walkislay.co.uk

Feis Ile

Islay’s Festival of Malt & Music. Held in the last week of May with all distilleries having open days with many tours, tastings, music, food and other events.
www.islayfestival.com

Islay Beach Rugby

Held on the second Saturday of June on Port Ellen’s White Hart Beach.
www.islayrugby.scot

Cantilena Festival

Annual classic music festival held in July.
www.cantilenafestival.co.uk

Islay, Jura & Colonsay Show

An annual agricultural show held in Islay at the beginning of August (near Bridgend) with a ceilidh dance in the evening.
www.islayshow.co.uk

Islay Half Marathon

A 13 mile run which takes place every August.
www.islayhalfmarathon.co.uk

Islay Marathon

The Islay Marathon takes place every September with a wonderful scenic route through the island.
www.islaymarathon.co.uk

Islay Book Festival

Islay’s book festival is held in September with author sessions and family events.
www.islaybookfestival.org.uk

Islay Jazz Festival

Taking place over a week every September with musicians playing all over the island.
www.islayjazzfestival.co.uk

Taste Islay & Jura

A 3 day event at the end of September focusing on food, drink and foraging - with a market, cookery demonstrations and tastings.
www.tasteislayjura.com

The Islay Sessions

Annual folk festival held at the end of November, featuring some of Scotland’s finest musicians
islaysessions.co.uk