What's On In August: The Isle Of Wight Events Guide
- Isle of Wight Radio
- 1 minute ago
- 4 min read
August has arrived, bringing a packed programme of family entertainment, live events, sailing, traditional shows and hands-on activities to the Isle of Wight.
Whether you are looking for a full day out, an evening event or something to keep younger visitors entertained during the school holidays, here are some of the events taking place across the Island.
NORTH SAILS COWES WEEK
Date: Saturday, August 1 to Friday, August 7
Time: Racing and shoreside activities take place throughout each day
Location: Cowes
Price: Free for spectators; charges apply for some cruises and activities
North Sails Cowes Week marks its 200th anniversary in 2026, with hundreds of boats taking part in races across the Solent.
Alongside the sailing, visitors can enjoy a packed shoreside programme featuring live music, food and drink, family activities, displays and free try-sailing sessions.
Entertainment continues into the evening at venues including Cowes Yacht Haven and along The Parade.
Full programme and daily schedule:
THE CHALE SHOW
Date: Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2
Time: 10am to 5pm
Location: Chale Recreation Ground, Military Road, Chale
Price: Ticketed; advance online tickets offer the best available price
The traditional country show returns for two days of entertainment, displays and family activities.
Visitors can expect arena performances, horticultural exhibits, local produce, craft stalls, fairground rides, food and drink and plenty of community entertainment.
Tickets are valid for one day, with cash, card and contactless payments accepted at the showground, subject to availability.
Tickets and further information:
NEWPORT MAIN CARNIVAL
Date: Saturday, August 1
Time: Judging from 6pm; procession starts at 7pm
Location: Newport town centre
Price: Free; donations are welcomed
Colourful floats, marching bands, performers and carnival royalty will make their way through Newport as the town’s main carnival returns.
The procession will form around Church Litten, South Street and Town Lane before travelling through the town and finishing on The Quay.
Spectators are encouraged to arrive from around 6.30pm. South Street and the High Street are expected to be among the busiest viewing locations, while Trafalgar Road and The Mall may provide quieter alternatives.
Route and further information:
TEEN SILVER LAYERED PENDANT WORKSHOP
Date: Monday, August 3
Time: 10am to 12.30pm
Location: The Jewellery Cabin, Rookley
Price: £50
Young people aged between 12 and 18 can create their own layered sterling silver pendant during this practical workshop.
Participants will learn how to bend and solder the pendant’s outer ring before filing, texturing and polishing the silver.
They will also decorate the centre using a letter or symbol stamp and attach the finished pendant to a chain.
Booking:
FISH AND CHIP EVENINGS
Dates: Tuesdays, August 4, 11, 18 and 25
Time: Fish and chip meals available from 5.30pm
Location: Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Havenstreet
Price: Railway admission and meal charges apply; advance meal booking is required
The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is extending its timetable on selected Tuesday evenings, allowing visitors to combine a heritage train journey with fish and chips.
Passengers can travel through the countryside aboard restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages before returning to Havenstreet Station for their meal.
The Barn Café will also be open for drinks, with the railway’s park and play area available for younger visitors.
Dates and booking information:
AJ’S SUMMER PARTY
Dates: Every Tuesday and Thursday until August 27
Time: During Tapnell Farm Park’s summer opening hours
Location: Tapnell Farm, Newport Road, Yarmouth
Price: Included with applicable Farm Park admission; check online prices when booking
AJ will be bringing music, games and summer mayhem to Tapnell Farm Park every Tuesday and Thursday during the school holidays.
The family entertainment programme includes puppet shows, dance competitions, games and surprises, ending with a children’s rave and balloon drop inside the event barn.
Admission prices and booking information:
SUMMER FEST AT BLACKGANG CHINE
Dates: Wednesdays, August 5, 12, 19 and 26
Time: 10am to 9.30pm
Location: Blackgang Chine, Chale
Price: Included with applicable Blackgang Chine admission
Blackgang Chine stays open late every Wednesday during the summer holidays for its popular Summer Fest event.
Daytime entertainment in Cowboy Town is followed by foam parties, music from a live DJ and the chance to enjoy the park’s rides into the evening.
Each event concludes with Blackgang Chine’s firework display over the clifftop attraction.
Tickets:
SAILING THROUGH ROYAL HISTORY
Dates: Until Saturday, August 29
Time: 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday; closed Sundays
Location: Commodores House, 74 High Street, Cowes
Price: Adults £12; students, young people and children £6; under-sixes free
A new exhibition celebrating the Royal Family’s historic links with Cowes is being held at Commodores House throughout August.
The exhibition explores the story of The Royal Yacht Britannia, Royal sailing and the work of renowned Cowes yacht designer Uffa Fox through photographs, film, interactive displays and virtual and augmented reality.
Its centrepiece is COWESLIP, the Flying Fifteen keelboat presented to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip as a wedding gift in 1947.
Tickets:
Event information, availability and prices may change. Visitors should check directly with organisers before travelling or booking.
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