Events & Festivals

The highlight of Islay's calendar, this week-long festival celebrates whisky, music, and Gaelic culture. Each distillery hosts special events, tastings, and tours.

📍 Island-wide

The island's premier agricultural show featuring livestock competitions, Highland dancing, crafts, local produce, and family entertainment. A true celebration of island life.

📍 Bowmore

Celebrating literature, poetry, and storytelling with talks from renowned authors, poets, and storytellers. Events held in atmospheric venues around the island.

📍 Various venues

Three days of world-class jazz in venues across the island. From intimate pub sessions to larger concert hall performances, the festival attracts top musicians and jazz enthusiasts.

📍 Various venues

The Islay Marathon is a stunning road race taking runners through the breathtaking landscapes of the Isle of Islay. Whether you're running the full marathon, half marathon, or 10k, the course showcases the island's dramatic coastline, rolling countryside, and charming villages. A must-do event for running enthusiasts visiting Islay.

📍 Isle of Islay

A scenic coastal route taking in some of Islay's most stunning landscapes. The race starts at 10:30am and attracts runners from across the UK and beyond, followed by refreshments and ceilidh dancing.

📍 Port Ellen to Bowmore