Save on
Get 20% off your ferry travel when you visit one of the Isle of Wight’s many unforgettable events.
From the famous Garlic Festival to regattas, races, walking festivals and music events with a difference, the Island’s calendar is packed with reasons to plan your next trip.
Even better, you can save 20% on ferry travel for selected events, making it easier to enjoy more of what the Isle of Wight has to offer.
Filmed on the Isle of Wight and on our ferries during the Springtime our new Isle of Wight “Ferry Tales” campaign is running on national TV and online across the whole Spring and Summer of 2026!
How many of the locations on the Island do you recognise?
Start planning your adventure, we can’t wait to welcome you to the beautiful Isle of Wight.
Ready to start your Island adventure? To get 20% off your cross-Solent ferry travel, choose an eligible event from our Isle of Wight events calendar using the button below.
Look out for the green ‘Ferry offer’ banner, as the discount is only available on selected events.
You can travel from the day before the event starts until the day after it finishes, giving you the option to stay a little longer and make the most of your time on the Island.
Not sure which event takes your fancy? With so many to choose from, it can be hard to take your pick, so we’ve rounded up some of our favourites below.
But don’t forget to check out our interactive Explorer map to find even more things to do – and keep an eye out for the green ‘Ferry offer’ banner to save on your sailing.
27 June – 5 July 2026
Spanning nine days, this vibrant festival invites locals and visitors alike to explore the Island’s rich biodiversity and creative spirit through a broad array of events and activities.
The Isle of Wight is one of just seven UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in the UK, recognised for its special mix of wildlife, landscapes, people and sustainable living.
17 – 26 July
The Island’s largest arts festival, Ventnor Fringe, returns with a packed programme spanning 10 days of music, comedy, cabaret, circus and visual arts.
Pick and choose whichever shows interest you, sample the bars, street food and markets or explore the vast Free Fringe with buskers and pop up shows across the town.
24 July – 2 August 2026
Elite Beach Sports brings its high‑energy, multi‑sport coastal experience to the Isle of Wight, uniting community, movement, and the magic of the beach.
Whether you’re trying a sport for the first time or sharpening your skills, the Isle of Wight stop is designed to welcome all abilities and celebrate participation at every level.
9 August 2026
Autofest 2026 brings together the best of past and present motoring for a relaxed, family-friendly day out on the Island.
From beautifully restored classics to cutting-edge modern machines, it’s a celebration of craftsmanship and innovation. Whether you’re a dedicated car enthusiast or simply looking for a laid-back summer day out, Autofest offers a welcoming atmosphere and plenty to keep you entertained.
16 August 2026
A summer evening in the woodlands, live music drifting through the trees and a crowd singing every word.
Scouting for Girls headline Robin Hill this August, bringing their unmistakable pop sound to one of the Island’s most atmospheric outdoor venues.
11 – 14 September 2026
Calling all Volkswagen enthusiasts! Wight Buggin’ returns this September, full of family fun and a lovely end-of-season opportunity to hangout with the V-Dubbers.
This family-friendly weekend offers three nights of camping, along with superb live performances from bands and music acts for everyone’s enjoyment.
It’s a must-visit for all petrol heads and history buffs, with the two-day charity event bringing together the best classic vehicles from all over the UK and Europe.
You’ll get to see an eclectic range of around 1,000 vintage, custom, retro and rare cars, taking you on a step back through time to the golden age of motoring. Based in Newport on the Saturday and along Ryde Esplanade on the Sunday. What’s better is it’s free to attend!
Presented by Jack Up Events, this live show captures the magic, energy and timeless appeal of Stevie Wonder’s legendary catalogue, performed by a world-class band led by acclaimed vocalist Noel McCalla.
Expect a feel-good night packed with instantly recognisable hits and irresistible grooves that will have the whole theatre moving.
14 November 2026
Get ready for an evening of grooves and feel-good nostalgia as Johnny2Bad bring the greatest hits of UB40 to Shanklin Theatre.
This award-winning eight-piece band celebrates the music of one of the UK’s most iconic reggae groups, delivering a high-energy show packed with the songs that defined a generation.
Holiday-goers have flocked to the Isle of Wight for generations, whether it’s for the copious sandy beaches, the Mediterranean vibes (without the need for your passport!) or the wealth of things to do.
If you’re looking for a quintessential seaside stay, you’re all set on the Island. Bathe under the sun (which you’ll see plenty of on the Island), explore historic landmarks and rest your head in a beautiful hotel or B&B perched atop one of the Diamond Isle’s many cliffs.
Plus, if you’re looking for a more energetic getaway, you’re all set. From world-famous music festivals to the perfect water sports setting, the Island has it all.
And getting there is part of the fun. At Wightlink, we bring 4.3 million people together every year, linking the mainland with the Island through three convenient ferry routes.
🕐 45 minutes 🚘🚶 Vehicle and foot passenger ferry
Portsmouth to Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight is a popular and convenient ferry route, getting you across the Solent in just 45 minutes.
A number of ferries serve this crossing, including our environmentally friendly flagship Victoria of Wight, each coming with spacious passenger loungers, sun decks and food and drink outlets to keep you refreshed.
🕐 40 minutes 🚘🚶Vehicle and foot passenger ferry
This route gives you both breath-taking views and the utmost convenience. It’s the fastest way to take your vehicle across the Solent, with crossing times of just 40 minutes on one of our spacious, well-equipped ferries.
The route will take you through the mouth of Lymington River and past Hurst Castle on a beautiful journey, which will set you up perfectly for your trip ahead.
🕐 22 minutes 🚶Foot passenger ferry
If you’re travelling on foot, Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head is our quickest route, crossing the waters between the Isle of Wight and mainland in just 22 minutes.
Our reliable, high-speed FastCat catamarans serve this route and come with spacious passenger lounges, bicycle racks and a sun deck, perfect for taking in the views during the day.
Whether you’re visiting this picturesque Island in search for adventure, relaxation or the perfect blend of both, you won’t be lost for things to keep you and the family entertained.
There are stunning sandy beaches, beautifully-scenic coastal walks and unique attractions to visit – plenty to pack into a bitesize weekend break or a full-blown summer holiday.
