There’s always a good reason to visit the Isles of Scilly not least because of our tempting festival line-up this year which will bring colour and vibrancy back to our islands. Start planning your dream getaway now! 

As well as a jam packed festival calendar which is listed below, our award winning Tourist Information Centre (TIC) collates a weekly ‘whats on’. From visiting theatre productions and weekly rowing races, to live music, and craft workshops, be sure to pick up your weekly ‘What’s On’ from the TIC on Porthcressa Beach. We also produce a  monthly 'What's On' which highlights some of the events coming up over the next month. Both of these can be downloaded from our dedicated TIC page or ask your accommodation provider.

In addition to our topline events, and weekly whats on, browse our Things To Do page for everyday Scilly magic! 

2024 Events

In August this year, we introduce a new nine-day nautical festival to the events calendar for 2024 and beyond: Ocean Scilly (23rd Aug - 1st Sep). It’s a celebration of the sea from wildlife, marine activity, watersports to gig history, shipwrecks and lighthouses. And as part of the festival, the weekend finale is all about Scilly60 Events who will be hosting five exciting Swimrun adventures! 

TICKETS NOW ON SALE! 

Image credit: Gareth Tibbs

For 10 days in September (12th - 22nd Sept 2024) we welcome the return of Taste of Scilly, a mouth-watering and distinctive celebration of the islands’ fayre, so local you can often point to the fisherman or farmer that’s hooked it or grown it. Tuck into our tasty programme, packed full of Scillonian shellfish, island-hopping supper safaris as well as yummy markets, menus and masterclasses; farm tours and tastings and much more!

Image credit: Danny North Photography

2025 is set to be a bumper year on the Isles of Scilly...

We're delighted to announce Walk Scilly (11th - 20th April 2025) will return in all its glory. Covering the five inhabited islands, as well as some of the uninhabited too, the outdoorsy event has a little something for everyone and all abilities. Enjoy 10 days exploring the Isles of Scilly guided by local experts, discovering rich history and archaeology, or take a sea safari to see Scilly’s spectacular wildlife.

Image credit: Chris Hall Photography

At the end of April we welcome back the 34th World Pilot Gig Championships (2nd - 4th May 2025) to be held, as usual, over the first May Spring Bank Holiday weekend. The biggest event never disappoints bringing both spectacle and colour in one fell swoop. The Championships were first held in 1990, only attracting a few crews from Cornwall, but in the intervening years the amount of pilot gigs attending has increased with crews coming from all over the South-West and now the world. Exact details for race times tbc.

In 2025 we also see the return of Creative Scilly (17th - 26th May) with endless days of Scillonian inspired arts and culture. Many of the local artists and creatives will be opening their galleries and studios for a range of workshops together with an ensemble of pop-up theatre, music and poetry on Scilly.

Image credit: Gareth Tibbs

Later in the year, we will hold our second nine-day nautical festival. Dates to be confirmed. Join us to help celebrate the seas that surround the Isles of Scilly. Championing all waterborne activities, sea life, vast maritime heritage and everything on, in and above the water. Watch this space!

Image credit: Gareth Tibbs

Taste of Scilly will return again in 2025. Join us for 10 days of mouth-watering food and drink experiences across the Isles of Scilly. Each day expect a unique, flavoursome food or drink event, celebrating our local provenance and a host of island specialities. 

Image credit: Gareth Tibbs

Isles of Scilly Cultural Centre & Museum

The much-loved Grade II-listed Town Hall in Hugh Town on St Mary’s has always been a place for the community to gather and to welcome visitors. Now – led by the Council of the Isles of Scilly and the Isles of Scilly Museum Association – there are plans to rejuvenate that legacy. This will create a warm and welcoming venue in the heart of St Mary’s, a place for local people and holidaymakers alike to come together. 

With the support of Arts Council England, Culture on Scilly are presenting a range of activities throughout 2024 which will help inform the programme of the new Isles of Scilly Cultural Centre and Museum. The full Culture on Scilly 2024 programme can be found here and includes productions from the Miracle Theatre, Kizamba, Ho Hum Ha and IK Productions.

Weekly What’s Ons

There’s a lot going on all season on Scilly – from guided walks, tours and talks, live gigs and visiting theatre, to outdoor cinema, shark fishing (tagging) experiences, fêtes, beachcombs, supper boats, rockpool roams, and wildlife boating safaris.  Keep up to date by picking up the weekly What’s Ons (March to October) at our award-winning Tourist Information Centre and follow us on social media @iosTIC

Through the seasons 

In spring watch out for Restorative Wild Yoga, Sunrise Meditation, walks, Trail Runs, invigorating sea swims and adventure yomps across the boulders are all designed to shake off the winter blues and refresh your mind, body and soul.

In summer, we leave it to you to enjoy – kayaking, sailing, coasteering, sea-swimming, snorkelling, island hopping, fishing or simply soaking up the island hues and vistas.

Throughout autumn, specifically September and October, Scilly becomes a bird watching hotspot! Island hop your way around and venture out to remote uninhabited islands designed to capture nature in action.