Isle of Wight Literary Festival: Thursday
The Isle of Wight Literary Festival opens in Cowes with talks, food writing and an evening Fizz Quiz.
Town
Things to do in Cowes
Live events and local listings within 3 miles — updated as organisers publish.
Part of our things to do on the Isle of Wight guides — or jump to what's on this weekend.
Cowes is a busy Medina-side seaport with a strong sailing identity, from Cowes Week and yacht clubs to smaller town-centre events that keep the high street lively beyond regatta season. Pair plans with East Cowes across the floating bridge — ferries, harbour walks and Osborne nearby. Use this page for things to do in Cowes: live listings gathered in one place so you do not hear about them the next morning.
Today
1 event
Tomorrow
3 events
Isle of Wight Literary Festival: Friday
Friday’s Isle of Wight Literary Festival programme in Cowes includes Robert Hardman, A N Wilson, Jill Dougherty and Penny Junor.
Northwood Cemetery History Walk
Local stories lead a two-and-a-half-hour walk from the Isle of Wight Heritage Resource Centre into Northwood Cemetery on 9 October.
Halloween Afternoon Dance
A low-cost Halloween afternoon dance at East Cowes Town Hall, with optional fancy dress, tea, cakes and prizes.
Saturday 10 October 2026
1 event
Isle of Wight Literary Festival: Saturday
Saturday’s Cowes festival sessions include Ann Cleeves, Clare Balding, Stephen Sackur, Chris Galvin and Eric Lanlard.
Sunday 11 October 2026
1 event
Isle of Wight Literary Festival: Sunday
The literary festival closes in Cowes with Sunday talks featuring Mary Portas, Hugo Burnand, Ben Robinson and Clive Tyldesley.
Tuesday 13 October 2026
2 events
October Luncheon Club
A £6 community lunch at East Cowes Town Hall, including a meal, tea or coffee and gluten-free options.
Blue Orbits Live at Sounds + Grounds
Blue Orbits, formerly Triangulum, play an intimate two-hour set at Sounds + Grounds in Cowes, with doors opening at 6.30pm.
Sunday 25 October 2026
1 event
The Bees Needles: Festival of Island Creatives
Meet makers and browse creative supplies at The Bees Needles in Northwood House, Cowes, with free entry, demonstrations, talks and an indoor artisan shopping area.