Art On Your Doorstep: Newport Self-Guided Art Walk
National Gallery masterpieces reproduced outdoors across Newport — free self-guided mile-long trail from 6 May–30 Oct 2026 (step-free route around town centre).
Programme
This weekend on the Isle of Wight
See what is on across the Isle of Wight this Saturday and Sunday: gigs, markets, walks, family activities, and venues.
Editor’s picks
Three to make the weekend
- Art On Your Doorstep: Newport Self-Guided Art Walk
National Gallery masterpieces reproduced outdoors across Newport — free self-guided mile-long trail from 6 May–30 Oct 2026 (step-free route around town centre).
- Isle of Wight Open Studios Showcase Exhibition
Preview every participating artist in one gallery — Open Studios Showcase at Quay Arts, Newport (15–25 May 2026). Free entry during usual gallery hours; ideal route-planning stop before studio hops later in May.
- Isle of Wight Open Studios
Eleven-day island-wide celebration (15–25 May 2026): ~200 artists open studios, pop-ups and galleries — paint, sculpture, print, photography, textiles, jewellery and ceramics. Wander, meet makers and plan routes from the Quay Arts showcase.
Tomorrow
11 events
Isle of Wight Open Studios Showcase Exhibition
Preview every participating artist in one gallery — Open Studios Showcase at Quay Arts, Newport (15–25 May 2026). Free entry during usual gallery hours; ideal route-planning stop before studio hops later in May.
Isle of Wight Open Studios
Eleven-day island-wide celebration (15–25 May 2026): ~200 artists open studios, pop-ups and galleries — paint, sculpture, print, photography, textiles, jewellery and ceramics. Wander, meet makers and plan routes from the Quay Arts showcase.
Cowes Fringe - Saturday
Cowes Fringe continues with a town-wide programme of music, theatre, comedy, DJ sets, and local and national performers.
Yarmouth Spring Market
An Island Artisans spring market at Yarmouth Town Hall, featuring local makers and artists across art, homewares, accessories and apothecary.
Stitches & Stories - The Cowes Fringe Community Quilt
Stitches & Stories invites children to make fabric squares for a Cowes maritime quilt at East Cowes Town Hall during Cowes Fringe.
North East Ale Trail Festival
Raise a glass to the best weekend of the spring! The North East Ale Trail is the ultimate pub crawl through 14 of the island's most charming venues. From historic inns to trendy bars, discover an incredible selection of real ales and local craft brews while exploring the picturesque North East coast. It's a celebration of community, hops, and great vibes. No tickets required—just grab your trail map and start your journey! Whether you're an ale aficionado or just love a great atmosphere, this is the trail you've been waiting for. Cheers to the North East!
Fine Chocolate & Spirits Pairing
Fine Chocolate & Spirits Pairing brings Helena Nicklin and Chantal Coady OBE to Bar 46 for a Cowes Fringe tasting experience.
Bingo Bango II Featuring the UK's No1 Spice Girls Tribute
Robin Hill hosts Bingo Bango II with interactive bingo, comedy, party anthems, and Say You'll Be Spice performing Spice Girls hits.
Sir Derek Jacobi in Conversation with Richard Clifford
Sir Derek Jacobi appears in conversation with Richard Clifford at East Cowes Town Hall for a Cowes Fringe gala evening supporting Mountbatten Isle of Wight.
Ubu - King of the Isle of Wight
Horse Box Theatre brings Ubu, King of the Isle of Wight to Northwood House for a wild Cowes Fringe satire inspired by Alfred Jarry's Ubu Roi.
Sunday 24 May 2026
16 events
Art On Your Doorstep: Newport Self-Guided Art Walk
National Gallery masterpieces reproduced outdoors across Newport — free self-guided mile-long trail from 6 May–30 Oct 2026 (step-free route around town centre).
Isle of Wight Open Studios Showcase Exhibition
Preview every participating artist in one gallery — Open Studios Showcase at Quay Arts, Newport (15–25 May 2026). Free entry during usual gallery hours; ideal route-planning stop before studio hops later in May.
Isle of Wight Open Studios
Eleven-day island-wide celebration (15–25 May 2026): ~200 artists open studios, pop-ups and galleries — paint, sculpture, print, photography, textiles, jewellery and ceramics. Wander, meet makers and plan routes from the Quay Arts showcase.
North East Ale Trail Festival
Raise a glass to the best weekend of the spring! The North East Ale Trail is the ultimate pub crawl through 14 of the island's most charming venues. From historic inns to trendy bars, discover an incredible selection of real ales and local craft brews while exploring the picturesque North East coast. It's a celebration of community, hops, and great vibes. No tickets required—just grab your trail map and start your journey! Whether you're an ale aficionado or just love a great atmosphere, this is the trail you've been waiting for. Cheers to the North East!
Bank Holiday Family Fun Day at Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Vintage amusements, Jason Maverick circus shows, treasure hunt, arts and crafts, play park and steam trains at Havenstreet on Sunday 24 May.
Yarmouth Spring Market
An Island Artisans spring market at Yarmouth Town Hall, featuring local makers and artists across art, homewares, accessories and apothecary.
Cowes Fringe - Sunday
Cowes Fringe closes with music, theatre, comedy, and performance across venues in Cowes against the town's maritime backdrop.
Sing & Dance the Musicals - Theatretrain (12.30pm)
Theatretrain Isle of Wight performs Sing & Dance the Musicals at East Cowes Town Hall, showcasing young Island performers in a lunchtime Cowes Fringe show.
Sewing Bee Competition Workshop with Karen Robb
Karen Robb leads a Sewing Bee Competition Workshop at Northwood House for Cowes Fringe, with participants asked to bring their own sewing machine.
Premium Wine & Chocolate Pairing
Premium Wine & Chocolate Pairing brings Helena Nicklin and Chantal Coady OBE to Bar 46 for a Sunday Cowes Fringe tasting.
Sing & Dance the Musicals - Theatretrain (2.30pm)
Theatretrain Isle of Wight's 2.30pm Cowes Fringe performance brings young musical-theatre talent to East Cowes Town Hall.
Sunday Live: line-up TBC
Sunday afternoon live music at The Waterfront, Totland Bay — line-up to be confirmed on the venue poster. Source: venue poster / eatbythesea.com.
Medina Marching Band 50th Anniversary Spectacular Tattoo
A 50th anniversary marching band tattoo at Cowes Enterprise College, bringing youth marching bands and drill display teams to Cowes for an evening show.
Flats & Sharps
Flats & Sharps bring contemporary acoustic music from their Always There EP to the intimate Monkton Arts venue in Ryde.
Cult Figure - Kenneth Williams
Cult Figure celebrates Kenneth Williams' centenary at Northwood House, with Colin Elmer reprising the comedy icon in Cowes Fringe's Sunday theatre programme.
The Cavern Club Story
The Cavern Club Story comes to East Cowes Town Hall for Cowes Fringe, telling the story of Liverpool's famous music venue with live musicians and visuals.