Things to do on the Isle of Wight in September

September is a great time to visit the Isle of Wight. Not only is the weather mild but the schools have gone back and everything is a little more serene, so you’re more likely to get a bit of sunshine and a bargain.

There’s lots going on, too. This September you can enjoy food festivals, 1960s themed parties, jazz, and rocket workshops.

The Great Wight Bite, a brand new event on the Island for 2023, is a celebration of local food and drink.

Northwood House in Cowes will be packed full of delicious street food traders from across the Island and the south coast. You’ll also be able to stock up on the island’s best artisan food, drink and crafts, enjoy a Chefs Demo Stage hosted by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and listen to some fantastic live music.

There’s a Masterclass Kitchen, where local food and drink producers will show off their talents and the Little Chefs Den is the place for budding cooks with a range of amazing classes to book curated by The Little Gloster. Dogs are welcome at the event too, so there’s no need to leave anyone behind!

The Isle of Wight has some of the darkest skies in the UK (where there are low levels of light pollution). Some of the best locations are found on the South Western Coast of the Isle of Wight along the Military Road. However, there are places all across the Island that can boast dark skies.

Enjoy dark skies on a clear night when the sun has completely set and there is no moonlight. Make sure you take something to lie on (a blanket or camping mat will do) along with food, drink and warm clothes. Pack a star spotter guide and compass to help you find things.

The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is being transported back in time to to celebrate all things Sixties on 16 – 17 September 2023. Imagine that the age of steam survived on the Isle of Wight into 1967. The Beatles and Rolling Stones are in the charts, Carnaby Street is ‘swinging’, the pound has been devalued, Sandie Shaw has just won the Eurovision Song Contest and you can hop on a steam train.

Enjoy music and live entertainment from the era, and grab a drink in the café bar. Sixties fancy dress is positively encouraged!

Have you ever wondered how a rocket engine works?  Find out at the Tapnell Farm Park this month. Taking place between 16 – 17 September, this all-weather event features incredible, explosive, interactive Rocket Shows and Rocket Making Workshops by the amazing Wonderstruck Science Company.

Enjoy Rocket Show demonstrations, learn how to build your own compressed air rocket, travel the solar system with a virtual planet tour and get crafty in the Space Crafts Cabin.

Here at Wightlink we’re busy carrying lots of delicious Isle of Wight sweetcorn to the mainland in over late summer.

So, while you’re on the Island in September, make sure you pop into a local farm shop to enjoy it fresh from the fields – great if you’re staying in self-catering accommodation. Try your corn smothered in oak smoked garlic butter from The Garlic Farm, it’s a delicious combination!

Jazz fans should not miss the Isle of Wight’s only Jazz Festival in Newport this month. Taking place at various venues in the town from 14-17 September it’ll feature a diverse range of great musicians, including a few household names.  Expect an enchanting celebration of a genre that is both soulful and spontaneous, so whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned jazz festival goer you’ll be able to connect in the shared joy of the music.

ℹ️ Visiting at a different time of year? Find out what else you can do during your time on the Isle of Wight on our Things to Do web pages.