Islay Jazz Festival – Islay, Scotland 2026
Overview
The Islay Jazz Festival, now proudly sponsored by Caol Ila Distillery, is a cherished annual celebration of Scottish and international jazz held on the remote and rugged Isle of Islay in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides. Entering its 28th year in 2026, this intimate festival transforms the island’s unique venues—from historic whisky distilleries and quaint village halls to scenic bird sanctuaries and Gaelic cultural centers—into stages for world-class performances. Attracting jazz aficionados, locals, and visitors alike, the event blends the soulful improvisations of jazz with Islay’s peaty whisky heritage and dramatic coastal landscapes.
Organized by Jazz Scotland in partnership with the Islay Arts Association, the festival features around 20-25 concerts over three days, showcasing a diverse lineup of Scottish talent alongside global artists. The 2026 edition promises to build on the success of previous years, with enhanced collaborations at Caol Ila Distillery, offering attendees an immersive experience where music, malt, and the island’s tranquil beauty converge for an unforgettable escape.
Event Highlights
- Main Activities or Performances: Over 20 intimate jazz concerts featuring Scottish headliners like award-winning pianists, neo-soul vocalists, bass-led ensembles, and emerging trios, performed across multiple venues including distillery maturation warehouses and harborside stages.
- Special Traditions or Features: Celebrates 28 years of fostering Scottish jazz through community-driven programming, including youth education workshops that provide grants for young musicians, and unique pairings of live sets with distillery tastings to honor Islay’s whisky culture.
- Unique Attractions for Visitors: Performances in atmospheric spots like Caol Ila Distillery overlooking the Sound of Islay, Lagavulin’s historic Malt Mill, and the RSPB Loch Gruinart bird sanctuary, where jazz harmonizes with natural soundscapes and peaty aromas.
- Additional Note: Family-friendly daytime sessions and evening high-energy sets cater to all ages, with festival-exclusive whisky releases and themed experiences like acoustic warehouse concerts enhancing the cultural fusion.
Why Attend
The Islay Jazz Festival offers a rare opportunity to experience world-class jazz in one of Scotland’s most evocative settings, where the island’s wild moors, crashing waves, and world-famous distilleries amplify the music’s emotional depth. With small-capacity venues ensuring an up-close connection to artists, attendees can discover innovative Scottish sounds—from traditional folk-infused jazz to contemporary neo-soul—while exploring Islay’s hiking trails, beaches, and hidden coves during downtime.
Enjoy Your Event Stress-Free with Euro Travelo
Planning a trip to attend a festival, concert, or business event in Europe can be overwhelming—tickets, travel, accommodation, and local logistics all take time and effort. Euro Travelo makes it simple by providing everything you need through one trusted company. You save time, avoid stress, and enjoy a seamless experience from start to finish.
Why Choose Euro Travelo:
- Secure and easy ticket booking for concerts, festivals, theaters, and business events.
- Complete travel planning including flights, trains, and local transportation.
- Accommodation arrangements near event venues, tailored to your needs.
- Convenient local transfers, from airport pickups to private shuttles.
- On-site concierge support to help you navigate venues and schedules.
- Custom itineraries and experience packages combining multiple events, tours, and activities.
- Secure payment process, making it safe and convenient to book all services online.
- Flexibility: even if you need only one service, we can assist individually.
This festival isn’t just about the notes; it’s a communal gathering that supports emerging talent through its youth program and partners with local charities, creating a sense of belonging amid Islay’s rugged charm. Whether you’re a seasoned jazz enthusiast or a whisky lover dipping into live music, the event delivers profound relaxation, inspiration, and memories, making it an essential pilgrimage for anyone passionate about culture in the Hebrides.
Date & Duration
- Dates: September 18 – September 20, 2026
- Duration: 3 days
- Event Hours: Gates and venues open from 12 PM daily; concerts span afternoons to late evenings (typically 1 PM to 11 PM), with main stage sets starting around 3 PM and after-hours sessions at select distilleries.
- Additional Note: Full program announced in summer 2026; early booking advised for popular distillery events.
Venue / Location
- City: Isle of Islay, Scotland, United Kingdom
- Main Venue: Caol Ila Distillery, serving as the festival hub with opening concerts and exclusive experiences overlooking the Sound of Islay
- Additional Venues: Ardbeg Distillery (Port Ellen); Lagavulin Distillery (Lagavulin); Laphroaig Distillery (Port Ellen); The Round Church (Bowmore); RSPB Centre (Loch Gruinart); Rhinns Hall (Portnahaven); Bruichladdich Hall (Bruichladdich); Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle (Gartnatra Gaelic Centre)
- Notable Areas: Distillery maturation warehouses for acoustic sets; harborside views at Caol Ila; sanctuary trails at RSPB for ambient performances
- Google Maps Address: Caol Ila Distillery, Port Askaig, Isle of Islay, PA46 7RL
- See Official Site: jazzscotland.com
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Primarily online via jazzscotland.com; limited on-site availability at venues; weekender passes and individual concert tickets; group bundles for 4+ available
- Admission Type: Paid, with some free community workshops
- Ticket Price Range: $25–$160 USD (single concert tickets: $25–$50; weekender passes: $120–$160; concessions $2 off for students/unemployed)
- Special Seating or VIP Options: Wheelchair-accessible venues throughout; carer goes free with proof; limited VIP distillery tastings bundled with premium seats for $50 extra, including meet-and-greets.
Booking with Euro Travelo
Planning to enjoy this music festival without the stress? Euro Travelo can help you book tickets, organize travel, and handle your entire trip from start to finish. Whether it’s a vibrant music festival, live concert, or cultural celebration, our team ensures a smooth experience for music lovers across Europe.
Contact Euro Travelo today to secure your festival tickets and travel arrangements.
Contact Information
- Email: info@jazzscotland.com (general inquiries); press@jazzscotland.com (media); volunteers@jazzscotland.com (volunteer opportunities)
- Phone: +44-1224-641122 (English available, 9 AM–5 PM GMT); +44-1496-810333 (Islay-specific support via Islay Arts Association)
- Website: jazzscotland.com
- Social Media: Facebook: @IslayJazzFestival; Twitter: @JazzScotland; Instagram: @jazzscotland
- Key Staff: Festival Director: Kenny Mathieson; Islay Coordinator: Islay Arts Association team (contact via info@jazzscotland.com)
- Press/Volunteers: Press kit via press@jazzscotland.com; volunteer sign-up opens May 2026 via volunteers@jazzscotland.com
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; English and Gaelic support; mailing list signup on website for updates
Getting There
- By Plane: Fly to Islay Airport (ILY) from Glasgow (Campbeltown or direct, 45 minutes) or connect via Edinburgh/Inverness; limited flights, book early via Loganair.
- By Ferry: Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) from Kennacraig (3 hours from Glasgow) to Port Ellen or Port Askaig; foot passenger or car options, reservations essential during festival.
- By Bus/Train: Train from London/Glasgow to Glasgow, then bus to Kennacraig ferry; Citylink coaches available for mainland connections.
- Parking: Ample free parking at most venues; distillery lots accommodate 100+ vehicles; car hire recommended for island hopping between sites.
- Local Transport: Island buses (limited schedules); taxis via Islay Taxi (+44-1496-302424); bike rentals in Bowmore for eco-friendly exploration.
- Additional Transport: Festival shuttles between main venues (Caol Ila to Port Ellen) may operate; check website for 2026 updates; walking/cycling ideal for compact sites.
Accommodation Options
- Festival Campsite: No official campsite; nearby options include wild camping permits via Highland Council or tent-friendly sites at Loch Gruinart RSPB (book via rspb.org.uk).
- Campsite Details: Basic facilities at RSPB site (toilets, water); opens festival week; $15–$25/night; no power, bring eco-essentials; alcohol restrictions apply.
- Other Accommodations: Hotels like Port Charlotte Hotel or Bowmore Hotel (luxury, $150–$300/night); B&Bs such as Kilchoman House; self-catering cottages via Islay Cottages (from $100/night).
- Nearby Options: Glamping pods at Dunyvaig (Port Ellen, $80–$120); hostels in Bowmore; book 9–12 months ahead as Fèis Ìle overlaps boost demand.
- Booking Tip: Use VisitScotland.com for packages; Euro Travelo handles ferries/hotels; priority for locals/festival pass holders.
Reviews
- What a gem—intimate jazz in distilleries with whisky notes lingering in the air, pure bliss on Islay!
- The venues steal the show: from peaty warehouses to seaside sanctuaries, every set felt magical and moving.
- Unforgettable fusion of Scottish soul and global grooves; came for the music, stayed for the island’s wild heart.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What are the festival timings?
The Islay Jazz Festival spans September 18–20, 2026, with venues opening at 12 PM each day for workshops and tastings. Afternoon concerts kick off around 1 PM, building to prime evening sets from 6 PM to 11 PM across distilleries and halls. Late-night after-parties at Caol Ila may extend to midnight, featuring improv sessions. The detailed schedule drops in July 2026 on jazzscotland.com, including artist timings and venue maps. Arrive early for distillery parking and to snag prime spots in intimate spaces. Weather can be blustery, so layer up for outdoor-adjacent gigs. Download the app for real-time updates once live.
What are the festival’s age restrictions?
Open to all ages, with family-friendly daytime workshops at Gaelic centers and RSPB venues encouraging young attendees. Evening distillery sets (post-7 PM) may restrict under-18s due to alcohol service, requiring adult supervision for 16-17s. ID checks (passports, driving licenses) at bars; children under 5 free with paying adult. Concession tickets ($2 off) for students/unemployed with proof. Accessibility includes carer-free entry—email info@jazzscotland.com ahead. The festival's youth program highlights emerging talent, making it inspiring for all. Check site for licensed venue specifics.
Is there festival transport or shuttle buses?
No dedicated shuttles yet confirmed, but Islay's 15x20-mile size suits car/bike travel; expect pop-up buses between Caol Ila and Port Ellen for 2026. Fly into Islay Airport (45-min from Glasgow) or ferry from Kennacraig (2.5 hours). Local taxis (Islay Cabs, +44-1496-810505) bookable but limited—pre-arrange via app. Bike/e-bike rentals from Bowmore Cycles for scenic rides to venues. Public buses run sparsely; car hire (Arnold Clark at airport) ideal for venue-hopping. Walking feasible between close sites like Lagavulin and Laphroaig. Visit jazzscotland.com for transport partners.
Can I bring food or drink on site?
Outside food/drink prohibited at distillery venues to support on-site bars and pop-ups offering whisky-pairings, local seafood, and vegan bites. Free water refill stations at all halls; reusable bottles encouraged. Campsites/RSPB allow picnics (no glass for safety). Vendors feature Islay cheeses, smoked salmon, and gluten-free options—full menus on website by August 2026. Alcohol only from licensed sellers; no outside spirits in performance areas. Enjoy themed tastings like Caol Ila's jazz cocktails. Dietary queries to info@jazzscotland.com; zero-waste policy promotes sustainability.
I have accessibility requirements.
All venues wheelchair-friendly with ramps at distilleries (e.g., Caol Ila's level warehouse access) and ground-floor halls; contact info@jazzscotland.com by July 2026 for reservations. Carer tickets free with proof; assistance dogs welcome—notify ahead for handler passes. Audio-described programs and quiet zones at RSPB; sign language interpreters for key sets on request. Uneven terrain at outdoor-adjacent sites mitigated by paths; accessible parking at every venue (blue badge holders first). Staff trained for mobility aid loans. Detailed guide on jazzscotland.com; early requests ensure BSL or large-print needs met.
