Caol Ila Islay Jazz Festival 2026

Friday 18 — Sunday 20 September 2026

Every September, world-class jazz musicians perform across Islay in venues that could only exist here — distillery maturation warehouses, the Round Church in Bowmore, the Gaelic College, village halls with the Atlantic audible outside. The Caol Ila Islay Jazz Festival is now in its 27th year, and it remains one of the most distinctive music events in Scotland: three days of intimate concerts in a landscape that makes everything sound different.

Sponsored by Caol Ila distillery and promoted by Jazz Scotland, the festival brings together leading Scottish and international jazz artists for a weekend that pairs exceptional music with exceptional whisky. The island in September is at its most golden — the summer crowds have gone, the light is extraordinary, and the pace is exactly right.

Islay House is centrally located for all festival venues and available throughout September. Rooms are quieter at this time of year than during Fèis Ìle, but they do not stay that way for long. If you are planning to attend the 2026 Jazz Festival, we recommend booking ahead.

Tickets and full programme at jazzscotland.com — typically released in summer. Islay House is happy to recommend festival highlights and book on your behalf.