Live music venues on the Isle of Wight

Live music on the Isle of Wight isn’t about huge arenas or headline tours. It’s about intimate rooms, welcoming crowds and venues that double as creative hubs for their local communities. Independent Venue Week runs from 26 January 2026 to 1 February 2026 giving you the perfect excuse to swap the sofa for an intimate venue, a great pint and the kind of gig where you’re close enough to see the setlist.

Kicking off Independent Venue Week on BBC 6Music is Strings Bar & Venue in Newport; the Island’s go-to independent venue, hosting touring bands, acclaimed performers and buzzing headline shows throughout the year.

Radio legends Steve Lamacq and Huw Stephens will co-host Steve Lamacq’s Teatime Session live from Strings as part of a week-long series of programmes exploring challenges independent venues face and the role they play in nurturing creativity locally.

It’s of the Isle of Wight’s standout live music venues — a true independent space with a solid pedigree and a big heart for both touring acts and local talent. Founded and run by musicians, it has grown into a 300-capacity hub for gigs, DJs, club nights, comedy and performance arts right in the heart of Newport.

With regular shows across a wide range of genres and styles, Strings sits at the centre of the Island’s music ecosystem; well-reviewed by audiences and consistently active on the live circuit.

Why it’s worth a visit

• One of the Island’s biggest grassroots music spaces, ideal for catching touring bands, tribute nights or buzz-worthy local acts

• Lively and welcoming atmosphere with a strong sense of community

• Supports musicians with jam nights, workshops and educational links, including partnerships with Platform One College Of Music (who Wightlink is proud to sponsor)

Events at Strings during Independent Venue Week (26 January – 1 February 2026)

• 26 January 2026 | 19:30 – 23:30 – Coach Party – an energetic indie/rock show right at the start of IVW. BBC 6Music will be broadcasting live between 4-7pm.

• 28 January 2026 | 19:30 – Lucy Spraggan + D3LTA – a major name evening, great for fans of singer-songwriter vibes and storytelling through music.

• 29 January 2026 | 19:30 – Girlband! – feel-good, high-energy performance.

• 30 January 2026 | 19:30 – Woody Bastille & Josh You Me At Six: Indie vs Emo – indie and emo classics for alternative fans.

• 31 January 2026 | 19:30 – Dodgy – iconic Britpop and alternative rock on the eve of the last day of IVW.

(Doors and ticket details vary by show so it’s worth checking the venue’s calendar or ticket partners before travelling.)

Make a day of it: Explore Newport’s old town, browse independent shops and visit Quay Arts to take in their latest exhibitions. Grab dinner and a local craft beer before the show.

Independent Venue Week may shine a spotlight on our venues once a year, but these live music venues give you a reason to cross the Solent all year round.

Here’s Wightlink’s guide to the Island’s independent music scene, plus some ideas on how you can turn a gig into a full day or weekend away by pairing live music with museums, cafés and specialist shops that celebrate sound, creativity and culture.

Few venues on the Isle of Wight blend location and live music as well as The Anchor Inn. Sitting right on Cowes Harbour, this long-standing pub is known for hosting regular live bands, spanning rock, blues and crowd-pleasing covers.

It’s the kind of place where gigs feel relaxed but purposeful — busy without being overwhelming, with a crowd that’s genuinely there for the music as much as the view.

Why it’s worth a visit: harbour-side gigs, energetic live bands, great atmosphere.

Make a day of it: explore Cowes’ maritime heritage and independent shops in the afternoon, then settle in early for a drink before live music kicks off in the evening

Quay Arts is the Island’s creative heartbeat. As well as galleries, workshops and a beautiful shop, it’s one of the most consistent places to catch Irish sessions, folk nights and acoustic performances. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it ideal if you like discovering musicians up close rather than from the back of a crowd.

Why visit: strong roots in folk and session music, thoughtful programming.

Make a day of it: explore Newport’s old town, then browse nearby independent shops before heading back for an evening session. If you’re interested in how music and culture intersect, Quay Arts’ exhibitions often add an extra layer to the visit.

Ventnor Exchange is one of the Island’s most distinctive cultural spaces. Part café, part arts venue and full on community hub, it champions original music, spoken word and experimental performance, often spotlighting emerging artists and touring acts you won’t see elsewhere.

Live music here feels intimate and thoughtful, with audiences close to the performers and a programme that rewards curiosity. If you enjoy discovering new sounds and creative voices, this is a must-visit.

Why it’s worth a visit: original artists, intimate gigs, creative atmosphere and a record store. They also host the annual Ventnor Fringe Festival.

Make a day of it: spend the afternoon exploring Ventnor’s independent shops and hidden coves, then head to the Exchange for an evening performance and a drink in its relaxed café-bar.

For live music with a distinctly coastal feel, The Spyglass Inn is hard to beat. Perched on Ventnor’s seafront, it’s well known for hosting frequent live acts throughout the week, every week –  from solo acoustic performers to full bands, all in a laid-back, welcoming setting.

The mix of good food, sea views and a busy gig calendar makes it a favourite for both locals and visitors looking for an easygoing night out that delivers on sound and atmosphere. The food’s pretty decent too!

Why it’s worth a visit: regular live music, seafront setting, relaxed crowd and real ales.

Make a day of it: pair a coastal walk or beach visit with an afternoon drink, then stay on as live music takes over in the evening.

Dimbola Museum & Galleries

While best known for photography, Dimbola often explores creativity and performance through exhibitions and talks. It’s a calm, inspiring stop that complements a music-focused break, especially if you enjoy the wider arts scene. Don’t miss the Isle of Wight Festival Gallery and Jimi Hendrix statue.

Independent record shops and music retailers

The Island has a small but passionate network of record and instrument sellers, often tucked into high streets and markets. They’re ideal for picking up vinyl, chatting gear or getting local recommendations on who to see live next.

Cafés and pubs with music history

Across towns like Cowes, Ventnor and Ryde, you’ll find cafés and pubs decorated with gig posters, signed photos and band memorabilia, often reflecting decades of live music on the Island. They’re the kind of places where conversations about last night’s set turn into plans for the next one.

Isle of Wight Steam Railway

Not a music venue in the traditional sense, but vintage transport, brass band days, beer festivals and heritage events often include live sound and period atmosphere that feels like stepping into another era.

Why the Island is made for live music breaks

Combine all this live music with with coastal walks, heritage attractions and a food scene full of character, and you’ve got a destination that works for a spontaneous weekend away (taking gigs as you find them) as it does for a planned music-led escape for a specific band.

The Isle of Wight proves that the best live music experiences often happen in the smallest rooms. Live music schedules can change throughout the year, so check each venue’s social channels for the latest listings before you travel.