Events, entertainment and things to do at Cowes Week 2024

More than 500 boats, racing in over 30 different classes, are set to take part in the world's longest running regatta.

As well as the sailing, usual live music and entertainment, visitors will be treated to a number of other events shoreside.

High Street during Cowes Week in 2023 (Image: IWCP)

Events get underway shoreside a day early, from Friday, July 26.

• Isle of Wight Cowes Week 2024 LIVE UPDATES
• This year's official Cowes Week programme has been produced in association with the County Press.

Cowes High Street

Throughout the week, from 11am – 6pm, you can find fun for everyone at various locations throughout the High Street, with music, entertainers, face painting and glitter tattoos.

Next to the main stage will be a big screen where you can stay updated with the racing.

The Crew Bar and Cocktail and Wine Lounge will be open from 10pm to 11pm every day and will offer a large seating area with views of the stage, big screen and across the Solent.

Northwood House

The venue’s popular Lawn Bar will be open from lunchtime until late, with its relaxed and upbeat vibe.

The ticketed Cowes Week Opening Party on Saturday (July 27) is sold out, but there will also be a free afternoon concert at 4.30pm on Sunday (July 28) with Utmost Elton, a leading tribute act in the UK circuit.

On Wednesday (July 30), you can join the party with a concert performance by Ultra 90s vs 2000s Experience, playing dance hits with a live seven-piece band. 

Tribute band and festival crowd-pleasers Chic to Chic will visit the Island on Friday (August 2) to play a set of disco and funk mega-hits from Chic and Nile Rogers. Admission is free before 8pm with a wristband you can get from the venue across the week.

On Sunday (July 28) and Thursday (August 1), there is an opportunity to take part in family tree climbing experiences from midday.

Range Rover - Official Vehicle of Cowes Week

As the Official Vehicle of Cowes Week, Range Rover is offering an exciting driving experience at Cowes Yacht Haven. 

Using obstacles to demonstrate its off-road capability and technology, come and see for yourself what a Range Rover is capable of. 

Adults and children can all join for the ride and get a view of the Cowes Week regatta from a different angle!

Land Rover owners can also access complimentary refreshments on the display of their keyfob, and four-legged friends are also treated to snacks and a refreshing drink.

Cowes Parade

Throughout the week, various activities, entertainment and live music will take place on The Parade. 

The New Carnival Company will hold free workshops and the Starlight Academy U12 Show Team and Theatretrain will perform on Sunday (July 28), 

Live music will be played on The Parade everyday. 

The Parade during Cowes Week in 2023 (Image: IWCP)

Women's Day

Tuesday (July 30) is Women's Day at Cowes Week to highlight the important impact that women already have in the world's biggest keelboat regatta.

To celebrate women in maritime, Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT) are hosting a Women's Day Panel from 12pm - 2pm at the Island Sailing Club. 

The panel represents two decades of inspirational women whose maritime journeys started with them.

The panellists include active volunteers, global navigators, history-making captains and more. 

These trailblazing women will share their lived experiences and talk about how TSYT helped kick-start their maritime journeys.

Live entertainment at Cowes pubs, bars and restaurants

Various pubs and venues dotted around Cowes and the seafront are putting on live entertainment throughout the week.

Venues include Cowes Yacht Haven, The Globe, The Anchor, The Fountain, The Duke of York, Commodore's House and Foresters Hall.

Cowes Yacht Haven during Cowes Week in 2023 (Image: IWCP)

Art Courtyard

Island artists Gail Willows and Anna Wyeth are joining forces to bolster Cowes’ art scene with the Art Courtyard.

This artistic collaboration will transform the Olesinski super yacht designer’s courtyard and building, located on Cowes High Street next to the Heron Restaurant.

Within the Olesinski building, visitors can enjoy art and meet Gail and Anna, gaining insight into the inspiration behind their sea inspired works.

The Heron Restaurant will be on site, offering a casual dining experience and drinks.

The Art Courtyard will be open daily throughout Cowes Week, and admission is free.

Anna and Gail outside the Olesinski building, located next to the Heron Restaurant on Cowes High Street (Image: Contributions)

Mount Gay Red Cap Party

Mount Gay will again host their infamous Red Cap Party on Thursday (August 1) at the Event Centre on Cowes Yacht Haven.

The first 200 Rum enthusiasts through the door will receive a much-coveted Mount Gay red cap. 

The party, with a Caribbean vibe, will start at 8pm and is free and exclusive to all competitors, which will be brought to town by a DJ providing the music until 1am.

Holy Trinity Church

The Holy Trinity Church, behind the Royal Yacht Squadron, will hold its Cowes Week Service at 6.15pm on Sunday (July 28) celebrating the 200th anniversary of the RNLI.

Follow The Trail - Light The South 

Light the South 2024, a national arts trail of original Lighthouse sculptures, has arrived in Cowes and East Cowes, with impressive artworks to look out for during Cowes Week.

Each Lighthouse sculpture stands at a whopping eight feet tall and carries a totally unique design. 

Each one is an original work of art, designed and hand-painted by one of many talented artists involved in the trial.

Alongside several giant sculptures, in place between Cowes Parade and the Red Funnel East Cowes Terminal, visitors can look forward to a display of mini-lighthouses and activities in the high street. 

These "Little Lights" have been designed and decorated by children from five Island schools: St Catherine's School in Ventnor, St George's School in Newport, Cowes Enterprise College, and Godshill Primary School.

There will also be an exhibition of nine professional artists "Little Lights" - a series of smaller sculptures hand painted as miniatures of designs along the main trail. 

These will be on display at the Sir Max Aitken Museum at Cowes Week between July 27 and August 2. 

Cowes Week 2024 Overall Prize Giving and Closing Party

The Overall Prize Giving will once again be held at 7.30pm on Friday (August 2) in the Event Centre at Cowes Yacht Haven, with first, second and third overall prizes presented to all classes, plus the Black and White Group Overall and the Regatta overall winner.

After a busy week out on the water, competitors can wind down at the Cowes Week Closing Party.

The party starts at 10pm, and entry will be with a competitor wristband, which can be picked up from the Cowes Week Regatta Office.

DJ Mark Covell will be back on the decks.