TT Races (late May–early June) is by far the island's biggest event. The Tourist Trophy motorcycle races have been run since 1907 on a closed-road circuit of 37.73 miles. The two-week festival draws around 40,000 visitors and has an intense, carnival atmosphere concentrated on the Douglas promenade. The racing itself is spectacular and dangerous; the Mountain Course has claimed more than 260 lives. "Mad Sunday" during TT fortnight opens sections of the course to general motorcycle traffic, drawing amateur riders from across Europe.
Manx Grand Prix (late August–early September) is a lower-key version of the TT using the same circuit, aimed at amateur and clubman racers. The island is far less crowded and accommodation is easier to find.
Tynwald Day (5 July) is the island's national day, held at St John's on the plain at the centre of the island, where the Tynwald has met in the open air since medieval times. The ceremony involves members of both chambers of parliament reading out new legislation — a direct continuation of the Norse tradition of announcing laws to the population. It is free to attend and genuinely unusual.
Yn Chruinnaght Celtic Festival (July) is a week-long festival celebrating Manx culture and its connections to the other Celtic nations, with music, dance, and language events.
Hop-tu-Naa (31 October) predates Halloween and marks the Celtic new year. Children carry lanterns carved from turnips (not pumpkins) and sing traditional songs. It is a real local tradition, not a commercial event.
The Big Manx Feast (September) is an annual food and drink festival celebrating local produce, held in Douglas.