Caribbean Festivals and Events

Carnivals, music festivals and street parties worth planning a trip around.

Carnival is the big festival across much of the Caribbean, but it does not happen at the same time everywhere. Aruba celebrates in the weeks before Lent, St. Lucia moved its carnival to July, and Barbados holds Crop Over, its harvest festival, through the summer. Music festivals add to the calendar, from reggae in Jamaica to jazz in St. Lucia.

Festival dates change every year, and hotels fill early around the main events, so confirm dates with the organizers and book well ahead.

Annual Festivals and Events

Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastianusually mid-January · Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Several days of parades, music, crafts and street food closing the holiday season.

Aruba Carnivalusually January to the start of Lent · Oranjestad and San Nicolas

Weeks of parades, music competitions and a lighting parade, ending before Ash Wednesday.

Holetown Festivalusually February · Holetown, Barbados

A week-long festival marking the first English settlement, with music, crafts and a street parade.

Oistins Fish Festivalusually Easter weekend · Oistins, Barbados

A festival of fishing traditions with boat races, fish-boning contests and music.

Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festivalusually late April to May · Pigeon Island and around St. Lucia

Jazz, R&B and Caribbean music with a main stage at Pigeon Island.

Saint Lucia Carnivalusually July · Castries, St. Lucia

Calypso and soca competitions and costumed street parades.

Reggae Sumfestusually July · Montego Bay, Jamaica

One of the largest reggae and dancehall festivals in the world.

Crop Overusually June to early August · Barbados

A summer festival rooted in the end of the sugar harvest, ending with the Grand Kadooment parade.

Dates move from year to year — confirm on the organizer’s site before you plan around an event.

Official Event Calendars

Visit Jamaica signature eventsThe Jamaica Tourist Board's list of major festivals. Aruba events calendarThe Aruba Tourism Authority's calendar. Visit Barbados events and festivalsFestivals, sports and cultural events from the Barbados tourism board. Saint Lucia festivalsThe Saint Lucia Tourism Authority's festival listings.

Want help planning the Caribbean?

Tell us when you are coming and what you enjoy. A travel specialist will put together hotel, activity and travel options for you — free, with no obligation.

Get free trip quotes »

the Caribbean Events — FAQ

When is carnival in the Caribbean?

It varies by island. Aruba and Trinidad celebrate before Lent, St. Lucia in July and Barbados holds Crop Over through the summer, ending in early August.

Do festivals raise hotel prices?

Yes, around the biggest events, such as Crop Over and Reggae Sumfest. Book early if your dates overlap one.