Festivals

Antigua Sailing Week

Season or date: Late April to early May annually

An international marine event known for world-class yacht racing and beach parties.

Summer Carnival (Antigua Carnival)

Season or date: Approximately 10 days centered on the first Monday and Tuesday of August

The biggest event featuring soca music, costume parades, and steelpan competitions celebrating independence.

Barbuda Caribana

Season or date: First weekend of June

Traditional dance competition and beach party held on Barbuda Island.

Independence Festival

Season or date: One week around November 1st

The town is decorated in national flag colors (red, blue, black) with food fairs and military parades for Independence Day.

Food & Rum Festival

Season or date: Mid-October

A gourmet event where local chefs and rum makers gather to compete in Caribbean cuisine.

Running of the Ol' Year

Season or date: Midnight on December 31st

A drum march sending off the old year.

Nelson's Dockyard Christmas Fair

Season or date: Mid-December

Handicraft market and concerts at the historic port.

Marlin Fest

Season or date: End of March

A sea festival combining fishing tournaments and seafood BBQ.

Dickenson Bay Beach Festa

Season or date: Second Saturday of July

A local event featuring all-day beach sports and outdoor concerts.

Easter Morning Sunrise Service

Season or date: Easter Sunday

A religious service where people gather at churches before dawn to sing hymns.

Public holidays

  • New Year's Day
  • Good Friday
  • Easter Monday
  • May Day (Labour Day)
  • Whit Monday
  • CARICOM Day
  • Summer Carnival Holiday
  • Independence Day
  • Christmas
  • Boxing Day