This Island Is Home to the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival, From Street Parties to Steel Pan Showdowns and an Unmatched “Vibe”

J’ouvert. Panorama. Soca Monarch. If you haven’t experienced the event they call the “Caribbean’s greatest summer festival,” it’s time to think about planning your trip for Antigua carnival. Simply put, it’s a vibe. 

And that’s precisely the theme of this year’s event, which runs from July 25 to Aug. 5, 2025: “Itz a Vibe.”

This year’s Antigua Carnival is back again for an even bigger celebration of music, culture, revelry and mas, another major event for one of the fastest-growing destinations in the Caribbean. 

And there’s nothing quite as big on the island as carnival, which brings in thousands of visitors drawn to the party atmosphere and the island’s dynamic cultural experience. 

It’s an “amazingly immersive summer vacation,” says Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez. 

Carnival is “more than just another festival,” according to Daryll Matthew, the minister responsible for creative industries in Antigua. “It’s the heartbeat of our culture, the fuel for our creative industries and a major economic driver.”

So what’s on tap? The event kicks off with T-Shirt Mas on Jyl 26, with street parades launching with the unique fete; that’s followed by events like Jaycees Queen Show, Soca Monarch and the 40th anniversary celebration of Burning Flames. 

Then there are events like Panorama, the Parade of Bands and then the Last Lap, a high-energy street party in the heart of the island’s capital, St John’s. 

Of course, even a carnival trip to Antigua needs to include stops at some of the country’s legendary 365 beaches, UNESCO World Heritages sites and, thanks to new flights, a stop in Barbuda (lunch at Nobu, anyone?)

Are you planning a visit to Antigua Carnival? There are more flights to Antigua than ever, including some fares you can book for around $533 on American out of Miami, according to data from Google Flights. 

What about where to stay? Antigua has one of the most diverse hotel products of any island in the Caribbean, from historic inns in places like Nelson’s Dockyard (we love the Admiral’s Inn) to wonderful beach resorts like the St James’s Club and The Verandah, among others.

You can find the full schedule below.

T-Shirt Mas (July 26): Kick off the street parades with the unique and popular t-shirt mas.

Jaycees Queen Show (July 28): Witness elegance, poise, and regional talent.

Soca Monarch (Aug. 3): The battle of Antigua and Barbuda’s best soca artists. Expect high-energy performances, flag waving and dancing.

Burning Flames 40th Anniversary Celebration (July 30): Take a journey with Burning Flames as they take you through their oldest to their latest hits.  

Melting Pot (July 31): Performances by some of the top artists within the Caribbean.

Watch Night (Aug. 1): a rich cultural evening filled with songs, drumming, messages, iron band performances, and more, celebrating freedom, faith, community, and resilience.

Panorama (Aug. 2): The sweet sounds of steelpan take center-stage in this intense musical showdown.

J’ouvert (Aug. 4): Get ready for early morning jam sessions as you hit the streets and experience paint, powder, iron band, steel pan, music, and fun characters.

Monday Mas Parade & Parade of Bands (Aug. 4 & 5): Witness extravagant costumes, and epic vibes as mas players, musicians and festive groups bring the streets to life.

Last Lap (Aug. 5) End your Carnival with one final high-energy street party in St. John’s City.

For more, visit Antigua.