Antigua Carnival 2027: dates, what to expect and how to go

Antigua Carnival runs from the end of July to the first Tuesday in August, so in 2027 the last two days fall in early August. The official 2027 calendar hasn't been published yet; we'll update this page when it is.

Our 2027 departure dates aren't released yet. You can ask to be notified on the trip page.

Antigua Carnival commemorates emancipation from slavery. The modern carnival began in 1957, replacing the Old Time Christmas Festival, and its calendar takes in the Party Monarch and Calypso Monarch competitions, the Panorama steel band competition, pageants and the Parade of Bands. J'ouvert brings brass and steel bands onto the streets.

This is the shape of our Antigua Carnival itinerary, day by day. Events can change from year to year, so the trip page always has the current plan.

• Day 1: Arrive in Antigua – Meet and Greet. Arrive at V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) and transfer to your accommodation. Once you've settled in, meet your Soca Islands Host and the group you'll be sharing Carnival week with.
• Day 2: Drink Til Ya Weakkkkk – Melting Pot. The first fete of the trip is Drink Til Ya Weak, with big music and plenty of energy to get things started.
• Day 3: Land and Sea Tour – Best F*cking Fete (BFF). Spend the day exploring Antigua on a land and sea tour of the island's coastline and quieter corners.
• Day 4: Ripple and Tease Boat Cruise x Beach Party. The morning is free to relax by the water or explore. In the afternoon, set sail on a boat cruise with drinks and music, then carry on at Ripple and Tease, a beach party that runs into the evening.
• Day 5: De Breakfast Fete. An early start at De Breakfast Fete. After that, the rest of the day and evening are yours to rest, explore or link up with the group.
• Day 6: J’ouvert – Carnival Street Parade (Monday Wear). Head out before sunrise for J'ouvert, jumping through the streets covered in paint, mud or oil.
• Day 7: Carnival Tuesday (Full Costume). Carnival Tuesday. In full costume, you'll parade through St. John's, Antigua's capital, with your band and the crowds, in the grand finale of the two-day street parade.
• Day 8: Antigua Departure. Depending on your departure time, there may be a few hours for souvenirs or a last swim. Then say goodbye to the group and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

The trip page currently shows from US$3,695 per person sharing.

Costumes are bought directly from the band. On our trip you play mas with Myst, and we help with registration and choosing your section. International flights and travel insurance are extra.

Compare every carnival in Caribbean carnival packages 2027.

Fly into and out of V.C. Bird International Airport, Antigua (ANU).

Our small groups of 6 to 16 travellers include fete tickets, hotel, airport transfers and a Soca Islands host. See the Antigua Carnival trip for dates, prices and what's included.