A year of regattas and Carnival
7 Antigua and Barbuda festivals and events, listed by month and region, from Carnival and Antigua Sailing Week to the Sunday barbecue party at Shirley Heights Lookout.
Antigua and Barbuda Independence Day
The national day on 1 November, marking independence from Britain in 1981, with a ceremonial parade, awards, food fairs, and a flag-raising in St. John's.
Explore event →Antigua and Barbuda Kite Festival
An Easter Monday tradition at Devil's Bridge, where families fly hundreds of handmade kites in the steady trade winds along the Atlantic coast.
Explore event →
Antigua Carnival
The Caribbean's biggest summer festival: nearly two weeks of soca, calypso, steelpan, and mas in St. John's, marking the 1834 abolition of slavery.
Explore event →Antigua Charter Yacht Show
A trade-only showcase of luxury charter yachts at Nelson's Dockyard and Falmouth Harbour each December, complete with a celebrated chefs' competition.
Explore event →Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta
A fleet of nearly 60 classic yachts, vintage racers, and towering tall ships gathers at Nelson's Dockyard each April for four days of racing under canvas.
Explore event →Antigua Sailing Week
One of the world's premier regattas, drawing 100-plus yachts to English and Falmouth Harbours each spring for racing, rum punch, and nightly shoreside parties.
Explore event →RORC Caribbean 600
A 600-nautical-mile offshore yacht race that starts and finishes off Antigua, looping past 11 Caribbean islands in one of the toughest tests on the racing calendar.
Explore event →Plan around Sailing Week or Carnival
Antigua Sailing Week runs from April 21 to 25, 2027, and Carnival is reported for July 20 to August 3, 2027. Shirley Heights Lookout advertises barbecue parties on Sunday and Thursday nights. Check each event page for its dates before you book.