Antigua and Barbuda is gearing up for one of the Caribbean’s biggest summer celebrations, with just one month to go before Antigua Carnival 2026 kicks off.

The festival returns from July 25 to August 4, 2026, bringing 11 days of music, masquerade, cultural events and parties under the theme “Feel the Rhythm.”

The island will come alive with the sounds of steelpan, calypso and soca, as visitors and returning nationals join locals for street parades, live performances and traditional carnival celebrations.

Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission Chair Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul said this year’s festival is an invitation for people to experience the culture and energy of the twin-island nation.

“Antigua Carnival 2026 invites the world to ‘Feel the Rhythm’ as we host the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival,” Makhoul said.

She described the event as more than a celebration, saying it represents the island’s culture, music and traditions while building anticipation for the festival’s 70th anniversary in 2027.

Chief Marketing Officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Charmaine Spencer said Carnival offers visitors the opportunity to experience the destination at its most vibrant.

She highlighted the combination of music, local cuisine, beaches and the warmth of the Antiguan people as part of what makes the festival a major summer attraction.

The 2026 programme will feature some of the island’s biggest carnival events, including the opening of Carnival City, J’ouvert, the Parade of Bands, Last Lap and major music competitions.

Among the highlights is “Face Off: Antigua vs Dominica”, which will see Antigua and Barbuda’s Burning Flames go head-to-head with Dominica’s Triple K International.

Regional soca stars including Patrice Roberts, Machel Montano, Voice and Skinny Fabulous are also expected to headline performances alongside Antigua and Barbuda’s own soca artistes.

The festival will also showcase steelpan talent during the Panorama competition and feature competitions for the Calypso Monarch and Party Monarch titles.

Antigua Carnival 2026 highlights include:

• Face Off – July 24
• T-Shirt Mas and Carnival City opening – July 25
• Junior Carnival – July 26
• Patrice Roberts: I Am Woman concert – July 28
• Long Bay Lager Caribbean Melting Pot – July 30
• Calypso Monarch – July 31
• Panorama – August 1
• Party Monarch – August 2
• J’ouvert – August 3
• Monday Mas and Parade of Bands – August 3-4
• Last Lap – August 4