Festivals and events throughout the year
Aruba is a year-round destination, and the island's event calendar adds something extra to a beach holiday. From the colourful parades of Carnival to the windsurfers at Fisherman's Huts, these are the events worth planning your trip around. Exact dates change every year, so always check with the organisers before you book.
January – February: Aruba Carnival
Carnival is the biggest celebration of the year. Weeks of music contests, children's parades, the nighttime Lighting Parade and the Grand Parades in San Nicolas and Oranjestad end with the burning of King Momo just before Lent. Read our Aruba Carnival guide.
March: National Anthem and Flag Day
On 18 March Aruba celebrates its national anthem and flag. It is a public holiday with cultural performances, folk music and local food, and a good moment to experience Aruban pride.
April: King's Day
On 27 April Aruba joins the rest of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in celebrating King's Day, with festivities and activities around the island.
May: Aruba Hi-Winds
The Caribbean's best-known windsurfing and kitesurfing event has been held since 1987. Racers and freestylers compete at Fisherman's Huts, and watching is free. More about Aruba Hi-Winds.
June: Dia di San Juan
On 24 June Arubans celebrate Dia di San Juan with traditional music, bonfires and the Dera Gai harvest festivities.
July: Aruba International Regatta
Sailors from Aruba and neighbouring islands race at Surfside Beach in classes ranging from Optimist dinghies to yachts, with a lively regatta village on shore. More about the International Regatta.
August: International Pro-Am Golf Tournament
This tournament has traditionally been played at Tierra del Sol on the north coast. Check with the golf club for the current dates. More about the Pro-Am.
December: Dande
Around New Year's Eve, Dande groups go from house to house singing wishes of good luck for the new year, a unique Aruban musical tradition.
Events that no longer take place
- Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival – the last edition was held in 2018.
- Aruba International Film Festival – no longer organised; the Playa Film Festival is now Aruba's annual film festival.
- Rembrandt Regatta – no longer organised; see the Aruba International Regatta.
- Bon Bini Festival – currently on hold. Latest status.
Last updated: September 2026.