Did you know that the Caribbean throws their own music festivals?

The Caribbean and its islands are often only thought of for their beaches and azure colored water, but its rich heritage and culture come together to create a unique musical identity that is unrivaled. From steel pans to Reggae and Soca to jazz and arts festivals, Caribbean music entices all. The Caribbean region’s music festivals, popular festivals have attracted world-class performers making them a Caribbean travel destination and have been ranked among the top musical experiences in the world—and with an amazing backdrop such as the Caribbean ocean, why wouldn’t they be?  

 *Please note, due to the COVID-19 global pandemic many of these festivals have been postponed to later in the year or canceled until their 2021 dates. 

Ever ask yourself what are some of the Caribbean festivals? Read below to see 17 music festival that happens in the Caribbean.

Saint Lucia Jazz Festival

May | Saint Lucia | Website

St. Lucia jazz and are typically held in May the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival is organized in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center, positioning it as the premier jazz festival in the Caribbean. This week-long vibrant jazz festival has been attracting festival-goers from around the world since 1992 and features intimate indoor and outdoor venues. The festival’s line up celebrates international, Saint Lucian, and Caribbean jazz. 

Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival

May, Aruba | Website

This Memorial Day Weekend festival of live music and comedy was voted one of the “Top Five Caribbean Celebrations” by USA Today and the #1 “Caribbean Summer Festival” by Jetsetter Magazine. The Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival features five days of world-class pop, soul, and hip hop artists and comedy performances. One of the best festivals in the world.

World Creole Music Festival

October | Dominica | Website

Established in the island’s capital, Roseau, the World Creole Music Festival was established to promote Caribbean travel and create a global platform for indigenous Dominican music. Dubbed “the festival that never sleeps”, this multi-day event attracts over 10,000 festival-goers and hosts upwards of 20 music and cultural performances across Roseau. Year after year the festival draws a star-studded lineup and exposes festival-goers to fusion music forms such as Cadence-lypso, Kompa, Zouk, Soukous, Bouyon, and Zydeco. The festival offers guests a wide range of opportunities to experience the event and Dominica at their own pace; there are traditional dancing performances, authentic food and dishes, all-inclusive lounge areas, and more.  

Reggae Sumfest

July | Jamaica | Website

Reggae Sumfest is considered one of the biggest festivals in the Caribbean region.

Sumfest has become the Caribbean’s premiere music festival destination celebrating Jamaica’s indigenous music that has influenced global chart-topping urban and pop music. Many of Sumfest’s performances can be streamed online, allowing a global audience and becoming one of the most viewed festivals in the world. The festival has hosted acts and artists such as Barrington Levy, Rihanna, Bounty Killer, Damian Marley, Ziggy Marley, Kayne West, and more. 

Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival

January | Jamaica | Website

Originally established to promote travel and tourism for Jamaica and the Caribbean region the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival (previously the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival) is a week-long event starting in Kingston, traveling to Montego Bay, and finishes in Trelawny. Music and performances featuring more than jazz and blues, performances include Latin, Reggae, Soca, and other Caribbean region fusions.

Pure Grenada Music Festival

June | St. Georges, Grenada | Website

Boasting one of the more picturesque music festival backdrops in the Caribbean, the Pure Grenada Music Festival takes place on the capital’s village green overlooking St. George’s Bay. The festival is known for its wide variety of artists and performances and participants can expect to partake in cultural experiences, educational workshops, and community engagement opportunities. 

Rebel Salute

January | Priory, Jamaica | Website

Held every year in January this music festival began as a birthday celebration for reggae icon Tony Rebel. Since then the event has evolved and become renowned for its focus on roots and conscious music. Rebel Salute makes its mark on the festival scene by catering to a vegetarian menu and facilitating a drug and alcohol-free experience. Between the festival line up and additional attendee opportunities—like artist meet and greets—this festival is celebrated for its authentic heritage and sounds.

St. Kitts Music Festival

June | Kt. Kitts | Website

This Caribbean music festival began as an economic driver but its primary goal is to showcase Kittitian talent and connect them with visiting artists, promoters, and tourists. Originally conceptualized as a jazz festival St. Kitts has evolved into all Caribbean region genres, blending them all into a “potpourri of musical delights”. Because this the music festival is credited as the most diversified show in the Caribbean and has hosted an impressive line up of musicians such as Lionel Richie, K Michelle, Chris Browne, Fantasia, Goo Goo Dolls, Kenny Rogers and more. 

Atlantis Sensation Spring Break

March | Paradise Island, Bahamas | Website

Atlantis’ Sensation Spring Break is still young (its inaugural year was 2020) but shows a lot of promise. Hosted by Atlantis the festival is packed with beach parties, open bar, and nightly deejays on the warm sands of the resort’s West Beach.

Vujaday Music Festival

April | Barbados | Website

Vujaday is where "island relation and festival culture seamlessly intersect” and features world-class deejays at exclusive venues. This boutique electronic music festival includes excursions, tours, and boat cruises for its guests, offering them an authentic window into Barbados’ culture. Performances and parties take place at venues around the island but festival organizers build attendee anticipation by unveiling additional secret locations as they get closer to the event dates. 

Tmrw.Tday Culture Fest

April | Negril, Jamaica | Website

This part music fest, part retreat, event has been named by Billboard as one of the 10 Caribbean festivals. The event’s goal is to create a perfect balance of wholeness, wellness, and soul celebration bringing attendees together in a one love vibe. Musical performances focus on roots and new reggae, a spiritual house, and conscious beats, while the retreat offers yoga sessions, meditation, inspirational speakers, fire ceremonies, and more. The event attracts those who consider themselves “soul rebels”, people who are searching for experiences and connections that inspire, elevate, and push them to be better. 

SXM Festival

Mary | St. Martin | Website

The musical curation at SXM Festival is house and techno music. The event lineup typically features 80+ deejays from all over the world to include superstars and up and coming artists. The music is just one part of the performance. SXM is known for its “Deco team” comprised of creative recuperative artists who design jaw-dropping sets that transport festival-goers to another world. The Deco team and SXM are known for their focus on sustainability and reducing their impact on the Earth and island. Materials used for set design are 90% recycled and the festival implements various initiatives to reduce paper and plastic and even facilitates a beach clean-up day with festival-goers. 

Love Festival

November | Oranjestad, Aruba | Website

Love Festival is all about house music and their goal is relaxation. This festival is all about kicking your flip flops off and enjoying simple pleasures and warm beaches. As part of the dutch kingdom—known for House music—Love Festival features an ingrained knowledge of European music that sets this festival apart. 

My Morning Jacket’s One Big Holiday

Mexico and Caribbean | Website

One Big Holiday prides itself on not being a typical concert experience—this multi-day music festival is an all-inclusive home away from home. It has been hosted in various places in Mexico and in Punta Canta, Dominican Republic, but the festival-goers always have one thing in common, an appreciation for music and artists who want to share their talent and bring people together. Daytime activities offer something for everyone, attendees can participate in artist workshops, morning yoga, poolside games or just kick back on the beach and decompress at the spa. In the evening, attendees gear up for theme parties and a full night of music and dancing. 

VI Jam Fest

March | St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands | Website

A relatively young music festival Jam Fest takes place at Neptune’s Lookout on historic Estate Susannaberg. The festival offers onsite camping with incredible views overlooking the Caribbean’s azure waters. This getaway is promised to be an opportunity to cleanse yourself and immerse yourself into a world of community, music, and art. With backers like Because of Lotus, who are famous for their event art installations, Jam Fest combines natural beauty, fine art, and incredible music to create a one-of-a-kind experience. 

Curacao North Sea Jazz

September | Willemstad, Curacao | Website

Although pegged as a jazz festival the Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival actually has music for just about everybody. In past years they’ve brought A-list performers such as Mariah Carey, Maroon 5, Pitbull, Lionel Richie, Gladys Knight, and Nicky Jam. Curaçao is often an overlooked island but beyond hosting a world-class music festival is has so much to offer in the way of adventure, culture, beautiful Caribbean resorts, and heritage. 

Trinidad and Tobago Carnival

February | Trinidad and Tobago | Website

Known as the greatest show on Earth, the Trinidad Carnival is a cultural event celebrating the freedom and emancipation of African slaves on the island. The Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is one of the biggest festivals in the world and also one of the most desired destinations in the world. Costumes, parades, and healthy competition are all part of the celebration’s grandeur. Musical performances focus on Soca music and the biggest musical competition is the battle to be named Calypso Monarch; the title comes with an approximately $1 million prize and endorsements. It’s said that when the residents are celebrating the Carnival, they’re preparing for it. 

In conclusion, if you ever found yourself asking, what are some festivals in the Caribbean? What is the largest festival in the Caribbean? What is the most popular music festival in the Caribbean? Then I hope this post answered some of those questions for you.

Like, comment and share with your friend to start planning your new Caribbean destinations music festivals for 2021.