Carnival in Bermuda 2025: Revelry, Rhythms & Island Radiance

If you're dreaming of feathers, paint, sun-drenched beaches, and non-stop soca beats, it’s time to set your compass to Bermuda. From June 11–16, 2025, the island transforms into a kaleidoscope of music, culture, and pure Caribbean joy for Carnival in Bermuda — a high-energy celebration that’s quickly becoming one of the most talked-about events in the global carnival circuit.

A Modern Carnival with Deep Island Roots

Bermuda may be best known for its pastel cottages and pink-sand beaches, but since 2015 it’s also made waves with an annual carnival celebration that rivals older Caribbean carnivals in spirit and energy. Originally launched as Bermuda Heroes Weekend, the event was designed to fuse Caribbean carnival elements with local culture and honor the island’s National Heroes Day.

Fast forward to 2025, and Bermuda Carnival is a week-long explosion of vibes — part soca spectacle, part cultural tribute, and 100% unforgettable. It's where you'll see masqueraders dancing through the streets in elaborate costumes, sunrise parties with DJs spinning soca on boats, and the entire island rallying around a spirit of unity and joy.

Carnival 2025: Your Day-by-Day Party Planner

The official dates for Bermuda Carnival 2025 are June 11–16, and each day brings its own unique energy. Whether you're a sunrise feter, a dancehall enthusiast, or a parade-day chippin’ champion, there's something on the schedule for you.

Wednesday, June 11 – Opening Fête

The party starts on Front Street in Hamilton with Harbour Nights x Carnival Family Fete, a free street party merging local culture with carnival energy. It’s family-friendly but still festive — think live performances, food stalls, and steel pan rhythms under the stars.

Thursday, June 12 – All-Inclusive Madness Begins

The action ramps up with Evolve, an all-inclusive fête where DJs, open bars, and gourmet food set the weekend's tone. Later that night, Army Fete takes over with camouflage gear, paint, and plenty of soca thumping into the night.

Friday, June 13 – Day to Night Vibes

Start your day early (like, 5:00 AM early) with Oasis Sunrise Fete at Barr’s Bay Park, where dancing in the morning sun becomes a spiritual experience. Later, Spiced Old School Soca hits you with throwback jams, followed by We Love Dancehall, a bashment that turns up the heat at Bermuda’s National Sports Centre.

Saturday, June 14 – Swizzle & Splash

Swizzle @ Sunrise is your dawn-to-morning jam session — think glowsticks, Soca warriors, and a few rum punches. In the afternoon, get ready for WAVES: Soca in the Water, the iconic raft-up party. Boats link up, people swim and dance, and DJs blast tunes across the turquoise harbor. It’s part pool party, part floating festival.

Sunday, June 15 – The Wildest Day

Starting at midnight, Jammin’ Still is the newest addition to the marathon — an after-midnight fête for the die-hards. Then, at 9:00 AM, WETTA takes the crown as Bermuda’s most infamous wet fête. Get ready to be soaked in water (and possibly paint), dance until your legs give out, and revel like there’s no tomorrow. Finally, cleanse your soul (and maybe your Instagram feed) with Glow — an upscale, all-white soirée in Queen Elizabeth Park, themed “Enchanted Garden” for 2025. Chic, vibrant, and effortlessly magical.

Monday, June 16 – The Grand Finale

Rise early (or stay up late) for JAM J’Ouvert at 2:30 AM. This paint and powder street party is messy, freeing, and gloriously wild. A few hours later, it’s time for the Parade of Bands — where masqueraders don show-stopping costumes and take to the streets in a dazzling, rhythmic procession. This year introduces the exciting new tradition of “crossing de stage,” giving every mas band its moment of glory. It’s the peak of the Carnival experience — the kind of joy you’ll still be smiling about when your flight home takes off.

The Carnival Vibe: What Makes Bermuda Special

Carnival in Bermuda hits different. Maybe it’s the fusion of British charm, Caribbean flavor, and Bermudian hospitality. Maybe it’s the surreal setting — dancing in the streets with turquoise water just steps away.

Music is the heartbeat of the week: soca dominates, but you’ll hear dancehall, reggae, and even some Bermudian Gombey rhythms. Local performers, steel pan bands, and world-class DJs keep every stage alive.

What truly sets Bermuda Carnival apart is its atmosphere. It’s welcoming, inclusive, and electric. Veterans of Trinidad, Miami, or Notting Hill Carnivals rave about Bermuda’s tight vibe, friendly crowd, and the unbeatable setting. And whether you're playing mas or just watching from the sidewalk, there's a sense of community in every wining waist and every splash of paint.

Masqueraders: Playing Mas in Paradise

Want the full Carnival experience? Then you’ve gotta play mas — join a masquerade band for the Parade of Bands. You’ll choose your costume, register with a band (like NOVA Mas or Rave), and chip down Hamilton’s streets in sequins, feathers, and euphoria.

Costumes range from minimalist to maximalist (think glittering wings and jeweled bikinis), and packages often include drinks, lunch, and entry to the Monday parade. It’s immersive, it’s intoxicating, and it’s downright fun. No one judges, everyone dances — and for that one day, you're part of living art.

Crowd & Community

Carnival in Bermuda draws people from everywhere — New York, Toronto, London, Trinidad, and of course, from across Bermuda itself. You’ll meet carnival chasers, first-timers, and local legends all vibing together. The crowd skews mostly 20s to 40s, but everyone’s welcome. From epic dance-offs to new friends waving your flag, the energy is both high-octane and heartwarming.

Travel, Tickets & Tips for an Easy Carnival Trip

While the first 1,000 words were all about the Carnival experience, the remaining section covers what every savvy traveler needs to know to make Bermuda Carnival 2025 a breeze:

• Flights: Book early — direct flights from NYC, Toronto, London, and several U.S. hubs land at L.F. Wade International (BDA). Try to arrive by June 11 (or earlier).
• Stay: Hamilton is your best bet for proximity to the action. Book months in advance — boutique hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnbs sell out fast.
• Getting Around: No rental cars, but scooters, electric mini-cars, ferries, buses, and taxis are all great options. Use Twizys or book group transport if you’re hitting multiple events.
• Tickets: Events are mostly à la carte — buy on PTIX.bm. Early bird = cheaper, and many parties (like Evolve and Wetta) are all-inclusive with drinks/food.
• Mas Band Registration: Visit novamasintl.com or Rave’s site to browse costumes and sign up. Prices vary, but include a full day of magic.
• Packing: Don’t forget waterproof phone pouches, sunscreen, flags, and outfits you can trash at J’ouvert. And bring that all-white look for Glow!

Carnival in Bermuda 2025 is your chance to party with purpose, celebrate culture, and soak in some of the most stunning island views you’ll ever see. From paint-splattered sunrise parties to elegant nighttime fetes, this island knows how to throw a party — and you’re invited.