Looking for the best music festivals in the Caribbean 2023? Well, look no further! I’ve compiled the ultimate list of what I think are the best Caribbean festivals around these different idyllic islands and countries, and can’t wait to experience all of these myself someday!
It’s no secret that I’ve become a big fan of destination festivals, and the Caribbean is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world! Why not plan ahead your next vacation, and combine it with one of these quality Caribbean festivals!
Skip the cruises and all-inclusive resorts – and party it up to some of the world’s best musical artists!
The 12 Best Caribbean Music Festivals 2023
1) Vujaday Music Festival
Image via Vujaday Festival
When: February 2023
Where: Barbados
Out of all the new festivals I’ve heard of in recent years, Vujaday is easily one of the most intriguing of them all! This NEW destination festival in paradise almost seems too good to be true, especially with a star-studded underground house & techno line-up!
I’ve been dying to visit the idyllic island of Barbados ever since watching the iconic television show “FRIENDS”, and this might just be the best reason to start booking flights.
After a forced hiatus in recent years, Vujaday is making it’s massive return sometime 2023 – making it the perfect place to unplug, reconnect and embrace once again over 5 days of rhythm across 1 magical island.
“Join us on a remarkable journey where island relaxation and festival culture seamlessly intersect. Vujaday Music Festival is a thoughtfully curated selection of musical and cultural experiences that invites you to explore lush landscapes, dance on flawless palm-covered beaches and soak in translucent azure waters under a golden island sun. Ignite your sense of adventure, this is not a déjà vu; this is something you’ve never seen or felt before. This is Vujaday.”
2) Tmrw.Tday Culture Fest
When: May 2023 (TBC)
Where: Negril, Jamaica
Part Retreat, Part Music Festival, and 100% Life Experience
“A better Tmrw begins Tday along the breathtaking paradise of Negril, Jamaica’s famed 7-mile beach. Embrace the positive shift within your soul and watch the world begin to smile. Jamaica’s third annual Tmrw.Tday Culture Fest invites you to become part of a global movement, a catalyst for change to lighten our hearts and remedy our planet. Embark on a six-day journey of consciousness, conviction and growth through wellness, music, dance, art, nature and natural therapies.
Step outside the boundaries of everyday life and into the experiential festival of a lifetime, where you become the vibe selector to craft your own vacation, from dawn til dusk.
The 2019 event gave guests the chance to take part in reggae and house music concerts along the beach, cannabis and wellness programming, sacred plant medicine ceremonies, inspirational talks, and much more during one magical and transformational week. As well, the festival was once again centered around the Irie Soul Retreat, which was expertly curated by the spiritual leader of the tribe and founder Stacy Irie Soul and featured powerful daily programming that fused yoga, meditation, ecstatic dance, sound healing, inspiring speakers and transformational workshops with the help of Acro Buddhas, Carmelinda Dimanno, Darren Austin Hall and more.”
Find Your Tribe: Tmrw.Tday
Facebook & Instagram
3) SXM Festival
When: March 8-12, 2023
Where: Happy Bay, St Martin
5-Days And 5-Nights Of House & Techno Bliss On The Magical Island Of Saint Martin In The Caribbean.
“Set on the paradise island of Saint-Martin / Sint-Maarten, featuring the creme of international DJs and electronic music talent, SXM Festival prides it itself upon drawing the most discerning crowd of music lovers.
A reaction to large, faceless festivals around the world, year one of SXM saw an influential group of dancefloor aficionados – who value and respect the scene’s history and culture – come together in beautiful surroundings to dance together and experience the joys of one of the Caribbean’s most fun and friendly locations.”
Credit: SXM Festival
A MAGICAL GATHERING LIKE NO OTHER
Experience St. Martin through 8 Surreal Venues. Take off on an adventure through secluded beaches, stunning villas, boats and beach clubs. Party from sunrise to sunset to sunrise again with thousands of people from over 35 countries
4) Love Festival Aruba
When: November 2023
Where: Oranjestad, Aruba
https://www.visitaruba.com/things-to-do/events/love-festival
“Aruba is part of the Dutch Kingdom. No need to mention, Holland is one of the first countries where house music exploded in the early 90’s. No wonder the biggest DJ’s and festivals have their roots in Holland….they have successfully been exploiting and evolving house music for over 25 years. So by combining the open minds of Aruba, with the kindness of the Indians, the imported knowledge of music from Europe with the beautiful beaches of Aruba, we believe we can provide a unique experience for you the festival goer.
Our mindset and motto is to deliver high quality music in a unique, energetic, but relaxed environment. So if you’d like take your flip flops off, and dance the day and night away, please be our guest. Remember, there nothing wrong if you choose to lay down on the white beach and count falling stars with happy people dancing in the back ground. The weekend yours, and Love Festival is here to you make it unforgettable.”
5) Dominican Holidaze
Photo via Facebook
When: December 2023 (Dates TBA)
Where: Higüey, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic
“Taking place at the recently opened and all-inclusive Breathless Resort Punta Cana, Dominican Holidaze is the continuation of both Caribbean Holidaze and Mayan Holidaze. Spend your days relaxing on the beach or by the pool, going off-site for various excursion adventures or participating in some of the artist-led activities that will be happening.”
6) Pirates Week Festival
When: November 2023 (3 Different Weekends)
Where: Cayman Brac, Grand Cayman, Little Cayman
https://www.piratesweekfestival.com/
The Pirates Are Coming!
While not necessarily a music festival…this definitely looks like an experience of a lifetime!
“Perhaps no other Caribbean nation celebrates its pirate legends and cultural heritage quite like the Cayman Islands, which erupts into a festival of spectacle and pageantry during our annual Pirates Week in November.
Spectators will also enjoy a series of parades and fireworks displays, street dances, costume contests, sporting competitions, happy hours, a celebration of traditional foods, music and much more, stretching across all three islands.”
7) Reggae Sumfest
When: July 2023
Where: Montego Bay, JAMAICA
“Sumfest has earned a reputation as the Caribbean’s premier music festival, showcasing Jamaica’s indigenous music, as well other popular global genres of music. Now in its 27th year, the world’s greatest Jamaican reggae/dancehall music festival continues to pay homage to the musical genres that originated in Jamaica that have broadly influenced the chart topping urban and pop music of today.
Sumfest continues to add unprecedented value to “Brand Jamaica” by promoting three of the country’s most valuable products – the music, the culture, and the island itself as a global tourist destination. This has been expanded on a grand scale globally by the high quality widely promoted live streaming and video content made available of Reggae Sumfest on broadcast and streaming platforms, taking Jamaican music, artists, and culture to every continent and country on earth. Reggae Sumfest is one of the most viewed music festivals in the world.”
8) Soul Music Beach Festival
When: May 24-29, 2023 (Memorial Day Weekend)
Where: ARUBA
“Join us for the 20th Annual Soul Beach Music Festival on the gorgeous island of Aruba, Memorial Day Weekend! Ride the waves of the Soul Beach Music Festival, which was voted one of the “Top Five Caribbean Celebrations by USA TODAY”, as well as #1 “Caribbean Summer Festival” by Jetsetter Magazine.
The 20th Annual Soul Beach Music Festival will offer a unique combination of excitement and sophistication nestled in an intimate setting, all on the beautiful island of Aruba. Be part of the action, because our festival is sure to amaze you with sultry day and night events, the hottest internationally renowned performing artists in music and comedy, all in one jam packed weekend of music, fun and sun! Just when you thought it couldn’t get any hotter, loyal followers and newcomers alike are sure to enjoy the sexy, smoldering beaches and entertainment!”
9) St. Kitts Music Festival
When: June 2022
Where: Basseterre, St. Kitts
https://stkittsmusicfestival.net/
“Blending an exciting atmosphere with exhilarating performances, the St. Kitts Music Festival is the most diverse musical experience in the Caribbean. The St. Kitts Music Festival is an unforgettable experience. This magical extravaganza of music is hosted, each year, during the last week of June, in the Caribbean island of St. Kitts.
Since 1996, when the festival was inaugurated, many of the most talented and celebrated artistes, of all genres, have graced the stage, delivering world class performances that gratify the cravings of thousands of fans who make the journey from the United States, Canada, Europe and closer to home in the Caribbean.
After two decades, the event is now the top music festival in the entire Caribbean, blending Soul, Soca, Jazz, R&B, Calypso, Meringue, Zouk, Cadence, Dancehall, Reggae, Gospel and Blues, into a potpourri of musical delights. At the St. Kitts Music Festival, there is music for everyone.But the festival is more than music. It is a party of unimaginable island experience, bringing Kittitians together with visitors to explore the rainforest, discover the pristine marine underworld of the stunning beaches that mark the landscape, engage in the finest Caribbean cuisine, all night parties and to soak up the pleasures of life in a tropical paradise.
The St Kitts Music Festival has earned the reputation for being the most diversified music show in the Caribbean.”
10) My Morning Jacket’s One Big Holiday
Photo via Facebook
When: March 2023
Where: Hard Rock Hotel, Punta Cana, Domincan Republic
http://www.mmjonebigholiday.com/
Life At One Big Holiday
“This intimate, all-inclusive event is not your typical concert experience – it’s a home away from home for like-minded people who share an appreciation for incredible music, and a community of artists filled with a passion for sharing their gifts and bringing people together.
My Morning Jacket One Big Holiday has taken place in Mexico and the Dominican Republic – always offering fans the suite life in paradise with pools, beaches, restaurants, and bars just steps away. The One Big Holiday experience offers an all-inclusive package and music performances on multiple stages, just steps away from the suites.
Our full schedule of daytime activities offers something for everyone, no matter your pace or interests! Stay active by participating in artist workshops, poolside games and morning yoga, or spend your days sunbathing or decompressing at the spa. In the evening, get decked out for our theme night, head to one of the all-inclusive restaurant options for dinner, and gear up for a night of music.”
11) Jam Fest
When: March 2022
Where: St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
“We offer a very unique experience as our festival is on an island that is less than 20 square miles in size. Going to St. John is like going back in time. We have no traffic lights, no airport, and no chain stores or restaurants. Most of our island is part of the National Park and is unspoiled.
We are often compared to the Fyre Festival that never happened, and we roll with the jokes and jabs.
Our 1st festival in March of 2019 was very much a success, and we plan to improve every year! In addition to great music, we had live art by Because of the Lotus, fire dancers, hoopers, henna and other entertainment. And as a bonus, a Passport is not required for U.S. Citizens to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands. Our American guests get a quintessential Caribbean experience without Customs hassles and fees. We offer on-site camping with an amazing view of the Caribbean Sea (see pic below). Our headliners for 2020 are Chali 2na, Passafire and Zach Deputy. We invite you to check us out and join us!”
12) Meet! Festival
When: April 14-17, 2022
Where: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Endless clear blue seas, gently swaying palm trees, secluded cenotes and lush green jungle.
Miles of soft sand beaches, a rich melting pot of Caribbean cultures, mouthwatering gastronomy and high spec production with a world class soundtrack from a huge line-up. These are just some of the reasons the bespoke and boutique Meet! Festival is a game changing underground gathering that has put the eyes of the world on the Dominican Republic!
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