Known as the island of 365 beaches, exploring one each day of the year in the twin islands of Antigua and Barbuda is a great reason to visit. Barbuda is an eco-traveler’s dream to visit. The beautiful white and pink sand beaches are protected by miles of coral reefs, which is perfect for snorkeling. The island is also home to the beautiful Frigate birds, with a Frigate bird Sanctuary. With a rich history that is still evident, and events such as Antigua Sailing Week held at English Habour, there is always something to enjoy in Antigua.
Why do you travel?
Antigua & Barbuda Events 2024
February
Jolly Harbour Valentine's Day Regatta February 9th-11th2024 - Hosted by the Jolly Harbour Yacht Club, this Regatta is a joyous tribute to the world of sailing, embodying the lively essence of our dynamic sailing community. Whether you're an experienced sailor or a fresh enthusiast, this gathering offers something special for every participant.
Antigua 360°race February 16th2024 - A counterclockwise circumnavigation around the island of Antigua, keeping all nearby islands, rocks, and reefs to the left (port side).
Royal Oceanic Race Club(RORC) Caribbean 600 race
February 19th- 23rd 2024 - 15th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 forms part of the Royal Ocean Racing Club's Season Points Championships, the world's largest offshore racing series, which for 2024 also includes the Roschier Baltic Sea Race, and the Rolex Middle Sea Race.
March
Playing to Inspire concert March 9th 2024 -
Hosted by the nonprofit youth music program, Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra to provide quality, fun and accessible music education, instruments, performance and mentorship opportunities to young musicians and music teachers across Antigua and Barbuda. This year's concert features J’Nai Bridges, a two-time Grammy® Award-winning American mezzo-soprano. Known for her "plush-voiced mezzo-soprano," as acclaimed by The New York Times.
Super Yacht Regatta March 11th-17th 2024 - The regatta's objective is to provide all the facilities to stage an ideal event for an exclusive selection of superyachts. Designed to be solely for the pleasure of superyacht owners, their guests and crew, the magnificent fleet takes part in five days of spectacular racing. Together with laid back social events, the regatta is a wonderful celebration of sailing and parties.
April
Antigua and Barbuda International Kite Festival April 1 2024 - Celebrate Easter Monday with a sky adorned by a dazzling array of traditional homemade kites, embraced by both the young and the young at heart in this festive tradition.
Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta April 17th-22th 2024 - 
It began in the 60s with chartered classic yachts in English Harbour challenging each other to a race to Guadeloupe at the end of the charter season. These informal races, lead to the commencement of Antigua Sailing Week in 1967. Over the years, this Classic Yacht Regatta has managed to maintain its prestige and a challenge to classic yacht racers.
Leading into the Antigua Sailing Week is the welcome party.
Antigua Sailing Week - April 27th - May 3rd 2024
Peters & May Round Antigua Race April 27th 2024- All are welcome and encouraged to enter this exciting one-day race. The race will also provide an excellent day of practice for boats preparing to compete in Antigua Sailing Week’s full week of racing, without being concerned that the scoring of this race will impact their week’s results. The Peters & May Round Antigua Race will be followed by an awards presentation to be held on the evening of Saturday, April 27, 2024.
May
Dockyard Day May 4 2024 - Celebrate Dockyard Day which showcases the rich cultural traditions of the National Park communities. The event, from 12 noon to 8 pm, offers a range of activities, including the model boat race highlighting English Harbour's unique traditions. Witness skilled model boat builders' talents on display before and after the race. Enjoy the Greasy Pole contest and Kayak race for a traditional and exciting family-friendly afternoon. The lawns of the Dockyard will host fair-type activities, with a featured Tug-0-War competition.
Restaurant Week May 4-19 2024 - 
Antigua and Barbuda Restaurant Week, organized by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, is a gastronomic journey that lasts for 14 days and promises to tantalize your taste buds while celebrating the destination's food, people, and culture. Visitors and residents can look forward to a diverse selection of delicious cuisine from various restaurants at discounted prices, special events, and appearances by renowned chefs.
Antigua to Bermuda Race May 8th 2024- The fifth edition of the Antigua Bermuda Race is set to commence from Antigua. This 935nm open-sea race is organized by the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club in partnership with Antigua Sailing Week and is sponsored by the Bermuda Tourism Authority and Goslings Rum. The event is inclusive of various yacht types and crew, and features lively parties in both Antigua and Bermuda.
Antigua 56th Annual Sport Fishing Tournament May 16 - 19 2024 - This event features fishing followed by an entertaining after-party suitable for the entire family. This is an enjoyable social event in Antigua, even for those who are not fishermen, and is among the most anticipated events on the yearly calendar.
Run In Paradise May 26 2024 - The course for the 8th annual race is primarily level with the exception of a few gentle inclines to provide a bit of a test. 
For the Half Marathon, participants will cover 6 km along the northeastern shoreline before returning to Barnacle Point and proceeding for an additional 15 km to reach the finish line at the stunning Fort James Beach on the Caribbean Sea, providing the opportunity to cool down post-race with a refreshing dip in the ocean. Meanwhile, the 10K and 5K runners will have a straightforward route leading to Fort James Beach.
Barbuda Caribana May 20 - 24 2024 -
Experience five days of exhilarating celebrations during the Barbuda Carnival, which includes the Caribana queen show, calypso competition, street dancing, and an abundance of thrilling activities.
Barbuda's Caribana is a festival that belongs to everyone, and it is with this principle in mind that we welcome you to join us in the revelry and excitement.
This festival is an explosion of culture, brimming with festivities and splendor. 
Along with the revelry, witness captivating daytime activities such as the Leeward Islands Classic Horse Race - one of the premier events of Caribana - as well as a car and bike show, beach bash, and food fair offering delectable seafood and wildlife delights.
As Caribana continues to flourish each year, visitors to Barbuda can relish in our island's renowned cuisine and stunning white sandy beaches surrounded by crystal-clear waters.
June
Turtle Tours Antigua
(June to October)
These tours are typically held on Friday Evenings during the nesting season. Tours begin at 7:30pm and last for approximately 3 hours of beach patrol on offshore island or on the mainland. Sightings may be hatching baby turtles or a mother climbing ashore to lay eggs. For more information contact the Environmental Awareness Group Of Antigua and Barbuda eagantigua@gmail.com
Romance Month Antigua and Barbuda celebrate Romance Month throughout June each year with the aim of establishing the twin-island nation as the premier romantic destination worldwide. This year's festivities will witness the revival of exceptional promotions such as the celebrity destination wedding, and tourism officials have taken further strides to position Antigua and Barbuda as the region's romance hub during this month of love.
To provide an effortless experience for arriving couples until June 30, the Tourism Authority has introduced the 'Love Lane' promotion, launched at VC Bird International Airport. Couples will be able to utilize a special couples-only lane, enabling them to bypass immigration procedures expeditiously.
July
North American Optimist Championships (OptiNams) July 2-9, 2023- Will be hosted in Antigua and Barbuda, a venue that has been chosen once again for its world-class sailing. The event will be governed by IODA and will be held in partnership with the Antigua Yacht Club and Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, as well as with key support from the English Harbour community. Young sailors and their support teams from over 20 countries will gather on the islands for a week of exciting racing and competition.
The Optimist, which is considered the foundation of sailing, is a small, single-handed sailing dinghy that is immensely popular among youths aged 8 to 15 years. It is the world's largest sailing class, and many of the world's top sailors learned to sail in an Optimist.
Antigua Carnival July 25th - August 6th 2024
August
Antigua Carnival July 25th - August 6th 2024
Carnival Monday/J'Ouvert August 5 (Public Holiday)
Carnival Tuesday/ Last lap jump up (Pubic holiday) August 6th
Urlings Seafood Festival - August 11, 2024 - Every August, the Urlings Seafood Festival is organized, typically held after the Carnival weekend. The festival provides an opportunity for families and friends to have a peaceful day out while indulging in a variety of seafood delicacies that are sure to satisfy any seafood enthusiast.
The Piango Festival August 19 – 31, 2024 - The picturesque countryside serves as the backdrop for this two-day, family-friendly event held at the Cades Bay Pineapple Farm. The festival highlights the world-renowned "Antigua Black Pineapple," a sweet and succulent fruit grown exclusively in Antigua. Additionally, the event features a range of mangoes that are sure to impress mango aficionados.
September
Francis Nunes Jr Memorial Fishing Tournament and Seafood Festival September 27-28 2024. Fishing, food, fun and family. This annual event held at the Nelson's Dock Yard, English Harbour is a culinary delight, celebrating food and family. There will be lobster, crab, sushi, fried fish, fungi and seafood rice. The grills are fired up by 2.30 pm with fresh catch from the day's tournament, with drinks available from coffee to rum at great prices.
November
Antigua and Barbuda Independence Food Fair – November 1st , 2024 Antigua & Barbuda is set to celebrate its 43th Independence. During this time, the island comes alive with Antiguans & Barbudans bursting with patriotism and pride, eager to showcase their cuisine, talent and culture. A slew of cultural & religious activities also get underway leading up to the historic day.
Antigua and Barbuda Independence Day – November 1st 2024. Enjoy a week of activities that includes theatrical presentations, fashion shows, choir performances, steel pan competitions, and ceremonial parades.
The Best in the West Fishing Tournament November 2, 2024 - Jolly Harbour is set to host the 19th Annual Best in the West Fishing Tournament, welcoming sports fishing enthusiasts to participate in the event. The excitement begins at 2 pm, with lively music and delicious food and beverages available for purchase.
To enter the tournament, interested parties can register their boat or team at either Paradise Boat Sales in Jolly Harbour or on Old Parham Road. Alternatively, AquaSports in Heritage Quay is another option. For additional tournament details or inquiries, contact aquasportsanu@gmail.com.
Art Week Festival 
27th – December 3rd, 2024 - Under the theme ‘Culture in Colour’, art, music, film and dance and will take over the twin-island paradise for seven days. Events include films created by Antigua and Barbuda’s film producers; exhibitions featuring unique collections of work curated by some of Antigua and Barbuda’s noted art personalities. During the week, guided walk tours are available in which visitors will be able to view the artists in their studios as they create their own art.
December
Antigua Charter Yacht Show December 4-9 2024
Nelson’s Dockyard Christmas Day Party December 25 2024 - For over three decades, the champagne party in the Antigua Naval Dockyard has been a cherished fixture of the Christmas social calendar. This event, which was once recognized by the New York Times as one of the top five Christmas celebrations globally, typically draws hundreds of attendees and generates funds for local charities.
Admission is complimentary, but we welcome donations to support the maintenance of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and local community initiatives. Festivities begin at noon and conclude at 6 pm.
Nelson’s Dockyard Old Year’s Night Party December 31, 2024 - On Old Year's Night, also known as New Year's Eve, celebrants gather at the Dockyard to enjoy a splendid party featuring live music, abundant drinks, and magnificent fireworks from Fort Berkeley illuminating the sky and surrounding sea at midnight.
Oyster Regatta April 7th - 11th 2025 - A special edition of the Antigua Regatta which celebrates 50 years of Oyster Yachts at the magnificent Nelson's Dockyard.