Bermuda's Main Events & Festivals
There are plenty of events and traditional festivals in Bermuda that take place round the year. They are of great appeal and excitement to both locals and tourists. Many of them attract overseas participation as well. There are cultural events, sports, social, musical events, performing arts, food and festive celebrations and more.
Note that several events are held on multiple days on a month or may span across two or more months. All such events are listed below under the month when they usually begin. Go through the individual links for specific schedules.
January
Formerly known as the Bermuda International Race Weekend, runners from all over the world along with locals participate in the in Marathons.
During this period, many local restaurants participate and offer special three course dinner at fixed and attractive prices. Many out of them offer Bermuda inspired pre-set meals and source the ingredients from local farmers. This is a great opportunity for the tourists as well as locals to experience authentic Bermuda cuisine.
The event started in 1976 and since then it has been a major hub of cultural exchange showcasing diverse range of performing arts. It is held on different dates between the months of January and March.
February
Bermuda Spa Month
February is the month when many top-rated Spas across the island offer a wide range of treatments including massages and facials at highly discounted prices. It's a great time to enjoy the tranquility, relax and enjoy a spa at an affordable price. Visit
this Spa page to see the participating Spas and their offers.
March
Palm Sunday Walk
(Usually starts at 2pm from Berkley Institute Parking, Pembroke)
This is an annual walk organized by Bermuda National Trust. The walk typically covers about 5 miles and takes around 2.5 hours to complete. The route is chalked out in such a way that you get to see places which is not usually seen by the public.
Scenic views (like beaches, water bodies, landscapes etc) and historical places including forts and heritage buildings are usually part of the route. Both locals and visitors are welcome to participate. There is no fee. Donations accepted.
(On Good Friday)
Hundreds of Bermudians and visitors celebrate the Good Friday at the Horseshoe Bay Beach flying kites of different shapes and colors. They make the kites at home and bring them to the beach. A kite competition is held and prizes are given away after the competition. The Festival is also celebrated with live music and entertainment and other activities like tug-o-war etc...
Launched in 1997, Bermuda International Film Festival or BIFF has gone a long way. It is now the qualifying festival for Short Film Academy Award. Know about the background and current details of the film festival.
April
April is the month when one of the most popular weekly street festivals Harbor Nights begins and it usually continues through September. The street festival is held on every Wednesday during the summer season and sets up on Front Street at Hamilton between 7pm to 10pm.
Numerous vendors setup temporary stalls on the street and sell local snacks & food, art & craft, trinkets and many different kinds of items. Local music and dance performers including Gombeys perform on the street. Thousands of locals and tourists gather here during the festival.
Also known as AG Show and Annual Agricultural Exhibition, it has evolved into a grand country fare and a cultural festive celebration. Over 20,000 people gather here over the 3 days. It usually takes place at the Botanical Gardens located in Paget.
(Venue: King’s Square, St. George’s)
Bermuda Peppercorn Ceremony is a strange event held since 1816 at St. George, complete with bands and parade from Bermuda Regiment. This was the day when Bermuda's capital moved to Hamilton city from St. George, and the Old State House was given out on an annual rent of just one peppercorn to freemasons.
The End to End is an annual event in Bermuda where the participants walk, run, cycle, swim, row, ride and even wheelchair across the island from one end (St. George) to the other (Dockyard). The huge funds raised in this event go to the local charities.
May
Yes it's about real onions which once made enormous impact to the lives of Bermudians. It was the main crop in the island and a prized item for exports. This annual event is organized to recognize and cherish that heritage.
Portuguese Festival
Portuguese community in Bermuda organizes an annual festival (Festa do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres) to celebrate the Holy Christ and also with an objective of raising funds for the Portuguese School of Bermuda. This is a tradition which started in Azores more than a century back. The community gathers, enjoys food, music and dance, and also holds a parade. Traditional Portuguese food is also made available.
Bermuda Day is a public holiday. Many events including Parades, races and Marathons are held in the island to mark the beginning of summer. It is held on the last Friday of the month of May.
Bermuda Fitted Dinghy Race is an extremely popular sail boat race to both locals and visitors. The yacht clubs of Bermuda participate in this. The race takes place on St. George's Harbor.
June
The Bermuda Carnival, an annual celebration deeply rooted in Caribbean traditions, invites locals and visitors to revel in the island's rich heritage. Originating from the early 20th century when Caribbean immigrants brought their cultural festivities to Bermuda, the carnival has evolved into a cherished event showcasing a harmonious blend of music, dance, and dazzling costumes.
The grand opening ceremony kicks off the festivities, featuring captivating performances and the revealing of intricate carnival costumes. J'Ouvert Morning follows, a riot of color and energy with participants donning white attire, covered in vibrant paint, and dancing to soca and calypso music.
The Parade of Bands transforms streets into a mesmerizing display, complemented by diverse events like beach parties and family-focused fun days.
Attendees indulge in Caribbean-inspired dishes, refreshing beverages, and unique boat rides. The carnival concludes by celebrating National Heroes, culminating in a grand concert and fireworks, symbolizing the enduring legacy of Bermuda's cultural celebration.
Find out about the Queens Birthday parade and celebration in Bermuda. This is no longer an official public holiday in the island.
(Held Biennially)
This is an old tradition of celebrating Bermuda's ancestral connections with the Native Americans.
Canada Day is celebrated as a grand beach party in Bermuda. The Association of Canada organizes this in the island. Find out all about it.
Held at various places in the island between May to October, this is an elaborate event with colorful parade and bands. It simulates the 17th century old tradition when drummers would remind the army personnel to get back to barracks once the night falls.
(held once in every two years)
This is a 635-mile sail boat race from Newport to Bermuda on challenging Atlantic conditions.
(Biennial on odd-numbered years)
This is an open ocean yacht race where even amateur skippers can also participate. The race starts from Marion of Massachusetts and ends at St. David's Head in Bermuda covering a distance of 645 nautical miles.
July
This is an open fishing tournament having three legs. The boat accumulating maximum points out of all the three legs becomes the winner.
Formerly 'City Fashion Festival' has been re-branded as Bermuda Fashion Festival after it has grown in popularity since its inception in 2011. This is a week long festival which includes several runway shows and social events and parties. Large number of models, island based makeup artists, hair stylists, salons, retail stores, local and international designers etc participate in the shows. Thousands from the island and many visitors join the festival events.
The beach festival is held on the Emancipation day (first day of the Cup Match) on a beach (usually the Horseshoe Beach). It's a great family event where many types of beach games and fun activities are held including netball, beach volleyball, tug-o-war, swimming race and lot more.
Cash bars and food and beverages stalls are set up. Many local and international talents perform on the beach stage. This is the largest beach party in the island and joined by thousands.
August
Find out about Cup match in Bermuda. The game of Cricket is played over two public holidays (Emancipation Day and Somer's Day) and the island virtually shuts down. These two days coincide with Thursday and Friday that immediately precede the first Monday in August.
This funny and hilarious event is held at Mangrove Bay where local families and even tourists craft their own strange looking vessels and try to sail on them or stay afloat. These vessels that are unfit for seafaring, are made of strange things including tables, floats and even oil drums.
This is the after party following the cup match where a performance battle takes place between Soca and Reggae DJs and performers. The musical event that takes place at night on the second day of cup match and is attended by thousands including locals and visitors.
The beach tennis tournament is held at the Horseshoe Bay Beach. This is an ITF (International Tennis Federation) event and participated by both local and international participants and watched by many spectators.
September
Bermuda sand sculpture and castle competition is an annual event held at Horseshoe Bay Beach. Teams participate in various categories (entry is free) and create wonderful sand sculptures. Prizes are given away in each category.
One of the most popular musical events in Bermuda, this was earlier known as the Bermuda Jazz festival. This is held in September/October over three days. The event features great performances from international stars who are joined by local talents.
October
This food festival is held in Hamilton City over several days. It's a combination of several events that includes competition among the top chefs of Bermuda, tasting of finest quality red and white wine, etc.
And it finally culminates into a Street Festival where dozens of top of the line restaurants and bars, food vendors and caterers of the island showcase their special dishes and cocktails. And of course the ticket holders can sample all of those including the Chefs creations during the competition.
This annual festival is held to showcase the traditional folk art of Gombey dance. It is also accompanied by performances by stilt walkers, Gombey crafts, face paintings, food stalls and a lot of interesting offerings.
The Bermuda Gold Cup, a prestigious yachting race, commands the azure waters of the Atlantic with grace and prowess. As a prominent event in international sailing, it attracts top-tier sailors and sailing enthusiasts to the island.
Established in 1907, the race has become a symbol of maritime excellence, blending tradition with cutting-edge sailing technology.
Held annually, the Bermuda Gold Cup fosters fierce competition among elite sailors, testing their skill and strategy. The racecourse, set against the stunning backdrop of Bermuda's coastline, adds to the allure. Spectators witness thrilling maneuvers as skilled crews navigate the challenging waters.
PGA Grand Slam of Golf moved to Bermuda in 2007. Over the years, it has grown from a 1-day 18 hole event to a 2-day 36 hole major showdown. The winner of this event is called the year's Champion of the Champions.
Several popular food trucks participate in the event offering hot and fresh local food from the trucks. This is a great opportunity to eat Bermudian food like jerk chicken, fish cakes, fish sandwich, shark hash and lot more along with homemade beverages and island cocktails.
This is a self guided walking tour in St. George to explore the various artworks created by the local artists of all types. It's a festival like event where many store front galleries, retailers and area restaurants stay open till late, display artworks from local artists while food vendors and bakeries offer snacks and beverages. Talents of all forms showcase their work like pottery, paintings, weaving, woodcraft, live performances like singing and dancing, kids craft and lot more.
November
Find out about how World Rugby Classic is held in Bermuda, what goes on in the island other than the game itself, and more…
On Bermuda Remembrance Day, a Parade is held and wreaths are laid to pay tribute to the World War heroes who fought for Bermuda.
Tree Lighting Ceremony
This is the evening when Santa Claus arrives. The Tree Lighting ceremony usually takes place in front of City Hall in Hamilton City. Large number of residents along with their children gather here for an enjoyable evening. The ceremony usually starts at 5:30pm when a large tree covered with lights is illuminated.
This is followed by appearance of Santa who would normally interact with the children. Then there are performances by school choirs, Bermuda Regiment Band, Bermuda Island Pipe Band etc. The celebration is joined by the Town Crier, Deputy Mayor of Hamilton etc among others.
Santa Claus Parade in Hamilton
This annual parade passes through the streets of Hamilton. Many dace groups, clubs, gombeys, cartoon characters, marching bands and of course Santa Claus participate in this festive parade. Hundreds of islanders and even tourists line up along both sides of the streets, many even sit on the foot paths to witness the parade and the performances.
Carter House Christmas Evening
A family evening is held at
Carter House, one of the oldest houses in Bermuda and a museum located in St. Davids. Other than decorating the house in period style using cedar and palm leaves, fruits, foliage etc and adding to the charm by lighting candles and fireplaces, local food and drinks are also offered. Santa visits with a bag full of gifts for the children. The event is free.
Visit the above link for information about events taking place during this time.
December
Goodwill Golf Tournament
This is world's oldest Pro-Am golf tournament and hosted by some of the best golf courses of Bermuda like Port Royal, Mid Ocean, Tuckers Point, Riddells Bay etc. Participating teams come from the US, UK and Canada. Email (for further info):
[email protected]; Phone: (441) 295-4640
Christmas Walkabout in St. George's
This walk is organized by Bermuda National Trust that takes you to several historic homes in St. Georges that are lavishly decorated. The walk is complete with live music and special performances.
(Held once in two years)
The boat parade is a spectacular event held biennially on Hamilton Harbor. Boats and yachts of all types and sizes participate in this event. The boats are gorgeously decked up with lights and parade amongst roaring cheers from thousands who watch this spectacle from the shoreline.
A series of events and festivals take place in the island during the Christmas period. It's a great time to visit the island and be part of some of these activities that take place in St. George and Hamilton.
Elbow Beach Festival
Large number of expatriates staying in the island and tourists gather at Elbow Beach in Paget parish on the morning of Christmas Day (December 25) every year to celebrate the occasion. It's complete with food, music on the beach and wine.
Weekly/Recurring Events
Harbor Nights is a street festival held on Front Street of Hamilton Bermuda. It takes place every Wednesdays during summer months (usually starting in May). Local vendors sell art and crafts, homemade food and there are many entertainers and performers on the street including Gombey dancers. It's a huge attraction for tourists to be part of the festival and experience the island vibe.
On Mondays, Kings Wharf or the Naval Dockyard in Bermuda offers nightly festival celebrations with fun filled activities in the summer months starting in May. The event is known as Destination Dockyard.
(November to June, Every Saturday, 8am - 12noon)
Started in 2002, erstwhile City Market (now known as Farmers Market) is held every Saturday morning usually from November to June. Local agricultural, farming and handmade products including jewelry, bags, art and craft etc are on sale giving a great opportunity to both tourists and locals to get the best of Bermudian produce at reasonable cost. Although it was held in Hamilton City earlier (and hence the former name), it's now held at a building at Botanical Gardens in Paget.
(Weekly or Last Sunday, April - November) X Discontinued
This is a street market where vendors put up temporary stalls and sell all kinds of items including fish, vegetables, fish, farm produce etc. Another feature of this market is performances from street performers.
(May to August, Weekly) X No longer held
Market nights at St. George is held on every Tuesday evening at King Square, St George. It includes entertainment, local arts and crafts, music and more. It is like a traditional fare where many vendors set up stalls in an illuminated festive atmosphere.
(On Saturdays, all through the year)
This is an open area market where vendors sell all kinds of items in an affordable price and in an atmosphere which is family friendly and inviting. It's a great place to pick up traditional Bermudian items like art and craft from local artists, food items, clothes, books including used ones, jewelry, bags and shoes and lot more. The market is held more like a community event where you can meet many locals. There is also free live music and dance shows that take place. The weekly theme changes. There is no entry fee. It is held at Cedar Bridge Academy School campus in Devonshire parish.
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 By Raj Bhattacharya
Raj, a seasoned travel writer and Bermuda destination expert, has extensive global travel experience. This website reflects his profound insights, garnered over nearly two decades of dedicated findings and research on the island. Raj has assisted countless Bermuda-bound visitors by providing direct, personalized responses to their queries and imparting his wealth of knowledge through this platform. This site serves as an indispensable guide for those seeking informed and reliable insights into Bermuda's treasures.
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Bermuda Art Festivals and Events: Several art festivals take place in Bermuda year round including Art Walk in St Georges, Annual Art Festival, Festival of Performing Arts etc.
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Reviews and Comments
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) July 2019
St George's Seaside Market: A new seaside market has been launched in the Town of St. George's on certain Sundays of the month, the first one having opened its gates this July 7th from 5-8pm. This is aimed at attracting visitors, especially the cruise ship passengers and dates for the market are announced accordingly. The market will be a sort of culmination of the best that Bermuda has to offer in the form of products, entertainment and experience.
Some of the famous business houses in the town like Salt Spray Soap, Sweet Saak Bakery, and Kelly Diel Sea Glass showcase their products here. You can shop for a lot of locally made goods within a single premise. You will also find live entertainment and performances making it a fun filled evening. There will also be a local body who can advise you on how to go about touring the town. The market is set in a picturesque location right by the edge of the water at Penno's Wharf, outside of the World Heritage Center.
Elizabeth Molinaro (December 27, 2014)
Hello, we are a family of 5 (kids ages 16, 15, 11) and we just arrived in Bermuda today. Do you have any suggestions for what we can do on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day? look forward to your reply. Thanks
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) December 27, 2014
Hi, you can consider joining the New Year's Eve celebrations at Kings Square, St. Georges (9pm to 1am). Lots of music, live entertainment, food vendors, fireworks, face painting, fun castles and more. MC Ed Cristopher is a great entertainer himself and the Town Crier from Hamilton City. Admission is free to all. Need to organize your transport though, although it's likely that public bus service would be made available until late at night. Otherwise taxis will be available.
The group Off Level is organizing a NYE party from 10pm onwards at the City Hall . Inside there will be LED laser shows, DJs and music. Outside there will be couple of bars where you can socialize and dance. Other attractions here includes photo booth and professional photography, Johnnie Walker tasting table, door prizes etc. Regular entry fee is $40 per person which includes party favors and desserts for ladies. Early bird tickets ($30) are available at several outlets in Hamilton including Sports Locker, Docksiders etc.
Ciroc NYE party will be held at Waterfront Complex (Front Street, Hamilton, Pier 6). Entry at 9pm. Includes DJs, live band from Canada, bars etc. Entry ticket $75, available online at www.bdatix.bm.
Several luxury hotels are offering gala dinner with DJ/Live music such as Waterlot Inn at Fairmonth Southampton Hotel (Southampton), Cafe Lido at Elbow Beach Hotel (Paget), or The Reefs (Southampton).
Nothing much on the New Year Day (Jan 1st) after a long night. Expect a sedate day. You can go for a new year's day family brunch at Beau Rivage at Newstead, 27 Harbour Road, Paget. There will be food from all over the world. You can also visit Masterworks Art Gallery at the Botanical Gardens (Paget) and Bermuda Art Center at the dockyard.
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