BVI sailing regatta with colourful spinnakers

BVI Calendar

Events & Festivals

From world-class sailing regattas to vibrant carnival celebrations, the BVI calendar is packed with unforgettable experiences all year long.

Mark Your Calendar

A Year of Celebration in the BVI

The British Virgin Islands come alive with festivals, regattas, and cultural events that draw visitors from around the world. Whether you're here for the thrill of competitive sailing, the rhythm of fungi music, or the colour of carnival, there's always something extraordinary happening on these islands.

Not to be missed

Signature Events

BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival
Sailing
April

BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival

One of the Caribbean's premier sailing events, the BVI Spring Regatta draws hundreds of yachts and thousands of sailors from across the globe. Racing by day, parties by night — this is the BVI at its most exhilarating.

Late April – Early MayNanny Cay, Tortola7 days
Emancipation Festival
Cultural
August

Emancipation Festival

The BVI's biggest annual celebration commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in 1834. Expect dazzling carnival parades, steel pan competitions, calypso shows, and the infectious energy of a community celebrating its heritage.

Late July – Early AugustRoad Town, Tortola10 days
BVI Food Fete
Food & Drink
November

BVI Food Fete

A month-long celebration of BVI cuisine and culture, the Food Fete showcases the islands' culinary talent through pop-up dinners, cooking demonstrations, beach barbecues, and farm-to-table experiences across all four main islands.

Throughout NovemberVarious Islands30 days

Every month brings something worth celebrating in the BVI

Full Calendar

All Events

BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival
April
Sailing

BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival

One of the Caribbean's premier sailing events, the BVI Spring Regatta draws hundreds of yachts and thousands of sailors from across the globe. Racing by day, parties by night — this is the BVI at its most exhilarating.

Late April – Early MayNanny Cay, Tortola7 days
International yacht racing across multiple classes
Nightly beach parties and live music
Crew parties and prize-giving ceremonies
Open to spectators and non-sailors alike
Emancipation Festival
August
Cultural

Emancipation Festival

The BVI's biggest annual celebration commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in 1834. Expect dazzling carnival parades, steel pan competitions, calypso shows, and the infectious energy of a community celebrating its heritage.

Late July – Early AugustRoad Town, Tortola10 days
Grand carnival parade through Road Town
Steel pan and calypso competitions
Food village with local BVI cuisine
Cultural shows and pageants
BVI Food Fete
November
Food & Drink

BVI Food Fete

A month-long celebration of BVI cuisine and culture, the Food Fete showcases the islands' culinary talent through pop-up dinners, cooking demonstrations, beach barbecues, and farm-to-table experiences across all four main islands.

Throughout NovemberVarious Islands30 days
Pop-up dinners at scenic island locations
Cooking demos with local chefs
Rum tastings and cocktail competitions
Farm and fishing tours
August Monday Festival
August
Cultural

August Monday Festival

A beloved public holiday weekend that kicks off the Emancipation Festival season. Streets fill with music, dancing, and the irresistible smell of local food. The atmosphere is electric and deeply communal.

First Monday in AugustRoad Town, Tortola3 days
Street parties and live bands
Traditional BVI food stalls
J'ouvert morning celebrations
Family-friendly activities
Fungi Fest
November
Music

Fungi Fest

A celebration of the BVI's indigenous fungi music — a unique blend of African rhythms, European folk melodies, and Caribbean improvisation played on homemade instruments. An intimate and deeply authentic cultural experience.

Mid-NovemberVarious Venues, Tortola2 days
Live fungi music performances
Instrument-making workshops
Cultural storytelling sessions
Local food and craft vendors
BVI Dive Festival
June
Water Sports

BVI Dive Festival

Celebrate the BVI's world-class diving with guided dives to the RMS Rhone wreck, coral reef tours, underwater photography competitions, and conservation workshops. Perfect for divers of all experience levels.

Mid-JuneVarious Dive Sites, BVI5 days
Guided dives to the RMS Rhone wreck
Coral reef conservation dives
Underwater photography contest
Beginner dive clinics
New Year's Eve Celebration
December
Cultural

New Year's Eve Celebration

Ring in the New Year BVI-style with fireworks over the harbour, live music on the waterfront, and the warm glow of the Caribbean night. Boats fill the anchorage and the whole island comes together to celebrate.

December 31Road Town Harbour, Tortola1 night
Midnight fireworks over the harbour
Live music on the waterfront
Boat parties in the anchorage
Countdown celebrations at local bars

Plan Ahead

Year at a Glance

April

BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival

Nanny Cay, Tortola

August

Emancipation Festival

Road Town, Tortola

November

BVI Food Fete

Various Islands

August

August Monday Festival

Road Town, Tortola

November

Fungi Fest

Various Venues, Tortola

June

BVI Dive Festival

Various Dive Sites, BVI

December

New Year's Eve Celebration

Road Town Harbour, Tortola

BVI festival celebration

Plan Around Your Favourite Event

Let us help you time your BVI visit to coincide with the festivals and events that excite you most.