Bermuda is more than just a beautiful island with pink sand beaches. It’s filled with a vibrant culture that comes alive with festivals and events throughout the year. Whether you’re into music, food, or local traditions, there’s something happening in Bermuda to suit every traveler’s taste.
Bermuda Carnival
If you love a good party, then Bermuda Carnival is a must. Every June, the island transforms into a colorful festival of costumes, parades, music, and dancing. Picture yourself joining thousands of locals and travelers dressed in vibrant outfits, winding through the streets to the beats of soca music.
The main event to catch is the Parade of Bands. This is a street parade where masquerade bands show off elaborate costumes, often featuring lots of feathers and sequins. The energy is off the charts!
There’s also the “J’Ouvert,” a sunrise party that starts before dawn. It’s messy; expect to get covered in paint and powder as you dance the morning away. The festival wraps up with concerts and beach parties, making it a jam-packed weekend of non-stop entertainment.
Bermuda Day
Bermuda Day, held annually on May 24th, is one of the island’s most beloved public holidays. It’s a time of national pride, where Bermudians celebrate their heritage through parades, music, and sporting events.
The highlight of Bermuda Day is the Grand Parade in the capital city, Hamilton. Expect to see colorful floats, cultural performances, and Gombey dancers, who wear dazzling costumes and are central to Bermudian cultural expression.
But it’s not just about the parade. There are also road races and a half-marathon that attracts both locals and visitors alike. If you happen to be near the beaches, you’ll catch people enjoying picnics and BBQs, making it a community-wide celebration of all things Bermudian.
Harbour Nights
From April to September, you can enjoy Harbour Nights every Wednesday evening in Hamilton. It’s a fantastic way to experience local life, food, and shopping in one place.
Taking place along Front Street, vendors set up stalls selling arts, crafts, and regional dishes. You can sample traditional Bermudian food like fish chowder and Jamaican-inspired jerk chicken. There’s also live entertainment, including local acts and Gombey dancers.
Because it’s a weekly event, it offers plenty of opportunities for meeting locals, finding unique souvenirs, or just soaking in the island’s laid-back atmosphere.
Cup Match
The Cup Match, Bermuda’s most important cricket event, happens annually on the Thursday and Friday closest to Emancipation Day, usually in late July or early August. The match is between two neighboring parishes: St. George’s and Somerset. It’s not just about the cricket though.
The entire island shuts down for two days as people head to the stadium, usually decked out in blue or red shirts to represent their favorite team. There are bets, friendly competitions, and lots of party vibes.
Even if cricket isn’t your thing, the lively atmosphere is worth experiencing. Outside of the match, beaches, parks, and even boats in the harbor turn into party spots. Expect lots of fish cakes, rum swizzles (the island’s signature cocktail), and dancing until late at night.
Ag Show (Bermuda Agricultural Exhibition)
The Bermuda Agricultural Exhibition—or the “Ag Show” as locals call it—is an annual event held in April at the Bermuda Botanical Gardens. It’s a family-friendly event, but it’s also packed with culture and traditions that visitors won’t want to miss.
You’ll find a mix of livestock shows, floral competitions, arts and crafts displays, and plenty of food tents. It’s a great place to try local snacks, meet Bermudian farmers, and check out the island’s agricultural scene.
Kiddie rides and student-made exhibits are part of the fun, making it a laid-back way to experience a slice of local life. Even if you’re not into agriculture, it’s a perfect spot for snapping photos or spending a relaxing day away from the beach.
Peppercorn Ceremony
One of Bermuda’s more unique events occurs in April and is known as the Peppercorn Ceremony. This ceremony takes place in the town of St. George’s, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The event centers around the symbolic payment of one peppercorn as annual rent for the use of the Old State House by the Freemasons. It’s been going on for over 200 years!
Dignitaries and military parades add to the pageantry, and it provides insight into the island’s history. Plus, you get to enjoy the charming setting of St. George’s, with its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture.
Restaurant Weeks
If you’re a foodie, you’ll want to plan your visit during Bermuda’s Restaurant Weeks, which typically takes place in January and February. For over a month, you can enjoy discounted prix-fixe menus at some of the island’s best restaurants.
It’s the perfect excuse to try high-end dining for a fraction of the cost. Many restaurants focus on local ingredients, making it the best time to try fresh seafood like spiny lobster and traditional specialties like fish sandwiches and fish chowder.
Expect three-course meals that let you taste incredible Bermudian flavors. It’s also an opportunity to explore different restaurants from casual beachside cafes to upscale bistros with stunning views.
Christmas Boat Parade
Every December, the Christmas Boat Parade takes over Hamilton Harbor with a magical display of lights. Locals and visitors decorate their boats with Christmas lights and festive displays, creating a floating parade that’s truly a sight to behold.
The event is free, and the best way to view the boats is from the waterfront in Hamilton or from the many restaurants that line the harbor. The parade is a great way to kick off the holiday season with a little Bermudian flair.
Boats are judged for creativity, and there’s often a firework display to end the night. Bundle up (yes, it gets slightly cool in the winter) and enjoy a hot drink while watching the parade light up the water.
Bermuda International Film Festival (BIFF)
Film buffs, this one’s for you. The Bermuda International Film Festival (BIFF) takes place every March and draws filmmakers and movie-goers from around the world.
BIFF is an Academy Award qualifying festival, meaning that some of the films here could go on to win Oscars. The event includes film screenings, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions with filmmakers, making it an excellent opportunity to dive into the world of cinema while enjoying the relaxed island vibe.
Films are shown at various venues across the island, allowing you to explore Bermuda while catching a mix of feature-length films, shorts, and documentaries.
Good Friday Kite Festival
Good Friday in Bermuda is all about flying kites. Held at Horseshoe Bay Beach, the Bermuda Kite Festival is the best place to witness this unique tradition.
Bermudians of all ages come out to fly beautiful hand-made kites designed with bold colors and intricate patterns. Many kites are hexagonal and are crafted from tissue paper and wooden sticks.
The kite flying symbolizes the ascent of Christ, and it’s a joyful event where families gather to enjoy the sun, eat fish cakes and hot cross buns, and take part in kite-themed competitions. If you love taking photos, this is a visually stunning event to attend.
No matter when you visit Bermuda, there’s an event or festival happening. From Carnival to kites, these experiences offer a window into the island’s culture, history, and incredible sense of community.
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