Aruba Island News: Week of July 31, 2026

Bon bini from the island! Here is our weekly Aruba news roundup, straight from our sunny corner of the Caribbean. We gathered the freshest happenings so you can plan, dream, and stay in the loop with us.

Where to stay: compare Aruba hotel rates
Live prices on Expedia · free cancellation on most rooms
Check hotel rates

Playa Film Festival lights up Oranjestad

Mark your calendar, because the Playa Film Festival returns this August. It runs on the 27th, 28th, and 29th at Caribbean Cinemas in the heart of Oranjestad. Moreover, the walkable setting turns our whole capital into a lively venue. So local and international filmmakers will mingle with curious audiences all weekend. See the events calendar.

Visitor numbers keep climbing

Our island is having another banner year, and the numbers show it clearly. Aruba welcomed 427,343 stayover guests between January and March. Furthermore, that marks an 8.9 percent jump over the same window last year. As a result, hotels, restaurants, and beaches feel wonderfully alive right now. Read the report.

A new nonstop flight from Montreal

Canadian friends, we have wonderful news for your winter escape. Air Transat will launch a nonstop route from Montreal to Oranjestad. Meanwhile, the weekly Monday service begins on December 12. Because direct flights save hours, planning a getaway just got easier. More on the route.

August weather and hurricane outlook

Wondering about the skies? August stays warm and mostly sunny here, with highs near 89 F. However, our steady trade winds keep the days comfortable. Also, Aruba sits below the hurricane belt, so direct storms stay rare. Forecasters expect rainfall near or below normal through the season. Check the outlook.

A quick note on the Bon Bini Festival

Planning a Tuesday evening out? Sadly, the beloved Bon Bini Festival remains on hold for now, with no restart date announced. Still, Fort Zoutman stays open and rewards a visit. So swing by for history, photos, and lovely sunset views instead. Latest update.

Planning a trip soon?

If all this has you dreaming of the island, we would love to help. Explore our favorite excursions on our Aruba tours page, then find your spot among the best beaches in Aruba. Meanwhile, our ready-made itineraries make packing your days a breeze. Because the good life waits here, come see us soon.

🌴 Written on the island, not from a desk

Aruba Finest is written by Dess and a small team who live here year-round. We swim these beaches, eat at these kitchens, and drive these roads — so every recommendation comes from experience, not press releases. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we fix it fast.

The Dushi Weekly — free island newsletter

One email a week from people who live here: what is happening on the island, the tours worth booking right now, and our free 7-day itinerary the moment you join. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Keep exploring Aruba