The Aruba events calendar has a local secret: the dates move. The island’s biggest season follows the Carnival calendar, which shifts every year with the equinox — and the new dates are traditionally announced around November 11. Here is what actually happens on the island, kept current by locals.
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Events book up the island. Lock in your car and tours early.
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Carnival season — January to Ash Wednesday
The big one. From the Torch Parade in early January to the Burning of Momo, Aruba spends its opening months in full costume. Dates change yearly — expect the next season’s schedule around November 11 — and our full Carnival guide covers the history, the parades, and where to stay.
Aruba Hi-Winds — early summer
The Caribbean’s legendary windsurf and kiteboard event takes over the Fisherman’s Huts when the trade winds peak in early summer. World-class riders, beach parties, and the island’s windiest week put to proper use. Pair it with our June and July guides.
Beach tennis — the Wimbledon of the sand, every November
They call Aruba the Wimbledon of beach tennis — and it is earned. The Aruba Open, running since 2008 at MooMba Beach, is the biggest beach tennis tournament on the planet: 35 courts, more than 1,200 players from 40+ countries, every November. The 2026 ITF Sand Series edition (November 12–15) carries a $100,000 prize pool, among the highest in the sport. If you see nets on the sand, stop and watch — the level is absurd.
Flip Flop Festival
The island’s feel-good music festival — international and Caribbean acts, feet in the sand, exactly as the name promises. Dates are announced each year; watch this page.
🔥 Most-booked Aruba tours right now
Top-rated group tours with free cancellation on most dates. Prices per person, live on Viator.
Prefer a private guide just for your group? See our private jeep tours.
Autentico Culinary Festival — October 3–11, 2026
The island’s food week, now in its third year: an island-wide Restaurant Week with set-price menus at participating restaurants, chef-hosted “Bucket List” dinners, and The Pavilion — a two-day street food festival on Oranjestad’s Wilhelminastraat. Warm up with our Oranjestad restaurant guide and the food dictionary, then eat like the island is watching.
How this calendar stays honest
Only events that actually happen make this page — curated by locals, not copied from old blogs. As new dates are announced, they land here and in our weekly island news. Planning around an event? Book the room early — see our where to stay guide and month-by-month planner.
Public holidays and local celebrations
| When | Event | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| January 25 | Betico Croes Day | Honors the father of Aruba’s separate status; some businesses close |
| January to February or March | Carnival season | Parades, music and road closures; see our Carnival guide |
| March 18 | National Anthem and Flag Day | Flags everywhere, cultural events and a national holiday |
| April 27 | King’s Day | Celebrations for the Dutch king’s birthday |
| June 24 | Dera Gai (St. John’s Day) | A traditional harvest celebration with music and dance |
| December | Christmas and Dande season | Dande musicians go house to house to wish good luck for the new year |
| December 31 | New Year’s Eve | Huge fireworks displays across the island |
Weekly events
Oranjestad hosts a weekly cultural evening with local music, dance and food, a nice free way to meet the island. Beach bars on Palm Beach run live music several nights a week; see our beach bars guide and nightlife guide.
Planning around events
- Book hotels early for Carnival weekends and the Christmas and New Year holidays.
- Expect road closures and busy roads on Carnival parade days, especially in Oranjestad and San Nicolas.
- Some shops and offices close on public holidays; beaches, resorts and most restaurants stay open.
Experiences worth booking
🎭 Carnival 2027: see the Aruba Carnival 2027 dates and parades.
