Experience the Caribbean through its music with one of these festivals
The party doesn't end at the beach. When visiting any Caribbean island, travelers are usually enamored by its blue waters and warm rays of sunshine. But to really experience the fullness of the culture, you have to leave your resort and see the attractions.
One of the best ways to do this is through one of the most celebrated exports of the region — music. From pioneers like Bob Marley to contemporary acts ranging from Sean Paul to Popcaan, the music of the islands has garnered fans from far and wide.
If you can't catch some of your favorite acts stateside, seeing them onstage in the Caribbean is a different experience — the energetic crowds, the scent of spices lingering in the air from local food stalls, and, of course, the sound of your favorite soca, dancehall or reggae song playing until the sun comes up, and maybe even after that. It's OK because you can sleep it off on the beach.
So, consider one of these festivals when building your itinerary for your next island getaway.
Jamaica
Rebel Salute
Jamaica offers numerous music performances around Christmas and New Year's Eve, but one of its most notable is Rebel Salute, held every January.
The music festival in Ocho Rios celebrates the contributions of reggae music to Jamaica. It also includes a cannabis symposium called Herb Curb with local vendors and an ital (the diet of the Rastafarian movement) food village consisting of only vegetarian and seafood options to adhere to its strict no-meat and no-alcohol policy.
Billed as the "the people's festival" started by reggae promoter and prominent DJ Tony Rebel, the festival's 30th anniversary at the Plantation Cove venue in January 2024 featured 30 acts, including notable artists like Sean Paul, Capleton, Luciano and Anthony B.
Reggae Sumfest
In the summertime, a weeklong party accompanies Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay (July 14-20). Beyond the numerous concerts, promoters also host beach parties and after-parties, so you will have more than enough to keep you entertained. The event is one of the island's biggest, with performances dating back to 1993.
Make sure you arrange a driver ahead of time with your resort or hotel; there are no ride-hailing services. Most attractions and shops are spread out in Jamaica.
Where to stay: In Ocho Rios, the new Sandals Dunn's River (rooms start at $391 per person, per night) is near other attractions within the island's tourist village. In Montego Bay, you have a lot more accommodation options, but a great bet is the centrally located Half Moon (rooms start at $487 or roughly 48,000 American Express Membership Rewards points per night).
Related: The best all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, from honeymoon hot spots to family-friendly resorts
Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad Carnival
There's no celebration quite like Carnival. The biggest party in the Caribbean begins in early February with Trinidad's annual cultural extravaganza. While it's not necessarily a music festival, it includes a series of concerts from superstars in the soca music world.
You can party and dance all night long for the week leading up to Jouvert and then put on your costume to join the mas parade. As a world-famous event that draws big international crowds, planning early is important if you want to secure a flight and hotel.
Leading up to mas, there are events known as "fetes," or parties tied to different bands like Exousia Mas and Bliss Carnival, who form part of the main event. The bands are also where you will secure your mas costumes, and participants usually register well in advance to snag their favorite look.
Consider booking arrangements with an experienced tour company like Carnival Jumpers to make your life easier, especially if it's your first time.
Trinidad's sister island, Tobago, also has its own Carnival celebration in October with Tobago Carnival (Oct. 25-27).
St. Lucia
St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival
You may not think of jazz as island music, but the region has a long-standing relationship with the genre, giving it a vibrant spin. The St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival (April 30-May 12) is the oldest in the Caribbean, dating to 1991, and is held every year from late April through early May.
The event draws a mix of international and local artists to highlight an array of musical genres, from zouk to gospel and pop. This year, the festival will feature headline acts like Davido, Machel Montano, Samara Joy, Beres Hammond, Jon Secada and Chloe Bailey.
Related: The 22 best Caribbean resorts, from boutique literary haunts to exclusive private-island escapes
If you're visiting for the concerts, it's also a great chance to take in the island's art scene. St Lucia's lush landscapes and views of the iconic Piton mountains have served as the muse for many in the local art community.
You can immerse yourself even further by staying at Anse Chastanet (rooms start at $780 per night) — a luxury 49-room boutique hotel boasting gorgeous views of the Pitons — and taking one of its locally-led immersive art classes.
Related: 19 relaxing adults-only, all-inclusive resorts for a kid-free vacation
Outside of music, the jazz festival also has an art component. You'll find events like culinary experiences in Sculpture Park (free of charge).
Barbados
Crop Over
In Barbados, there's no bigger party than Crop Over (July 31-Aug. 9), a cultural celebration that dates to the 1780s and is tied to sugar cane plantations during slavery.
The weeklong celebration is filled with events for all ages, including energetic fetes and mimosa brunches that will have you on your feet all day and night. The goal is to make it all the way to the finale, Kadooment Day, which is what Bajans call their mas parade.
Like the Trinidad celebration, this is another event you should consider booking with a group if it's your first time. Your itinerary will be mostly based on the band you choose, like the Aura Experience — one of the largest and best known for Rihanna's iconic Crop Over appearances.
And you can't leave the island without going to at least one fish fry or tasting a Gap Burger — an iconic Bajan street food staple. In addition to nonstop fetes, there are a number of concerts featuring the best in soca, ranging from Alison Hinds to Destra.
Barbados Reggae Festival
Outside of the Crop Over celebrations, one of the biggest parties of the year is the Barbados Reggae Festival (April 23 -27) in Farley Hill National Park, which occurs in April each year and attracts international artists within the genre.
Dominica
World Creole Music Festival
The lush green landscapes of Dominica have garnered a lot of attention over the last few years. With its rich biodiversity and cascading waterfalls, Dominica beckons nature-loving travelers keen to soak up the island's beauty on a scenic hike or to set sail and admire views from the water.
But it's the World Creole Music Festival that attracts music lovers to the island in the fall. Every October, the event hosts an array of Caribbean and international artists to celebrate Creole music and traditions in the capital city of Roseau. Roseau is also the cultural hub of the island; a great place to learn about the island's history is the Dominica Museum.
Jazz 'N Creole Festival
If your travel plans are in the spring, the Jazz 'N Creole Festival (May 5) held every May in Portsmouth is a must for your itinerary. The festival is filled with fusion performances mixing jazz elements with Creole sounds for a unique experience.
Portsmouth is close to Cabrits National Park, where you can hike one of its trails and understand why they call this the Nature Island.
Related: 9 Caribbean resorts, from Barbados to Belize, you need to visit
There's no shortage of luxury accommodations, including Secret Bay (rooms start at $1,270 per night), which is home to just 10 sustainable villas; visitors can immersive themselves in the jungle around them while not losing out on the lavish service.
The more affordable eco-conscious 151-room InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa (rooms start at $482 or 60,000 IHG points per night) offers visitors "blissful seclusion" right on the beach.
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- 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
- 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
- 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.