The 2026 edition of the St. Thomas Carnival is set to take place from 26 April to 02 May. The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, in collaboration with the Division of Festivals recently announced the dates for the 74th iteration of the event.
St. Thomas Carnival is the premier celebration of culture in the island, which honors the Virgin Islands’ music, food and people. This year’s carnival will feature exciting events such as the Queen and Princess Pageants, Calypso Monarch, J’ouvert and carnival parade.
Schedule of Events
Here is a schedule of events for the St. Thomas Carnival and the weeks leading up to the event:
05 April 2026: Easter Children’s Fun Day – Emile Griffith Park
11 April 2026: Princess Show – University of the Virgin Islands
18 April 2026: Queen Show – University of the Virgin Islands
20 April 2026: Hospital Show – Hospital Parking Lot
24 April 2026: Junior Calypso/ Cultural Event – Carnival Village
25 April 2026: Calypso Monarch – Carnival Village
26 April 2026: Boat Race – Waterfront Apron
26 April 2026: Panorama – Carnival Village
27 April – 02 May 2026: Village Nights – Carnival Village
29 April 2026: Food Fair – Crown Bay
30 April 2026: J’ouvert – Waterfront Apron
01 May 2026: Children’s Parade – Main Street
02 May 2026: Adult’s Parade – Main Street
02 May 2026: Fireworks – Waterfront Apron
Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit
To make the most of your visit, there are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Arrive early for parade viewing or J’ouvert to secure good vantage points and avoid last-minute crowding.
- Sample street food at the Food Fair to experience authentic local cuisine without formal dining reservations
- Follow local event pages and official tourism channels for schedule updates, artist announcements, and any last-minute changes.
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for dancing and walking; bring sun protection and water for daytime events.
For more information about St. Thomas Carnival, please visit the carnival event page.
Image: Visit USVI
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