Guadeloupe 2026 Calendar: parties and events
What are the festivals and events in Guadeloupe in 2026? Discover when to come, what to do each month and where to stay in Guadeloupe according to the highlights.
Guadeloupe is not just visited for its beaches 👀 Much of the experience happens through events: carnival, festivals, traditions, cultural events. This guide helps you plan your stay according to the highlights of the year, with:
- essential events
- a month-by-month calendar to know when to come
- practical advice for choosing where to stay
Dates may vary depending on organizers. Always remember to check before booking your transportation.
What are the must-see events in Guadeloupe?
Guadeloupe Carnival (January to February)
It's the most important event of the year. For several weeks, parades follow each other in different towns, with peak intensity during Fat Tuesday. The atmosphere is immersive, travel is impacted and certain areas become very busy.
See the complete carnival guide
- key areas: Pointe-à-Pitre, Basse-Terre, Le Gosier
- profile: travelers who want to experience a strong cultural event
- tip: choose central accommodation or plan your travels well in advance
Terre de Blues in Marie-Galante (May)
An established festival, recognized with a legendary atmosphere. The setting of Marie-Galante is an integral part of the experience: beaches, slower pace, immersive stay.
- area: Marie-Galante
- profile: live music lovers, calm stays
- tip: stay several days on the island, Marie-Galante is full of treasures to see (and taste) it would be a shame to stay only during the festival.
Karukera One Love (July 4-5, 2026)
Flagship festival on Roseau beach in Capesterre Belle-Eau with programming that attracts a loyal audience every year.
- area: Capesterre
- profile: lovers of Caribbean music (Soca, Dancehall, Bouyon, jump-up, trap)
- tips: choose accommodation in a neighboring town like Trois-Rivières or Goyave.
Aqua Music Festival in Saint-François (August 1-2, 2026)
Summer festival by the beach, very busy during vacation periods.
- area: Saint-François
- profile: groups, summer stays
- tip: book in advance, high demand
→ see accommodations in Saint-François
See accommodations in Saint-François
Route du Rhum (November 2026)
The Route du Rhum is one of the most emblematic events in Guadeloupe. Every four years, the island becomes the finish line of this transatlantic solo race connecting Saint-Malo to Pointe-à-Pitre.
For several days Guadeloupe lives to the rhythm of the skippers: arrival village, entertainment, concerts, media coverage... the event goes far beyond the sports aspect. It's a time when the island attracts sailing enthusiasts, regular visitors and a wider audience drawn by the atmosphere.
- main area: Pointe-à-Pitre (finish line village)
- secondary areas: Le Gosier, Baie-Mahault (accommodations + access)
- profile: all audiences, including families and international travelers
What to anticipate
- very high demand for accommodations, especially in central areas
- higher prices for flights and car rentals
- heavy traffic around Pointe-à-Pitre on arrival days
ZeWelcome advice
- book your accommodation several months in advance, ideally when dates are announced
- prefer a well-connected area (Le Gosier remains a good compromise between accessibility and comfort)
- avoid staying too far away if you want to fully enjoy the arrivals and festivities
What to do in Guadeloupe according to the time of year? (2026 calendar)
January 2026: beginning of carnival and first events
Ideal period if you want to discover carnival without the crowds of February
- start of group rehearsals
- first Sunday parades
- cultural events related to Antillean carnival
Personally it's the time I prefer, you can appreciate the carnival atmosphere, discover the work of the groups without experiencing the crowds and everything that comes with it.
Charlotte from ZeWelcome
February 2026: carnival, peak of the year
Most intense period of the year, to be preferred if you're looking for complete immersion and the maximum activities and events related to carnival.
- major parades
- Fat Tuesday
- Ash Wednesday
→ see where to stay in Gosier (central area, close to Pointe-à-Pitre)
March 2026: mid-Lent and quieter resumption
Good compromise between local atmosphere and tranquility
- mid-Lent
- gradual resumption of activities
April 2026: Easter holidays and local events
Ideal period for a family stay
- tourist entertainment
- occasional cultural events
- moderate attendance
May 2026: Terre de Blues and cultural events
Ideal for combining festival and nature stay
- Terre de Blues festival (May 22-25, 2026)
- cultural and musical events
June 2026: local celebrations and local life
Interesting period to discover the history of Guadeloupe's towns
- community celebrations
- musical events
- beginning of summer season
July 2026: festivals and start of major summer holidays
👉 ideal for a festive stay to the rhythm of Caribbean music
- Karukera One Love (July 4-5, 2026)
- musical and cultural events
- strong tourist attendance
What better than an after-movie to capture the atmosphere of Guadeloupe festivals. Quick recap of:
The KOL 2025
The ADI 2024
August 2026: festivals, beaches and high season
Very busy period, plan ahead
- Aqua Music Festival
- BBlé Fest
September 2026: quieter period
Ideal month for a relaxing stay and more accessible prices
- few major events
- quieter atmosphere
October: cultural and sporting events
Good intermediate period
- sporting events
- local cultural events
November 2026: All Saints' Day & Route du Rhum
Exceptional period very highly sought after
- All Saints' Day (notably at the Morne à l'Eau cemetery)
- Departure (November 1, 2026) of the Route du Rhum
- Entertainment around the event
December 2026: chanté nwèl and local traditions
Strong cultural immersion, convivial atmosphere
- chanté nwèl
- Christmas markets
- traditional events
Where to stay in Guadeloupe depending on events?
Saint-François: for summer festival stays
The ideal place to rest after a festival:
- Aqua Music Festival
- All Day In
Marie-Galante: for Terre de Blues
ideal for an immersive stay
see accommodations in Marie-Galante
Practical advice to organize your stay
- prefer a well-located accommodation or slightly away depending on your objective
- book in advance during peak periods (carnival, summer, Route du Rhum)
- plan your travel on event days
FAQ - Events in Guadeloupe
Frequently asked questions
When to visit Guadeloupe for festivals?
mainly between May and August, with a peak in July-August
What is the most important event in Guadeloupe?
Carnival remains the most structuring event
Where to stay for an event in Guadeloupe?
It depends on the event, but certain areas like Gosier or Saint-François are strategic
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