Annual BVI Events, Festivals & Celebrations

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are renowned for their beauty and as an amazing vacation getaway. Many people visit the BVI for rest, relaxation and to make the most of the weather, however, the BVI features a vibrant calendar filled with annual events that showcase the culture of the islands from music festivals to sailing regattas.

Here are Chillout Charters we often transport guests around the islands to and from various events and gatherings. We offer a great water taxi service alongside our half-day and full-day trips. Water taxi is by far the best way to travel around the islands since it is quick and cost-effective. Using one of our powerboats we will get you to where you need to be in good time.

Music and Cultural Festivals

The British Virgin Islands are a popular location for several music festivals and events each year showcasing both local talent and artists from wider afield. Typically, music festivals in the BVI will have a Caribbean flavor and offer visits a fantastic experience and party atmosphere.

BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission showcase the Virgin Islands Music Fest which takes place in May each year across three days. The event takes place at Road Town, Tortola.

The One Virgin Islands Music Festival (NE VI Music Festival) is taking place in June 2024 and is a two-day event that will be located at Cane Garden Bay. This area is well known locally for hosting plenty of music events such as the old BVI Music Festival, so is a great location to host a music event or party. Visitors and locals alike go to Cane Garden Bay to relax, party, and listen to local Fungi bands to international reggae artists.

The BVI Emancipation Festival, held annually in July and August, is a significant cultural event that marks the abolition of slavery. The festival includes a variety of activities such as pageants, parades, and music shows. The extravaganza begins earlier on Virgin Gorda with events taking place around Easter time in April. This is one of the main events in the BVI each year and is an important mark in the calendar for locals.

Full Moon Party at Trellis Bay isn’t an annual event it is an event that takes place each month at the time of the full moon. What can you expect at a Full Moon Party? A full Caribbean Dinner buffet, live steel pan, and a fire dancer performance. Later into the night, there is more music from local live bands and DJs. It’s great fun for the entire family.

Virgin Gorda Easter Festival as the name suggests takes place at Easter, which is typically either in March or April each year. This annual festival in the BVI has plenty to entertain from a calypso monarch competition, live entertainment, and a street parade.

The BVI Food Fete showcases food and drinks from around the BVI. If you’re into food and are looking to explore Caribbean flavors then this is well worth looking out for. They run events such as The Taste of Virgin Gorda and The Taste of Tortola and feature a ‘foodie month’ in November.

Summer Sizzle BVI is a fashion and lifestyle event that takes place in July and is hosted in Road Town, Tortola. Fashionistas and influencers from around the island and the rest of the world come together to experience the latest fashion, arts, and entertainment at this popular event.

If you like seafood, and especially if you like lobster then the Anegada Lobster Festival that runs in November might be for you. This is a three-day event that takes place on the island of Anegada. Go for the great-tasting dishes and live music.

BVI Water Sports Events

The British Virgin Islands are a premier destination for water sports fans, from sailing enthusiasts to divers and those who enjoy fishing the crystal-clear oceans. Since water activities are so popular there are plenty of annual events, competitions, and regattas that take place every year to cater to this passion.

BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival is one of the most anticipated sailing events in the region. This event spans a week filled with racing and social activities. The schedule is packed with different races each day, such as the Nanny Cay Round Tortola Race and the Scrub Island Invitational. If you’re into sailing this is a regatta that you simply don’t want to miss.

Beyond the Spring Regatta, the British Virgin Islands host numerous sailing competitions throughout the year. These include the Dark and Stormy Regatta, Sweethearts of the Caribbean Regatta, and the Foxy’s Wooden Boat Regatta. If you’re into sailing and yacht racing you are spoilt for choice in the BVI.

Xmas in July is an annual event that is held at Pond Bay Virgin Gorda. This is an event for the boating community from Puerto Rico, known as the PR Navy. Locals to the BVI and visitors to the islands all get together to celebrate this event. Not only will you see hundreds of boats, but you can also experience live music, along with great food and drink. Proceeds go to local non-profit organizations and environmental conservation.

Leverick Bay Poker Run is a powerboat event and race that follows a pre-determined route to collect playing cards. At the end of the run, the best hand wins the competition. This annual event is known for its festive party atmosphere with live music, food and drink for both locals and visitors to enjoy. The event starts at Leverick Bay, North Sound, on Virgin Gorda.

It probably comes as no surprise that one of the main attractions of the BVI is of the ocean specifically fishing. Each year many people descend onto the islands to go on a fishing vacation. With this in mind, The British Virgin Islands host a variety of fishing tournaments each year with anglers from around the world eager to compete for the best catch.

Scrub Island Billfish Invitational is a fishing tournament that takes place over three days in September. As the name suggests teams of anglers compete to see who can catch the biggest (and most) billfish.

Wahoomania is a wahoo fishing tournament that typically takes place each year with local fishing boats hitting the ocean to see who can bag the biggest Wahoo. It’s run by the Virgin Gorda Fishermen Cooperative and if you’re keen on fishing and have an interest in Wahoo then you might want to go along to check out the weigh-in celebration if you’re in the area at the end of the tournament to see the winning fish and team.

The British Virgin Islands are well regarded as a premier destination for diving enthusiasts. The islands host a variety of events that not only highlight the stunning underwater world but also emphasize the importance of environmental conservation.

Wreck Week, held annually in June, is a highlight for diving fans. Participants explore the mesmerizing underwater wrecks and art reefs that the BVI waters offer. This event is not just about diving it also includes beach parties, live music, and much more!

Finally, if you're in the boating industry and specifically dealing with charter yachts then the BVI Charter Yacht Show in November is certainly one that you'll want to add to your calendar. This is a business event so not for tourists. Come along to see yachts, catamarans, and more.

Book a BVI Water Taxi Service

If you’re in the BVI for an event, the best way to get around the islands is by boat. We offer a fantastic water taxi service that can take you exactly where you need to be. We can even offer transfers between the USVI and BVI. For those in the islands for a longer vacation we also offer a selection of half-day and full-day boat tours on our powerboats. By taking a tour around the BVI you can get to see all that the Virgin Islands have to offer.