Carnival of Bermuda Culture

In Bermuda, summer fun doesn't end when the sun goes down. Each week locals and visitors enjoy vibrant, evening street festivals, taking advantage of the long summer days.

One of the best ways to really experience the magic of Bermuda is to become a Bermudian. How? Head for a summer festival and find out!

Build lasting memories while you browse amongst a wide variety of quality gifts, souvenirs and more. Dance in the streets, sample local delicacies, meet new friends and rekindle old friendships as you soak up Bermuda's unique, colourful culture.

Bermuda Crafts Pink Sand & Shell Boxes

Bermuda is home to a thriving population of artists and craftsmen offering the best in local arts and crafts, such as sculptures, paintings, hand-blown glass, woodcarvings, dolls, jewellery and other one-of-a-kind souvenirs. At Bermuda's summer fairs many local artisans are on hand and will be happy to discuss their techniques and share insights into their crafts.

Several retailers stay open later, affording visitors an opportunity to browse amongst world-class jewellery, perfumes, leather goods, china, crystal and many other fine products. Entertainment is provided by Bermuda's traditional Gombey dancers, whose rhythmic, age-old dances never fail to delight the crowds. At summer fairs you'll also enjoy Bermudian and international specialties, including the ever-popular fried fish, as well as a range of snacks, refreshing drinks and other cool treats.

Hosted by the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, the festivals enable visitors to meet the locals and experience Bermuda's unique culture and cuisine. For more information check local newspapers, inquire at the front desk of your hotel, or call the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce at 441-295-4201, or visit the Visitors' Service Bureaus.

Harbour Nights - Hamilton
Destination Dockyard - the West End
Market Nights - St. George's

Destination Dockyard: The Royal Naval Dockyard
Mondays (May 31st, 2010 - August 2nd, 2010)
8 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Destination Dockyard Face Painting

On Monday nights in summer, there’s a party at the Royal Naval Dockyard and you’re invited! The open-air festival takes place from 8 p.m.–10:30 p.m., and it’s packed with fun-filled activities. Yes, Destination Dockyard is an event you won’t soon forget!

Start your adventure by taking a leisurely ferry ride to Dockyard. When you step off the ferry, you’ll be greeted by local vendors displaying their art and crafts and sharing their many talents, not to mention great food.

The festival atmosphere is further enhanced by a wide variety of weekly entertainment, showcasing live bands featuring amazing local and international talent. You won’t be able to keep still as you enjoy Bermuda’s very own Gombeys’ performance — a traditional dance to the beating of the rhythmic drums in their colourful costumes.

Visit the many retail stores around Dockyard or within the Clocktower Mall, which stay open late for your shopping convenience. The Bermuda Craft Market is a must-see, with all its original Bermuda-made items. Many of the surrounding businesses have specials every Monday night. Dolphin Quest has a free dolphin show, the Frog & Onion Pub and Craft Market offer free Bermuda sampling, and Dockyard Glassworks features free demonstrations. There are many activities for children, such as fun castles, face painting, hair braiding, air-brush tattoos and much more.

With so many activities, you’ll inevitably work up an appetite. Try out one of the fabulous restaurants in Dockyard. Most have alfresco dining, serve full dinners and offer good selections of wine, beer and cocktails. You’ll find Bermudian and international specialties, including the ever-popular fried Bermuda fish, and pub-style fish and chips as well as a wide range of snacks, refreshing drinks, and cool treats. Continue the party with live, local entertainment at Hammerheads Bar & Grill or salsa dancing Bone Fish Bar & Grill. The night heats up at CLUB SPB, with an open-air dance floor and the best in top 40 music.

Dockyard Sundays: The Royal Naval Dockyard
Every Sunday during the summer months; 11:00am - 5:00 p.m. Royal Naval Dockyard.

On the lawn outside the Clocktower Mall. Bring the family! Hair braiding, Thai massage, Caricature Artists, Musicians, Face painting, Bounce castles, food and fun! www.thewestend.bm

Hamilton Harbour Nights - Front Street in Hamilton
Wednesdays (April 28th, 2010 - September 8th, 2010)
7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Harbour Nights Downtown Hamilton Performers

Every Wednesday night from 7 to 10 p.m. on April 28 until September 8, the scenic harbourfront on Front Street in Hamilton is closed to vehicular traffic and offers fun for the entire family. Locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy Harbour Nights, an open-air festival showcasing aspects of Bermuda’s unique culture. The evening includes live entertainment, more than 80 street vendors, children’s activities, an extensive food court, late-night shopping, dining and more.

Harbour Nights features a variety of activities, from train rides to face painting, and the live music, local bands and musicians will keep you dancing in the streets. You’ll find it hard to keep still as you enjoy the various performances throughout the evening, which can include the Gombeys, steel pans, dancers and the Bermuda Regiment Band, which marches down Front Street in full regimental apparel with pipes and drums. 

Harbour Nights Downtown Hamilton Children's Train

Make sure you take the time to visit the street vendors with their beautiful array of unique items and take home a memento of your stay in Bermuda.

With so many activities, you’ll inevitably work up an appetite. The food court fits the bill. Here you’ll find Bermudian and international specialties, including delicious fried fish and a range of snacks. The restaurants — many overlooking Front Street — also serve full dinners and offer good selections of wine, beer and cocktails.

St. George's Market Nights in King's Square, St. George's
Tuesdays (April 27th, 2010 - October 5th, 2010)
6p.m - 10 p.m.

Then there is the St. George’s Market Nights, an annual event for locals and tourists alike. This year it will be running from April 27 to October 5. Located right in the town square, stalls are set up every Tuesday night from 6 to 10 p.m., and locals sell homemade crafts and goodies. Witness the Gombeys perform our festive native dance whilst you kick back and just enjoy the festivities.

Market Nights commemorate life in historic St. George's, which dates from the 1600s. The fun starts in King's Square. It's a fun time for all ages

St. George's is at its best under a star-filled sky. You'll forge unforgettable memories while you get valuable insight into the unique character and history of one of the oldest European settlements in the Western Hemisphere.

These festivals provide the opportunity for the local community and tourists to get together and experience our unique island flavour.

Make your Bermuda trip even more memorable with dolphins! Dolphin Quest offers fun, interactive dolphin encounter programs for all. Book your adventure today!

Have a fun-filled vacation with a cycle from Oleander. If you can ride a bicycle, you can easily ride an Oleander scooter. See all of Bermuda...reserve one today!

Getting Around Bermuda Relax, enjoy, save and see Bermuda by bus. A blue or pink pole indicates bus stops. If the pole is topped with blue, the bus travels from Hamilton; if the pole is topped pink, the route is toward Hamilton.