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From dawn til dusk, parties to the main parade, here’s everything you need to know about this year’s 41st annual celebration of Caribbean culture.
It’s time to fete! Miami Carnival reunites Caribbean cultures in South Florida this weekend for its 41st consecutive year. What started four decades ago now draws hundreds of thousands of people from the diaspora, all joining together to celebrate Caribbean pride and take to the streets of the 305.
But Carnival is more than just whining and partying —it’s a tradition rich in history.
Dating back to the 1800s, historians say Carnival was birthed by enslaved people who were barred from participating in the pre-Lenten festivals and masquerades of colonizers. The enslaved created their own version of these celebrations; blending their African traditions with French and other European elements, wearing the discarded costumes of the colonizers, and transforming them into acts of resistance and cultural expression. This defiant spirit lives on in traditions like Grenada’s Jab Jabs, where revelers covered in oil and paint embody characters that once mocked the oppressive ruling class. Another powerful example is Trinidad’s evolution as the epicenter of modern Caribbean Carnival culture, where elaborate costumes, steel pan music and soca were born.
Today, that same spirit lives on. These celebrations and traditions have survived and expanded beyond the Caribbean, evolving into something powerful and universal: an assertion of freedom and identity. Thanks to the diaspora, you can find carnivals all around the globe with these same vibrations – from the UK’s Notting Hill Carnival to Caribana in Toronto, and New York’s West Indian Day Parade on Labor Day. But in South Florida, where Caribbean communities have planted deep roots, Carnival isn’t just an event; it’s homecoming.
While the South Florida festival started on Saturday, October 4, with the Junior Carnival. The party for the grown and sexy kicks off this weekend. Ready to celebrate? Miami Carnival weekend has plenty of events for both seasoned revelers and first-timers. Check out our guide below.
The Main Events
J’ouvert: J’ouvert is a traditional carnival event celebrated worldwide. Meaning “daybreak,” from the French term ‘jour ouvert,’ it marks the beginning of Carnival. The event starts before dawn, with revelers hitting the streets covered in paint, oil, and powder, dancing to lively sounds of soca. This one is for early risers (or those who pull all-nighters.) The Miami edition kicks off Saturday, October 11, at 7 a.m. at Central Broward Park. Purchase tickets here.
Miami Carnival Parade of Bands & Mega Concert: Ready for di road? This one is for the real revelers! Parade-goers “play mas” in vibrant costumes, traditionally celebrating together in bands while a Live Music Truck moves alongside them blasting soca music. This finale event is an impressive display of elaborate feathered costumes, whining waists, electric performances and international music stars — all coming together for the ultimate celebration of Caribbean pride and unity. Carnival Sunday takes place at the Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds with doors opening at 11 a.m. Purchase tickets here.
Parties and Events
Saturday, October 11
STAMPED is a celebration of Africa’s global influence on music, art, and culture. The Carnival edition of this event series joins forces with JerkxJollof for a poolside fete.
Saturday, October 11 at 3 p.m.
Location: Arlo Wynwood Purchase Tickets
Carnival energy takes over Blackbird Ordinary for a special REUNION pop-up party presented by Love Language. Selectors will be playing Soca, Hip-Hop, and Dancehall all night.
Saturday, October 11 at 5 p.m.
Location: Blackbird Ordinary Purchase tickets
The event dubs itself as Miami’s top Saturday night event during Miami Carnival, featuring Ricky Platinum, Copper Shot, Dr. Esan, Platinum Kids, Selectah AJ, and more.
Saturday, October 11 at 9 p.m.
Location: The Urban Purchase tickets
Are you team reggae or team soca music? The Carnival weekend party pits two of the hottest Caribbean music genres against each other for a night of fun.
Saturday, October 11 at 9 p.m.
Location: MAPS Backlot Purchase tickets
Sunday, October 12 + Monday, October 13
Famed selectors DJ Private Ryan, Walshy Fire of Major Lazer & Ryan Sayeed present Detour, in the heart of Wynwood on Miami Carnival Sunday Sunday, October 12 at 3 p.m.
Location: Wynwood Marketplace Purchase tickets
After playing mas all Sunday, continue the vibes Monday evening with Bacchanal’s international line-up of DJs.
Monday, October 13 at 6 p.m.
Location: Playa Wynwood Purchase tickets
For those who didn’t indulge in enough fetein’ over the weekend, this is the last call. Last Lap is the official farewell party, closing out Miami Carnival 2025.
Monday, October 13 at 10 p.m.
Location: UVA Wynwood Purchase tickets