The British Virgin Islands is home to a vast array of exciting annual events for families and tourists as well as lively full moon parties each month that are a must-have experience for adult visitors to the BVI.
Several of the top annual BVI events are celebrated with parades, live music and entertainment, local food, and drinks. There are also sailing and yachting events that attract sailing enthusiasts from around the world.
Annual Events
Most of the key events in the British Virgin Islands are held annually. However, they are well spread out and you’ll find that there is something happening during most months of the year.
Once you’ve determined the best time to visit the British Virgin Islands based on the weather, this events list, and other factors (such as the dates you’re free to travel), it’s best to book accommodation sooner rather than later. Our luxury wellness resort—The Aerial, BVI—is located on a private island just off the coast of Tortola, so it’s a great place to stay to be close to the action while enjoying privacy, land and water activities, and a wide range of wellness offerings.
BVI Food and Wine Festival
The BVI Food and Wine Festival was originally planned for April 2024 and has been postponed until February 2025. This multi-island festival is a great opportunity to try some of the very best creations from international chefs and sommeliers.
BVI Food Fete (events held throughout the year)
The BVI Food Fete is an initiative of the BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission. Food Fete events were previously concentrated in the month of November as part of the BVI Culture and Tourism month. However, the BVITBFC has now decided to disperse the events throughout the year. The 2023-2024 BVI Food Fete events include(d):
- Anegada Lobster Festival (November 2023)
- Jost Lime and Dine (January and February 2024)
- Taste of Virgin Gorda (March 16, 2024)
- Taste of Tortola (June 15, 2024 – originally planned for June 29, 2024)
If you missed the first three Food Fete events, don’t worry! Similar events should occur again in late 2024 and early 2025. Follow the BVI Food Fete Facebook page to stay informed about upcoming BVI Food Fete events.
Sweethearts of the Caribbean and Classic Yacht Regatta (February 17-18)
This is the BVI’s first major regatta of the year. The event, held in Tortola, is based at the West End Yacht Club with an after-party at the Jolly Roger restaurant.
Spanish Town Fisherman’s Jamboree/Annual Wahoo Fishing Tournament (March 30)
This annual angler’s event is held in Spanish Town on Virgin Gorda at the same time as the Virgin Gorda Easter Festival. In 2024, the tournament represented the final event of the Agriculture And Fisheries Exhibition. The event included the wahoo fishing tournament as well as fun activities for all the family such as parades, local music, and sampling freshly-caught fish.
BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival (April 1-7)
The BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival is the territory’s largest sailing regatta. This seven-day event—held at Nanny Cay Marina on Tortola—features the main three-day regatta around the Sir Francis Drake Channel as well as smaller races. After the races, victory parties are held at bars in Road Town.
Virgin Islands Music Festival (May 24-26)
The three-day British Virgin Islands Music Festival takes place on Tortola’s Cane Garden Bay Beach on the Memorial Day weekend in May. Come along and enjoy some of the world’s best calypso, reggae, jazz, rock, and fungi music along with local food and dancing on the beach.
BVI Wreck Week (June 16-22)
This event is a drawcard for scuba diving enthusiasts. Divers get together and explore dive sites, go on a treasure hunt, take diving certification courses, and participate in beach clean-ups. Visitors can also join in with Wreck Week barbecues and parties, which are usually held on Cooper Island.
VISAR’s Swim and SUP the Sound (date TBD)
This annual race is a fundraising event for Virgin Islands Search And Rescue (VISAR). Registered participants can stand-up paddleboard, swim, or even snorkel the course between Bitter End Yacht Club and Leverick Bay Marina. If you prefer to stay on the land, you can support the cause by joining in the Family Fun Day and Leverick Bay Barbecue.
One VI Poker Run (June 28-30)
The One VI Poker Run is a boat race with a difference: Participants sail from one stop to another (starting at Paradise Beach Club Bar & Lounge, Cane Garden Bay) and draw a poker card at each stop. At the end of the race, the participant with the best poker hand wins. The proceeds of the event go toward fitting out a technology room in a primary school in the BVI.
Summer Sizzle (July 13-14)
Summer Sizzle is a fashion and lifestyle event held each year in the BVI. This extravaganza draws designers and influences from diverse areas including fashion, travel, art, and entertainment.
BVI Culture and Tourism Month (November)
The BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission has dedicated the month of November to highlighting British Virgin Islands culture through a series of events. One of these events is the BVI Literary Fest (which last year featured more than 40 speakers). It also includes the BVI Food Fete, which now includes events that extend throughout various months of the year.
BVI Charter Yacht Show (November 12-15)
The BVI Charter Yacht Show is a four-day trade show presented by the Charter Yacht Society and hosted at Nanny Cay Resort and Marina. This event opens with a Business Expo and closes with an awards ceremony. In 2023, 45 crewed yachts and 117 charter brokers from 12 countries attended the event.
Christmas Events (throughout December)
BVI hosts various lively Christmas events throughout December, including Christmas in the City in Road Town and family-friendly fun at Bitter End Yacht Club. Visitors can try special Christmas foods and drinks in December, including guavaberry liqueur and sorrel drink, and listen to carollers and serenaders.
Old Year’s Night (December 31)
New Year’s Eve is known as “Old Year’s Night” in the BVI. Foxy’s Tamarind Bar on Jost Van Dyke and Trellis Bay on Beef Island, Tortola are two of the best spots to farewell the old year and ring in the new with entertainment, food, and a rum toast!
Monthly Full Moon Parties
There are many adults-only full moon parties every month at Trellis Bay Market, the Bomba Shack on Tortola’s West End, and Foxy’s Tamarind Bar on Jost Van Dyke. Enjoy delicious food, live music, drinks, fireballs (at Trellis Bay Market), and dance the night away.
Join the Party in the BVI
British Virgin Islanders set aside time to intentionally celebrate various aspects of life—from food and drink to sailing, fashion, and literature—with visitors from around the world. While many of these events draw an international crowd, they maintain a Caribbean feel and showcase the unique culture and produce of this stunning island group.
Timing your trip to the BVI around an event that interests your travel party is a great way to meet locals and experience the culture first-hand. If you’re looking to attend one of these events and need accommodations, be sure to check out The Aerial, BVI!