A Guide to Planning SXM Carnival 2026
Self-proclaimed as ‘The biggest and best Carnival in the North Eastern Caribbean,’ SXM Carnival is a three-week cultural celebration held annually on the Dutch side of St. Maarten. The festivities blend international concerts, calypso competitions, steel pan performances, reggae bands, and more, centered around the Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village, commonly referred to as
The season culminates with two vibrant parade days when Carnival troupes take over the streets of Philipsburg, jumping and dancing to soca, bouyon, and other sounds from across the Caribbean. If you are looking to experience Carnival in a destination that combines culture, beaches, nightlife, and accessibility, SXM Carnival deserves a spot on your list.
If you want to visit The Friendly Island of the Caribbean, here’s a complete guide to planning a trip for SXM Carnival, including where to stay, costs, packing tips, Carnival Troupes, and things to do in Sint Maarten during SXM Carnival 2026.
About Sint Maarten Carnival Day
The island of Sint Maarten–Saint Martin is shared by the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Dutch side) and France (French side). As a result, the island celebrates two Carnival seasons each year:
- French-side Carnival: February–March, leading up to Lent
- Dutch-side Carnival (SXM Carnival): April–early May
SXM Carnival has grown into the island’s largest annual cultural event, showcasing local creativity, calypso music, cultural pride, and community in Sint Maarten.
Carnival was first celebrated in 1969 on November 11th, St. Maarten’s Day, as an initiative of the Oranje Committee to celebrate various holidays on the island. Inspired by St. Thomas Carnival in the USVI, the celebration later shifted to late April when the French side began hosting its own St. Martin Day festivities. The new timing aligned with Queen’s Birthday celebrations and avoided conflicts with other major regional Carnivals.
This event expanded into the multi-day festival we know today. While Trinidad Carnival remains the “Mother of Carnivals, and the largest Caribbean Carnival in the region, St. Maarten Carnival is known for having one of the longest Carnival seasons in the Caribbean.
When is St Maarten Carnival 2026
St. Maarten’s Carnival season will run from April 10 to May 5, under the theme “Come, Experience Life, with pre-Carnival events beginning on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The Grand Parade is scheduled for Thursday, April 30, and the Labor Day Lighted Parade is on May 1. Travelers planning for 2026 should aim to book flights and accommodations by January or February to secure the best rates.
Traveling to Sint Maarten
Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) is one of the busiest airports in the Caribbean, making it extremely accessible. Direct flights are available from the United States, Canada, Europe, Latin America, and other Caribbean islands.
Visitors from the neighboring islands of St. Barthélemy (St. Barts), Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Kitts can reach the island by ferry from the Dutch side, or from Anguilla on the French side.
Where to Stay for SXM Carnival
The island of St. Maarten has quickly become one of my favorites, with a variety of hotels, resorts, bed-and-breakfasts, and guest houses to suit every budget. SXM Carnival takes place during the Caribbean shoulder season, which means better availability and lower prices compared to winter travel. The weather is also mild, with occasional rain.
The best areas to stay are in the capital, Phillipsburg, where the Carnival Village is located, and Simpson Bay, which offers nightlife. My recommendations for Simpson Bay are Simpson Bay Resort and Marina or Hilton Vacation Club Royal Palm St. Maarten.
@msjoannae #stmaarten #sxmcarnivalweekend #resortreview #travelvlog #roomtour #travel #caribbeantiktok #blacktravelblogger #blacktravel #joannaetravels #simpsonbay #tiktoktravel #bdaytrip ♬ love nwantinti (ah ah ah) – CKay
St Maarten Carnival 2026 Schedule Overview
A unique feature of SXM Carnival is that most events are centered in the Carnival Village on Pond Island. The Carnival Village includes more than 80 vendor booths selling food, drinks, clothing, and crafts, all facing a main stage where local and international artists perform.
The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) has released the official carnival schedule for SXM Carnival 2026.
The featured events include the Causeway Jump-Up, Opening Jump-Up, Jouvert Morning Jump-Up, and Closing Jump-Up. The Junior and Grand Carnival Parades will be combined over two days, April 30 and May 1. SCDF will also have a St. Maarten Carnival Caribbean Queen Pageant.
Here is the SXM Carnival 2026 Schedule:
- March 14 – Republic Bank Carnival 55 Kick-Off Event
- March 20 – Causeway Jump Up
- March 21 – NAGICO Senior Calypso Eliminations
- March 27 – Unity Jump Up
- March 28 – Junior Carnival Queen Pageant
- March 28 – Big Band XP PACK YARD JAM
- April 10 – Opening of Carnival 2026 / Opening Jump Up
- April 11 – Calypso Barbara Junior Calypso & Roadmarch Competition
- April 12 – Carnival Family Fun Day
- April 13 – Culture Night – One Nation Many Cultures
- April 14 – “Unforgettable” – Big Band Culture
- April 15 – St. Maarten Carnival Caribbean Queen Pageant
- April 16 – The Village Chill
- April 17 – King Beau Beau & Friends In Concert “From Then to Now”
- April 18 – Band Clash & Road March
- April 19 – Junior Carnival Parade
- April 20 – Teen & Senior Carnival Queen Pageants
- April 21 – Nagico Senior Calypso Finals
- April 22 – Soulful Company – Our Superstars
- April 23. – Koncert X
- April 24 – One Love Reggae Concert
- April 25 – Il Brothers Entertainment Concert
- April 26 – Caribbean Flag Fest
- April 27 (4am) • Jouvert Mornin’ Jump-Up
- April 27 (8pm) • Youth Extravaganza
- April 28 • Soca Rumble Wednesday,
- April 29 • Noche Latina
- April 30 • Grand Carnival Parade
- May 1 (7pm) – Labour Day Lighted Parade
- May 2 – Night of the Hit Makers
- May 3 – Bacchanal Sunday
- May 4 – Carnival 55: The DJ Takeover Concert
- May 5 Closing / Last Lap Jump Up
SXM Carnival Troupes
To participate in the Grand Parade, you must be part of a Carnival Troupe or band. Carnival troupes operate independently from the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation. Most Carnival troupes have band launches 4-6 months before the carnival, and potential masqueraders can view and purchase their costumes online.
Most have Facebook or Instagram pages, and when their band launches, the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation shares it on their Facebook and Instagram pages. Here is a list of some bands to choose from:
What to Pack for SXM Carnival
Packing smart is essential for enjoying Carnival comfortably.
Carnival Essentials
- Comfortable sneakers for parade days
- Road-ready costume accessories
- Waist pouch or waterproof phone holder
Clothing
- Lightweight, breathable outfits
- Swimwear and cover-ups
- Evening outfits for fetes and concerts
Tech and Extras
- Portable charger
- Sunglasses and hat
- Small backpack or tote for day events
Beauty and Health
- Sunscreen (reef-safe recommended)
- Body glitter and makeup setting spray
- Electrolyte packets
- Pain relievers and blister pads
Things to do in SXM Outside of Carnival
St. Maarten offers plenty of experiences to round out your trip:
- Zip lining on The Flying Dutchman – the steepest zip line in the world
- ATV Tour around the entire island
- Watch the takeoff and landing of planes from Maho Beach
- Catamaran Day Sail
- Day Trip to Pinel Island
- Enjoy live entertainment at Nowhere Special or The Red Piano
SXM Carnival Cost Breakdown (Estimated)
Here is a realistic breakdown to help you budget for SXM Carnival 2026:
Flights
- US East Coast: $400–$700 roundtrip
- US West Coast: $600–$900 roundtrip
Accommodations (4–5 nights)
- Budget hotels/guesthouses: $120–$180 per night
- Mid-range resorts: $200–$350 per night
Carnival Costume
- T-shirt mas: $250–$400
- Full costume: $600–$1,200+
Events and Fetes
- Village events: Often free or low-cost
- Concerts and specialty fetes: $40–$120 per event
Transportation
- Rental car: $50–$75 per day
- Taxis: $15–$30 per ride
Estimated Total: $1,800–$3,500 depending on travel style and costume choice
Read More Carnival planning guides and reviews:
Ritual, Revelry, Release: Tobago Carnival 2022 Review
Best Hairstyles for Playing Mas
Carnival Prep: Tips for Getting Ready for Carnival
Can you buy daily tickets at the gate? We will be in St. Maarten for a week but don’t know which day we can go? Do you know how much the tickets are? Do they accept US dollars. Thank you for the article 🙂
Hi Danyel,
Yes you can purchase tickets the day of. I’m not sure about the current price, but when we went in 2022, they were $50 each for the Night of the hitmakers concert and they accepted US dollars.
Hi Joanne am coming there for carnival which resort is closet to where the carnival going to be please let me know
Hi Orette, The closest resort to the carnival village is Divi Little Bay Beach Resort. If you’re driving, it isn’t too long of a drive from Simpson Bay which has a lot of restaurants and night life.
I will be there the last week of carnival. How can I purchase tickets for the daily events?
Hi Jessica, I purchased tickets at the carnival village. You can buy season passes by sending an email to [email protected]
Hi Joanne! Do you know what time the parade on 2 May normally is? We are visiting the Island that day only and would love the opportunity to see the parade. I appreciate your help!
Hi Amy. I’m not 100% sure since I didn’t play mas, but we went on an excursion around noon and the parade was coming down the road
Thank you for this post. I recently decided to go next year to carnival and this was very helpful for me to start.
You’re welcome!