A Guide to Planning Atlanta Caribbean Carnival 2024
Carnival in Atlanta is an annual celebration known to be the first Caribbean Carnival to kick off the season in the United States.
In addition to celebrating Caribbean culture through the various styles of Caribbean music, dance, delicious food, live entertainment, and mas, Atlanta Carnival aims to promote a deeper appreciation and broader understanding of Caribbean culture in the metro Atlanta community. Unlike past years, when Atlanta hosted two Carnivals on the same day, Atlanta Carnival 2024 will have ONE Carnival held in the Downtown Atlanta Metro area.
If you’re considering spending Memorial Day Weekend in Atlanta, Georgia, for the 37th Annual Atlanta Caribbean Carnival, here are some things you need to know.
When is Atlanta Carnival 2024
The parade of the bands for Atlanta Caribbean Carnival is on May 25th, 2024.
With it being a holiday weekend, you can book flights from Thursday to Monday (or Tuesday) and include things to do in Atlanta outside of the parade and fetes. When I attended Atlanta Carnival 2022, I booked the trip from Wednesday to Sunday.
Where to Stay for Atlanta Carnival
If you’re attending Atlanta Caribbean Carnival, there are many hotels to choose from in the Atlanta metro area. Hotel rates vary depending on the length of stay and location.
I’ve stayed at the SpringHill Suites Atlanta Downtown, The Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta, and the Courtyard Atlanta Airport South/Sullivan Road on several trips to Atlanta.
I recommend staying in College Park, Buckhead, Downtown, or Midtown Atlanta since the area has many restaurants and things to do. For Atlanta Carnival 2022, I paid an average of $150/night for the room and $40/night for valet parking.
You can research hotels and vacation rentals below based on availability and budget.
Atlanta Carnival Mas Bands
As an established event, Atlanta Caribbean Carnival has a variety of bands to choose from for the parade of the bands. Costumes range from $400+ USD for male and $500+ for female frontline, midline, and curvy options, depending on your chosen band.
Here is the list of bands for Atlanta Carnival 2024. Note that most big bands, with some exceptions, are participating in Atlanta Caribbean Carnival, and some have a hard registration closure at the end of March.
Atlanta Caribbean Carnival Mas Bands
- Calabash Alley Masqueraders
- Entice Mas
- Ethnic Essentials
- Inferno
- Insane Carnival
- Mystikal
- Madd Colors
- Mas Maniacs
- Panache
- Tropicaya Mas
- We Kinda Ting
For a complete list of bands and how to register, view the parade route, or contact the section leaders, visit the official Atlanta Caribbean Carnival website.
Where to Fete for Atlanta Carnival 2024
Official events scheduled for Atlanta Caribbean Carnival are the 9th annual J’ouvert held on Friday, May 26, and the Parade of Bands and Concert in Westside Park featuring Pumpa, Motto, Lil Rick, Burning Flames, Farmer Nappy, and more at the festival village. The concert is a great way to expose the entire family to Caribbean cuisine and culture.
J’ouvert occurs the day before the parade (Friday, May 26). Below is a list of J’ouvert Bands for Atlanta Caribbean Carnival:
- Atlanta Caribbean Carnival J’ouvert
- Mud Jumbies J’ouvert
- Madd Colors
- Reggae Matic
- Entice
- Vibez and Riddim
Getting Around Atlanta
If you’re staying in Downtown Atlanta and aren’t attending fetes, there really isn’t any need for a car since public transportation and Uber are readily available.
*Tip* Remember to include gas, insurance, and potential parking fees in your budget for choosing a rental.
Things to Do in Atlanta, Georgia
There are many outdoor activities and things to do in the Atlanta Metro Area, whether you’re visiting solo or in a group. There are also a lot of Black Owned restaurants great for brunch, happy hour, and dinner.
If you’re visiting for the first time, here are some things to do during your downtime in the city of Atlanta and surrounding areas for the Atlanta Carnival
- Atlanta Jazz Festival at Piedmont Park May 24-26 (free live music)
- The Georgia Aquarium
- SkyView Atlanta
- World of Coca-Cola Museum
- Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
- Birth Home of Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Trap Music Museum
- Centennial Olympic Park
- High Museum of Art
- National Center for Civil and Human Rights
- Atlanta Botanical Garden
- Hike at Stone Mountain Park
Atlanta Carnival Cost
As always, the cost of any carnival depends on how much you are willing to spend. Last year, I had about two months to plan and paid $340 for my backline costume with Mas with Panache, $887.25 for my hotel, around $500 for a rental car, and about $50 for food and drinks.
If you’re traveling with friends, lodging and car rental costs should be split between attendees.
I hope this quick guide to Atlanta Carnival 2024 was helpful in your planning. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below or send me an email.
Read More Carnival Planning Guides and Reviews
Ritual, Revelry, Release: Tobago Carnival 2022 Review
A Guide to Planning SXM Carnival 2023
Atlanta Carnival 2022: On the Road with Mas With Panache
