International travel should take you out of your comfort zone and broaden your worldview—whether you’re a retired jet-setter or taking your kids on their first trip outside of the country. Because geography isn’t the only thing that makes a place unique. To truly do this, we recommend immersing yourself in the culture of the place you’re visiting whenever possible. What are the locals eating, listening to, playing, creating? While visiting Dominica, we hope you have the opportunity to experience the island like a local. These are just some of the annual events that will let you do just that.
February 24–25, 2020
Known as “Mas Domnik” or “The Real Mas,” Dominica’s Carnival is held annually on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday—marking the beginning of Lent. Though activities typically start a month prior, the highlight of Carnival is this two-day festival of street dancing and performances and much more.
May 2020
The Dominica Festival of the Arts (DOMFESTA) is a month-long celebration of creative artistic disciplines—including theatrical and dance performances, concerts and artistic workshops. Get a taste of both longstanding traditions and new flavors during this showcase.
July 5–14, 2020
Led by the Dominica Watersports Association, this annual event is centered on scuba diving and marine life. Visitors can participate in Dive Fest through a variety of activities, including discounted whale watching tours, swimming and kayaking races, and marine educational tours. Family-friendly events include kids snorkel treasure hunts, beach Bar-B-Qs, and more. Don’t miss the famous Kubali Canoe Race!
Early August 2020
The annual Nature Island Literary Festival and Book Fair has been showcasing recognized talent as well as new and upcoming writers since 2008. The festival is typically aligned with Dominica’s Emancipation Day celebrations and aims to promote reading as well as careers within the literary arts.
October 23–25, 2020
Concluding Creole heritage month, the annual World Creole Music Festival is a three-day event presented by the Dominica Festivals Committee. It’s been called “The Festival That Never Sleeps” because the celebrations start in the evenings and last well into the mornings.
Dominica isn’t your typical Caribbean island — and that’s exactly the point. With no mega resorts, no crowded beaches, and no cookie-cutter experiences, it’s the kind of place where nature still calls the shots and adventure is always around the corner (or under the surface). Here are 10 things that make the island — and […]
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When most travelers think of wellness in the Caribbean, they picture plush robes, sea salt scrubs, and the gentle hush of a luxury spa. And while Fort Young certainly offers such, true rejuvenation in Dominica goes far beyond the treatment room. The “Nature Island” of the Caribbean, Dominica is a place where wellness is woven […]
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Starting October 29, 2025, United Airlines will offer a second nonstop flight from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Dominica, now operating every Wednesday in addition to the existing Saturday service. The new Wednesday arrival lands in the early afternoon, getting you to Fort Young with enough time to settle in before sunset. From there, […]
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