Tobago Carnival is sweet steelpan friendly faces blue water out the window and island time all weekend.
What to Expect
Tobago Carnival — 'Ritual, Revelry, Release' — is a liberating festival of cultural expressions with a distinctly Tobago-centric character that sets it apart from its sister island. Held in October, it blends folk traditions with modern soca energy: J'ouvert, Night Mas, Parade of Bands, and 30+ parties across the island.
Tobago Carnival 2025 ran October 24–26 — expect similar October dates each year
J'ouvert, Night Mas and Parade of Bands are the three main road events
20+ participating mas bands — smaller and more intimate than Trinidad
30+ parties and pre-carnival events spread across the season
Competitions include Soca Titans, Junior Calypso Monarch and Monarchs of Mas
Tobago-centric uniqueness: folk traditions blended with contemporary mas
Virtual 3D carnival routes available online for advance trip planning
Places to Stay
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Ride-Hailing Apps
TiGo Rides — Tobago
Local Tobago ride-hailing app with rewards. Download and sign up before you arrive for the easiest way to get around the island.
Referral code: PPBTITS761473
Use this discount code when you sign up.
Fetes & Events
Tap ♥ to save any event to your Carnival Plan
Things To Do
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Getting There
A.N.R. Robinson International Airport
Before you fly — Online Arrival / Departure Card
RequiredEvery passenger must complete this — once for arrival and again for departure. The portal only opens 72 hours before each flight, so set a reminder. Save or print the receipt with the QR code; officials will ask for it at the port.
Have these ready
Getting Around
Far quieter than Trinidad: a hire car is the sensible choice if you want to see the island beyond Crown Point.
Public buses and shared route taxis run the main Crown Point–Scarborough–Charlotteville roads, but services thin out in the evenings.
Driving is on the left, roads are narrow and winding once you leave the coast, and goats have right of way in practice.
The inter-island ferry from Port of Spain takes a few hours; the 20-minute flight is usually the better option in carnival week.
TiGo Rides is the local ride-hailing app — see the Ride Share Apps section above.
Typical Costs from the UK
Estimates only — prices vary by airline, timing and section choice. Use the budget calculator to build your own breakdown.
When to Book
Tobago Carnival takes place in October — well outside the February–August Caribbean carnival season, making it ideal for carnival lovers who want a second fix each year. Fly into Crown Point (TAB) via Trinidad or direct from London. Accommodation is limited on the island, so book 3–4 months ahead for the carnival weekend. Mas band registration typically opens in mid-year. Contact the organiser at info@welcometobago.com for the latest event schedule.
Plan This Carnival
🎭 30 Oct – 1 Nov 2026
MUAs & Photographers for Carnival
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