Put on your dancing shoes to get your groove on, because the Caribbean’s biggest cultural music festivals are heating up during the Fall season. From the Dominican Republic to Aruba and all across the islands, prepare yourself to be blown away by the biggest cultural events of the year.

Things tend to get steamier in the Fall; whether it is the spicy food being served or a band heating up the stage, there’s always something exciting and surprising about these Caribbean Music Festivals that are guaranteed to leave visitors wanting to coming back every year. 

Aruba Music Festival

The famous Aruba Music Festival takes place around the first week of October at the Aruba Entertainment Center in Oranjestad. The outdoor venue gives visitors outstanding sound quality and a perfect view of the stage no matter where you stand. The venue also has a secondary stage aside from the main stage, so guests can enjoy more live entertainment.

The Aruba Music Festival dates back to the 1980’s. This event, formerly known as the Aruba Jazz and Latin Fest, is held annually, and features well-known musical acts such as Gloria Estefan, Marc Anthony, Lionel Richie, John Mayer, REO Speedwagon, and many others. In 2002, the festival expanded the repertoire from just jazz and Latin to classic rock to appeal to a larger audience in other regions such as North America and Europe. Music goers can enjoy fun in the sun along with some great music. This unique concert allows guests to meet new friends with similar music interest. Admissions can be pricey depending on where you want to sit or stand. Tickets start from $50. For more information on the festival and special hotel packages visit www.aruba.com or 800/390-4936.

Bermuda Music Festival

If you desire a more diverse and international event, the four-day Bermuda Music Festival is for you. Featuring world-class live entertainment at a beautiful outdoor venue, the stages are right next to the pink sand beaches, making this celebration even more spectacular with its scenery and music. Musical acts include Lionel Richie (pictured at left), Alicia Keys and many local acts, in addition to many international acts. The celebration usually starts off at the Royal Navy Dockyard and ends at the National Sport Center.
 
The Bermuda Music Festival, formerly known as the Bermuda Jazz Fest, takes place the first week of October and attracts visitors from all around the world. The diversity in entertainment features impressive vocal and instrumental talent. This experience allows guests to discover both the sounds of international performers and local culture. General admissions start at $60, or higher depending on where you want to sit or stand. For tickets call 808/909-8881. The Fairmont Southampton (800/257-7544, 101 South Shore Road, Southampton, Bermuda) is the main hotel for the event. For more information on the festival visit www.bermudatourism.com or 800/BERMUDA.

Dominican Republic Jazz Festival

The Dominican Republic Jazz Festival, usually held at the end of October or early November, started as a small local event, and now this annual event has became a sensation attracting guests from all over the world. This event is recognized for the country’s deep appreciation for music and features a full line-up of high quality jazz performers. The concert starts in Cabarete, moves to Sosua and ends up in Puerto Plata. In past years, musical acts included Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin, and many Cuban and American players. The venue is less than two hours away from Miami and four hours from New York, so take the whole family for a weekend getaway or a mini-vacation. For more information on the festival and event hotels visit www.drjazzfestival.com or call 809/571-3880.

Anguilla's Tranquility Jazz Festival

Many families overlook the tiny island of Anguilla when looking for a vacation. While this island might be small, it has a big reputation. Families should visit one of Anguilla’s many unique destinations such as its 33 beaches and well-known health spas. Anguilla's Tranquility Jazz Festival is a reason to visit the great island. The one-of-a-kind festival hopes to deliver the richest and purest elements of Jazz and the arts. This event celebrates the arts and the music of the island. Both Jazz lovers and non-Jazz lovers will be impressed with the entertainers. Not only will guests experience the wonders of Jazz music, but also the turquoise seas, and the family-friendly white sandy beaches that the island has to offer.

The Anguilla Tranquility Jazz Festival is usually held the second weekend in November. Musical acts include Diane Schuur, whom is known around the world as the first lady of Jazz, Dean Fraser, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and many more inspiring Jazz artists. This is a great event for families who are looking to have a relaxing time. For more information on the festival visit www.anguillajazz.org or 877/4-ANGUILLA. 

Cayman Jazzfest

The Cayman Islands lie on the west of the Caribbean. The three islands, Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman make up this little piece of paradise. The Cayman Islands prove that size isn’t everything with its very successful annual 3-day Cayman Jazzfest taking place at the end of November or beginning of December. This Caribbean Smooth Jazz Festival is unlike many; guests will experience the harmony of the greatest names in jazz, gospel, and R&B. Fans can relax and enjoy the smooth sounds of renowned jazz performers. Guests will not only enjoy fine music, but also fine dining and fine beaches.

There are special hotel packages for visitors to stay at the Comfort Suites starting from $649 for 3 nights, rooms are based on double occupancy; the package does includes airfare from Miami on Cayman Airways but does not include the event tickets. Tickets should be purchased in advance. Visit www.caymanislands.ky or 345/945-0623 or 877/4-CAYMAN for more information.

Mark your calendars for at least one of these Caribbean music festivals. Your family will get an opportunity to enjoy music as well as an island paradise.