The Complete Events Guide to Festivals, Culture & Sports on Both Sides of the Island. Including Weekly Live Music schedule!

Looking for the best events in St. Maarten and St. Martin? Whether you’re here for a week or the whole season, there’s always something happening on our island! From yearly festivals and cultural celebrations to weekly live music nights and monthly community gatherings, you’ll find entertainment, rhythm, and local flavor in every corner of paradise.

Explore Carnival parades, beach parties, sailing races, food festivals, sports tournaments, and nightlife events across both the Dutch and French sides. Visit iconic hotspots like Maho Village, Grand Case, Simpson Bay, and Marigot for live bands, DJ sets, and themed nights that bring the island’s multicultural heartbeat to life.

At We Are SXM, we highlight everything — from major island-wide celebrations like the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta and Festival de la Gastronomie, to intimate weekly events such as live jazz at local restaurants, Caribbean BBQ nights, and sunset happy hours with DJs. You’ll also find monthly happenings, including art fairs, wellness sessions, beach cleanups, and open-mic nights that showcase our creative island spirit.

Whether you’re planning ahead for next season’s big events or looking for what’s happening this week in St. Maarten | St. Martin, this is your go-to calendar to make every day unforgettable.

January – February: Culture and Celebration

Black History Month – Saint Martin & Sint Maarten

Each February, the island honors its African-Caribbean roots with art exhibits, music, lectures, and community events celebrating freedom, resilience, and cultural pride.

Carnaval Saint Martin (February – Marigot)

The French side bursts into color every February with parades, feathers, music, and food through the streets of Marigot. The St. Martin Carnival offers a smaller, more intimate experience than its Dutch counterpart, but every bit as joyful.

Arrowroot Jollification Festival (Colombier, Saint Martin)

This two-day cultural event in Colombier celebrates the traditional harvesting of arrowroot — complete with music, local food, and workshops that honor the island’s agricultural heritage.

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March – April: Music, Sailing & Carnival Fever

Grand Case Tuesdays (Les Mardis de Grand Case)

From February through April, the charming French-side village of Grand Case becomes the island’s biggest street market every Tuesday evening. Experience live music, local crafts, and authentic cuisine in a lively Caribbean atmosphere.

St. Maarten Heineken Regatta (March – Simpson Bay)

Held in the first week of March, the Heineken Regatta is the Caribbean’s largest sailing event. Thousands of sailors from around the globe compete in turquoise waters by day and celebrate with live concerts by night.

SXM Music Festival (March)

This world-renowned electronic music festival transforms beaches, villas, and clubs across St. Maarten | St. Martin. Party with international DJs under the stars, surrounded by Caribbean beauty.

Sint Maarten Carnival (April – May – Philipsburg)

The biggest Carnival in the northeastern Caribbean! From mid-March to early May, enjoy jump-ups, concerts, and the spectacular Grand Parade. The heart of the action is the Carnival Village in Philipsburg, featuring international artists and endless Caribbean rhythms.

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July – August: Culture and Summer Festivals

I Love My Island RAM (Colombier)

Held the first Sunday in July, this beloved French-side event celebrates heritage, cuisine, and tradition — complete with a contest for the island’s “Most Beautiful Ram.” A fun, family-friendly day of laughter and local pride.

Oualichi Festival – SXM Best Weekend (July)

A four-day celebration of Caribbean music uniting both sides of the island. Expect soca, dancehall, R&B, hip-hop, and zouk from top regional artists.

Sandy Ground Village Festival (August 15 – Saint Martin)

Centered around Assumption Day, this vibrant festival includes parades, live music, and traditional food in one of Saint Martin’s most spirited neighborhoods — a true expression of French-Caribbean culture.

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October – November: Sports, Heritage & Cuisine

Amstel Bright Beach Volleyball Tournament (October – Great Bay Beach)

A high-energy beach volleyball competition where local and international teams battle in the sand. The Amstel Bright Beach Volleyball Tournament is a must-see for sports fans visiting St. Maarten in October.

Jollification Season (October – November)

A heritage-focused period celebrating the island’s culture through local art, food fairs, and community gatherings — blending both sides of the island in creativity and celebration.

St. Maarten Day Celebration (November 11)

Every November 11, both the Dutch and French sides unite to celebrate St. Maarten Day, marking the island’s shared history. Parades, cultural performances, and family festivals take place in both Marigot and Philipsburg.

Festival de la Gastronomie de Saint Martin (November 11 – 22)

The Saint Martin Gastronomy Festival transforms the French side into a foodie paradise — from gourmet dining to BBQ cook-offs, mixology competitions, and chef battles between the island’s best restaurants.

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December: Sports & Celebration in Paradise

Hyperstrike MMA Fighting Championship (December 6 – Casino Royale, Maho)

An elite ranked MMA fighting championship hosted at Casino Royale in Maho. Watch professional fighters from around the world compete in a thrilling evening of power, precision, and passion.

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Experience the Island All Year Round

Whether you’re chasing Carnival vibes, world-class sailing, or family-friendly festivals, St. Maarten | St. Martin offers unforgettable events in every season.
Plan your trip with We Are SXM — your local guide for the island’s best events, beaches, restaurants, nightlife, and adventures.

See all live music, DJs, and events every day of the week, click on the days below to directly scroll to your preferred day!

Last updated: 18 October 2025 by Roy van Zutphen

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