The countdown is on for one of the most highly anticipated cultural celebrations in the U.S. Miami Carnival 2025, returning October 4–12 to Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. With events spanning across two counties and multiple days, Miami Carnival is more than just a parade, it is a festival of Caribbean culture, creativity, and community spirit that unites thousands of revelers, families, and visitors from across the world.
“Miami Carnival is more than just an event, it is a movement of culture, community, and Caribbean pride,” said the Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee in a press release. “From the children who represent the future of Carnival to the global stars headlining our main stage, every element is designed to showcase the artistry, unity, and joy of the Caribbean experience.”
The season kicked off last Saturday, October 4th with the Junior Carnival at The Lot at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center. This FREE community event, presented by TD Bank and hosted by Visit Lauderdale and the City of Lauderhill, highlighted the future of Carnival with performances from seven junior masquerade bands: Carnival Dreamerz, China Mas Kids, La Familia, Major Players, Party Room Squad, Wassi Babes, and Zing Zing Kidz. Families enjoyed costumed parades, cultural entertainment, food vendors, and kid-friendly activities in a joyful celebration of heritage.
THIS WEEKEND (OCT 10TH-12TH, 2025)
On Friday, October 10th, the spotlight turns to the sweet sounds of steelpan at the Pan Jamboree at Carnival Village North from 5 PM to 11 PM. Audiences will be treated to performances by renowned steel orchestras including Lauderhill Steel Ensemble, Matanza Steel Orchestra, New Generation Steel Orchestra, Newtown Playboys Steel Orchestra, and the St. Thomas All-Stars. Tickets are $35, making this one of the most accessible ways to experience this treasured Caribbean art form.
The energy continues with the Official J’ouvert on Saturday, October 11th, at the Central Broward Park from 7 AM to 3 PM. Known as Carnival’s most unfiltered celebration, J’ouvert is a paint, powder, and music street party featuring over 20 bands including Break Awae Kru, Gen X / Euphoria Mas, Dutty Pleasure, Freak Mas, J’ouvert Express, Limers International, Red Antz Miami, Revel Nation, Savage Mas, and Wassi Ones. Tickets are $70, and all online purchases automatically enter guests for a chance to win a trip for two to St. Lucia Carnival 2026, courtesy of the St. Lucia Tourism Authority and Lucian Carnival.
The festivities culminate on Sunday, October 12th at the Miami Carnival Parade and Concert at the Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds from 11 AM to 11 PM. More than 16 masquerade bands will parade in spectacular costumes, culminating in a star-studded concert featuring Bunji Garlin, Fay Ann Lyons & The Viking Band, Nailah Blackman, Claudette Peters, Tian Winter, Soca Villan, Kid Fresh, Arthur Allain, and many more. Hosted by DLife, Barrie Hype, and Singing MC Wassy, and powered by a cast of international DJs, this all-day spectacle is the crown jewel of Miami Carnival. Tickets start at $55 before 4 PM.
Miami Carnival 2025 is presented with support from the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Miami-Dade County, Visit Lauderdale, City of Lauderhill, and a host of valued partners including Caribbean American Passport News Magazine, Roadblock Radio, CMG Media Group, Lucian Carnival, Zip 103FM, Dukunoo Jamaican Kitchen, The Long Drink, and Carib Beer.
For tickets, media credentials, and more information, visit www.miamicarnival.org.
This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.
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