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CaribMask Carnival Comes to Raleigh


  • Jim and Lori Hill - Realtors, Brokered by lpt Realty 3825 Wild Meadow Lane Wake Forest, NC, 27587 United States (map)

Get ready for the vibrant energy of Caribbean carnival in Raleigh—the 12th annual CaribMask Carnival returns on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 12 PM to 8 PM in downtown Raleigh, with a full weekend of related events August 14–17, 2025.


A Celebration of Caribbean Culture, Music, Food & Community


This blockbuster Caribbean festival in Raleigh, hosted by the Raleigh‑Durham Afro‑Caribbean Association (RDACA) and the City of Raleigh, celebrates Caribbean culture through a dazzling Parade of Bands, steelpan music, traditional dances, street food, arts & crafts, and family-friendly fun. With free parade entry, a bustling Festival Village at City Plaza (400 Fayetteville St), and a host of evening fetes, it promises a spectacular Caribbean carnival weekend in the Triangle 🇧🇸 a rich, colorful experience.


Parade of Bands



Watch costumed masqueraders from over 15 Caribbean nations—the Parade of Bands sets off from the State Capitol at noon, making its way to the Festival Village. Expect elaborate feathers, masks, live steelpan, and rhythmic dance that transform Fayetteville Street into a Caribbean street party in Raleigh Festival Village & Main Stage

Festival Village opens right after the parade, with live performances, DJs, and traditional dances on the main stage. The village teems with Caribbean food vendors, arts & crafts, and a Kids’ Corner with cultural activities.

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🎶 Weekend Events: A Full Carnival Experience

CaribMask is more than just one day. Here's a look at the immersive four-day lineup:



Thursday, Aug 14 – Flag Fete (10 PM–2 AM): Opening celebration featuring DJs and themed dance.



Friday, Aug 15 – Camo Fete (10 PM–2 AM): A nightlife-themed carnival party.



Saturday, Aug 16 – Parade & Festival (12 PM–9 PM): The heart of CaribMask—daytime parade and village experience.



Saturday night – All White Everything (10 PM–2 AM): Dress code party featuring DJs and Caribbean vibes.



Sunday, Aug 17 – Jouvert (9:30 AM–2 PM): Dawn celebration with paint, music, and sunrise rituals.



Sunday evening – Sunset Soirée (3 PM–9 PM): Closing event with live music, rum cocktails, and chill atmosphere.



This lineup makes CaribMask one of the most dynamic Caribbean festivals in North Carolina, with options for families, night owls, and cultural enthusiasts alike.



🍛 Food, Vendors & Cultural Marketplace



Festival Village brings a taste of the Caribbean to downtown Raleigh, featuring:



Traditional Caribbean cuisine: jerk chicken, roti, doubles, patties, goat stew, plantains, and fresh seafood.



Arts & crafts vendors offering handmade jewelry, clothing, carnival masks, and cultural souvenirs.



Family-friendly vendors in the Kid’s Corner with crafts, face painting, and dance workshops.



This Caribbean food festival in Raleigh is a favorite for exploring flavors from Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados, and beyond—and supporting local cultural artisans.



🎤 Live Music, DJs & Cultural Performances



Music is the heartbeat of CaribMask. Expect to hear:



Live steelpan bands and traditional drummers during the parade.



International and local musical acts covering soca, reggae, calypso, dancehall, and gospel.



DJs spinning throughout the village and evening fetes—genres include Caribbean soca, African beats, and global rhythms .



🎭 Cultural Heritage & Celebration



This festival was founded in 2012 by the RDACA to uplift and share Afro‑Caribbean culture with the greater Raleigh-Durham community. It blends carnival traditions originating in Caribbean islands with Raleigh’s inclusive spirit, emphasizing:



Multicultural pride and representation



Community unity across backgrounds



A thriving creative economy through arts and vendors



📅 Key Details at a Glance



When: Saturday, Aug 16, 2025 • Noon–8 PM (Parade starts at 12 PM)



Where: Downtown Raleigh Parade (starts at State Capitol), Festival Village at City Plaza, 400 Fayetteville St



Cost: Parade & carnival admission are free; fete tickets apply where indicated



Who: Family-friendly—children welcome; fetes are 18+ with ID and ticket



Accessibility: Downtown venues are ADA accessible; check event info for specifics.



📣 Why CaribMask Stands Out



Rich Cultural Expression: A feast of Caribbean traditions through costumes, drums, dance, and food.



Dynamic Parade: A Nashville-level outdoor spectacle with masquerade bands and lively street performance.



Community-Focused: Founded to promote diversity; engages artists, families, vendors throughout the Triangle.



Multi-Day Programming: Offers daytime fun, nighttime cultural fetes, and communal spirit.



Free & Inclusive: Open to all with free daytime access—welcoming to everyone in Raleigh and beyond.



🌟 Tips for Attending



- Arrive early at noon to catch the flag ceremony and parade route.



- Bring cash and cards, though many vendors accept digital payments.



- Check the Parade Route map and plan for street closures downtown.



- Block off time post-parade for strolling through Village and catching performances.



- Dress comfortably but festive—masqueraders sure do!



- Watch the fete lineup if you want to continue into the evening celebrations.



🏨 Visiting from Out of Town?



If you're visiting Raleigh, CaribMask is a great addition to your summer trip. The event offers nearby dining, hotels, parking, and other summer activities, such as concerts, food festivals, and cultural events in the Triangle.



💬 Voices from Past Attendees



Although this year's event hasn’t taken place yet, previous festival-goers describe it as:



“A colorful explosion of Caribbean culture in the heart of Raleigh. The parade is electric and the Village delivers amazing flavors.”



“My kids loved the dancers and face painting—such a family-friendly cultural celebration.”



🎉 Celebrate with Us



Whether you’re a lifelong Caribbean culture devotee or looking for Raleigh's best free summer festival, CaribMask Carnival is not to be missed. Join the energy on August 16 and celebrate unity, creativity, and the richness of Caribbean heritage right in downtown Raleigh.



Mark your calendar, invite your friends, and get ready for a colorful, musical, and unforgettable Caribbean carnival weekend at CaribMask 2025.