Notting Hill Carnival
Details
Notting Hill Carnival is a vibrant and free street festival in London that celebrates Caribbean culture. It’s one of the world’s largest street parties and the biggest street festival in Europe!
Get ready for lively parades, infectious music, dancing in the streets, and mouth-watering Caribbean food.
The carnival is all about celebrating Caribbean heritage, arts, and culture. You’ll see spectacular floats, performers in dazzling costumes, and hear the joyful sounds of steel bands and calypso music filling the air. Notting Hill Carnival takes place on the last weekend of August, including the summer bank holiday Monday. It all happens in the vibrant streets of Notting Hill in west London. The carnival began in the 1960s as a way to bring together the diverse immigrant communities who had made west London their home. It was organized by activists who wanted to stand against racism and violence faced by Caribbean people in Notting Hill.
Today, it’s a joyful celebration of unity, culture, and freedom of expression.If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience filled with color, music, and community spirit, Notting Hill Carnival is the place to be!
Aug 23
-
Aug 25, 2025
Multiple locations
Schedule
August
Sat
29
8:00 am
-
3:00 pm
UK National Panorama Steel Band Competition
Emslie Horniman's Pleasance Park comes alive with the vibrant rhythms of the UK National Panorama Steel Band Competition, showcasing top bands in an exciting musical showdown.
Mark your calendar for August 29, 2026, in London at this iconic venue.
Historically, this competition is the pinnacle of steel band performances in the UK, drawing both seasoned musicians and enthusiastic fans alike.
Notting Hill Carnival Fun Fact: Mangrove Steelband, formed in 1980, has won the Panorama competition 13 times as of 2025, making them one of the most successful bands in the event's history.
Find out more at https://nhcarnival.org/official-schedule?utm_source=calendarX
2026
August
Sat
29
10:00 pm
-
1:00 am
J'Ouvert
As dawn breaks, the vibrant streets of Notting Hill come alive with J'Ouvert, a cherished pre-carnival celebration marking the beginning of the Notting Hill Carnival festivities.
This lively event kicks off on August 30, 2026, starting at 6am near Sainsbury's by Canal Way Roundabout in London.
Historically, J'Ouvert is known for its spontaneous and colorful revelry, embodying the spirit and history of Caribbean culture in the UK.
Notting Hill Carnival Fun Fact: The Notting Hill Carnival is an annual Caribbean Carnival event that has taken place in London since 1966, over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Find out more at: https://nhcarnival.org/official-schedule?utm_source=calendarX
2026
August
Sun
30
2:00 am
-
2:30 am
Official Opening Ceremony
The vibrant energy of Notting Hill Carnival ignites with the Official Opening Ceremony at MAS Judging Point on Great Western Road, bringing together local residents and carnival enthusiasts for an unforgettable kickoff.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 30, 2026, at this iconic London location.
This venue has witnessed countless memorable celebrations, serving as a cornerstone for the carnival's rich history and cultural significance.
Notting Hill Carnival Fun Fact: The Notting Hill Carnival is Europe's largest street festival, attracting around two million attendees annually.
Find out more at https://nhcarnival.org/official-schedule?utm_source=calendarX
2026
August
Sun
30
2:30 am
-
12:30 pm
Adults Dutty Mas
Explosive energy fills the streets as Adults Dutty Mas transforms the Notting Hill parade route into a vibrant canvas of colors and sounds.
Mark your calendar for August 30, 2026, when the spectacle unfolds in the heart of London.
Known for its pulsating bass and lively atmosphere, this iconic event has been a cornerstone of the Notting Hill Carnival's Sunday celebrations.
Notting Hill Carnival Fun Fact: The Notting Hill Carnival was initially planned as a one-off event in 1966 but its overwhelming success led to its annual continuation.
2026
August
Sun
30
2:30 am
-
9:00 am
Children's Day Parade and Carnival
Immerse yourself in the vibrant spectacle of the Children's Day Parade and Carnival as young talents take center stage along the iconic Notting Hill parade route, celebrating Caribbean culture with colorful costumes and lively dance.
This joyful event unfolds on Sunday, August 30, 2026, in the heart of Notting Hill, London.
The parade route is renowned for its infectious energy, drawing families and culture enthusiasts to experience the future of carnival traditions.
Notting Hill Carnival Fun Fact: Held annually on the Sunday of the August Bank Holiday weekend, the Children's Day Parade emphasizes family-friendly activities and performances.
2026
August
Sun
30
4:00 am
-
11:00 am
Sound Systems
The vibrant streets of Notting Hill will pulse with the beats of Sound Systems, a cornerstone of the Notting Hill Carnival, showcasing music rooted in Jamaican culture on August 30, 2026.
This lively event takes place on Sunday in Notting Hill, London, bringing an eclectic mix of rare groove, house, and samba to life.
Historically, these sound systems have been pivotal in spreading Caribbean music culture throughout the UK, making them a must-see attraction.
Notting Hill Carnival Fun Fact: Arts-A-Light Soundsystem is known for its unique blend of soulful house, gospel, afrobeat, and classic soul, offering a family-friendly environment away from the hectic heart of the carnival.
2026
August
Sun
30
12:30 pm
-
3:59 pm
Judging Zone
In the heart of London's vibrant Notting Hill, the Judging Zone showcases mas bands at their best, captivating audiences with elaborate costumes and rhythmic performances.
Set for Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the MAS Judging Point, this event is a highlight of the Notting Hill Carnival.
The MAS Judging Point is renowned for its electrifying atmosphere, where bands have historically competed for top honors in the carnival's storied history.
Notting Hill Carnival Fun Fact: The Judging Zone is a prime location to witness the parade's vibrant costumes, steelpan performances, and Brazilian drums, capturing the essence of Notting Hill Carnival.
Find out more at https://nhcarnival.org/official-schedule?utm_source=calendarX
2026
August
Mon
31
2:30 am
-
12:30 pm
Adults Day Parade and Carnival
Notting Hill Carnival reaches its vibrant peak with the Adults Day Parade and Carnival, showcasing the dazzling finale of the MAS Bands along the iconic parade route.
Join the celebration on August 31, 2026, at the Notting Hill Parade Route in London.
This historic parade has been a cornerstone of London's cultural calendar, renowned for its lively atmosphere and stunning displays of creativity.
Notting Hill Carnival Fun Fact: The event has a strong emphasis on community involvement, with thousands of volunteers participating each year to ensure the smooth running of the festivities.
2026
August
Mon
31
4:00 am
-
11:00 am
Sound Systems
Feel the pulsating energy as Sound Systems electrify the streets of Notting Hill on August 31, 2026, marking the final day of the iconic Carnival.
Catch the diverse rhythms of reggae, rare groove, house, and samba music in the vibrant heart of London.
Notting Hill Carnival has been a cultural cornerstone since the 1960s, renowned for its celebration of Caribbean culture and community spirit.
Notting Hill Carnival Fun Fact: Notable sound systems at Notting Hill Carnival include 4Play, Aba-Shanti-I, and Arts-A-Light Soundsystem.
2026
August
Mon
31
12:30 pm
-
3:59 pm
Judging Zone
As the vibrant Notting Hill Carnival draws to a close, the Judging Zone becomes the centerpiece where mas bands showcase their final performances, vying for top honors.
On August 31, 2026, at MAS Judging Point in Notting Hill, London, you'll find the best spot to witness this grand conclusion.
This venue is renowned for its lively atmosphere, providing an unparalleled experience as bands compete with stunning costumes and choreography.
Notting Hill Carnival Fun Fact: The Judging Zone's grandstand seating allows attendees to bring their own food and drink, providing a comfortable and personalized viewing experience.
Find out more at https://nhcarnival.org/official-schedule?utm_source=calendarX
2026