Carnival In Bermuda has grown into one of the biggest weekends on the island's social calendar, bringing together music, culture, costumes, visitors and enough soca to power an entire summer.

The beauty of the weekend is that no two events feel the same. Some are polished and stylish, some are chaotic in the best possible way, some start before sunrise and some end long after sunset.

Whether you're a first-timer trying to figure out where to spend your money or a carnival veteran looking to map out your weekend, these are the experiences I'd personally build my schedule around

EVOLVE June 11, 5pm at Fort Hamilton

For the person who wants to start the weekend in style

If Bermuda Carnival had an opening scene, Evolve would be it.

Celebrating ten years this year, the event has become known for its beautiful setting at Fort Hamilton, elevated atmosphere and signature Sunset Chic aesthetic. The crowd comes dressed, the energy feels sophisticated without being stuffy, and the all-inclusive format means you can settle in and enjoy the experience from start to finish.

For me, Evolve feels like the perfect way to officially step into carnival mode. It's polished, social and scenic, with the kind of golden-hour backdrop that reminds you why Bermuda does outdoor events so well.

SWIZZLE @ SUNRISE June 13, 5am at The Arboretum

For the person who loves a breakfast fete

There is something slightly ridiculous about willingly showing up to a fete at 5am, in the darkness. And yet every year, people do exactly that.

Swizzle @ Sunrise has become one of the most unique experiences of the weekend, blending Bermuda Rum Swizzle, top-tier DJs, live performances and the magic of watching the island wake up around you.

As the sun rises over the Arboretum and the crowd starts to find its rhythm, the event takes on a life of its own. It feels less like a party and more like a shared carnival ritual.

And this year with soca superstar headliner Voice from Trinidad, expect this fete to be 10/10. If you've never experienced it before, prepare for a perfect Saturday morning. It's worth it.

WAVES June 13, 2pm at Admiralty House

For the person who wants peak carnival energy

If there is one event that perfectly captures the spirit of Carnival in Bermuda, it might be Waves.

Set against the backdrop of Admiralty House, the event combines soca, water, sunshine and hundreds of people ready to have a good time. This year's edition gets an added boost with a performance from the King of Soca Machel Montano alongside an impressive line-up of DJs and entertainers.

What makes Waves special is the setting. People aren't just standing around watching a stage. They're in the water, dancing, singing and fully immersed in the experience. It's part concert, part beach day and part carnival fever dream.

GLOW June 14, 5pm at Queen Elizabeth Park

For the person who loves a premium white party

There is something about an all-white event that immediately raises the stakes. GLOW returns to Queen Elizabeth Park this year with its Sun Kissed theme, inviting guests to arrive in white accented with yellow. The result is usually one of the most visually striking events of the weekend.

Between the fashion, the open bar, the food, the music and the atmosphere, GLOW delivers exactly what many people are looking for on carnival Sunday: a chance to dress up, look good and enjoy one more big celebration before the road.

PURE June 14, 8pm at Albuoy’s Point

For the person who wants a concert vibe

While many carnival events are built around DJs and nonstop movement, PURE offers something different: a chance to experience the power of live performances in a concert-style setting. Held at Albouy's Point, the all-white event has become one of the signature experiences of the weekend, bringing together soca fans, carnival lovers and music enthusiasts for a night of big performances and big energy. The waterfront location, all-white dress code and festival atmosphere create a memorable backdrop, making PURE one of the weekend's standout opportunities to enjoy the music at the heart of carnival culture.

TRAFFIK JAM J'OUVERT June 15, 2:30am at Bernard Park

For the person who wants the full carnival experience

If you've never done J'Ouvert, it can be difficult to explain. But trust me, it’s a must-do for every carnival lover.

Paint flies. Powder fills the air. Water comes from every direction. Nobody looks the same by the end of it and nobody cares.

Traffik Jam will be one of the biggest events of the weekend, transforming early Monday morning into a moving celebration of music, freedom and organised chaos.

For many carnival lovers, this isn't just another party. It's the moment that captures the spirit of carnival itself. Messy, loud, joyful and completely unforgettable.

Whether you're planning one event or all five, the best advice I can give is simple: wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated, pace yourself and don't be afraid to lean fully into the experience. Because before you know it, another Carnival In Bermuda will be over and you'll already be talking about next year.

• For ticket information, please visit carnivalinbermuda.com