Take the whole family for a cultural weekend in Aruba, Dominican Republic, Anguilla, Dominica or even Mexico during one of many autumn cultural festivals.

Put on your dancing shoes to get your groove on, because the Caribbean’s biggest cultural music festivals are heating up during the Fall season between the months of September and November. From the Dominican Republic to Aruba and all across the islands, prepare yourself to be blown away by the biggest cultural events of the year.

Things tend to get steamier in the Fall; whether it is the spicy food being served or a band heating up the stage, there’s always something exciting and surprising about these Caribbean Music Festivals that are guaranteed to leave visitors wanting to coming back every year.
 

Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, Mexico

Although not technically a Caribbean island, if your family is looking for music with a beach vibe, head to Mexico’s Yucatan during the September for the annual Riviera Maya Jazz Festival.  Dubbed as a “fiesta” of sun, ocean and music, the festival is free and takes place on the beach.  Past performers include Kool & The Gang and Herbie Hancock.
 

"Stir it up" Annual Film and Music Festival in Jamaica

Emerging musicians and film-makers chosen by online voters and industry experts come together to screen their work and perform it live for a global audience. Attendees can participate in several workshops and conferences on music, film and many other topics related to Caribbean culture and much more. The 2012 Stir It Up Arts Festival edition takes place August 31 - September 03 in Montego Bay, the reggae capital of Jamaica.
 

Aruba Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival

The sixth edition of the intimate Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival on Aruba is around the corner. A terrific line-up of local and international bands and artists is going to entertain you on October 5 and 6. Well-known names, upcoming stars, but also budding talent will vie for your attention on the various stages at Cas di Cultura Plaza. And of course there will be dance, poetry and art mixed into the whirlwind of music that hits Aruba.Headlining the event is internationally-acclaimed, Grammy and Emmy-award winning pianist and composer Michel Camilo. Also featuring Delbert Bernabela, Robert Jeandor and his Solo Banda Show, Antonio Bello Blues, JEMM, and Randal Corsen. Visit the Sea Jazz Festival website for tickets and schedules.

"Nine nights of the Divine Mothers" in Trinidad

Ramayan is the oldest open air performance theatre in the Caribbean, held during the Hindu observance of Nav Raatam. The 10-day serialized play recounts the journey of the divine king, Rama, and his consort, Sita, on earth; beginning with a ceremonial procession of characters and a reenactment of ritual and faith in four languages: Awadhi, Sanskrit, English and Trini dialect. In 2012 the spiritual and cultural celebration of the Ramayan takes place October 16-24; for information visit Go Trinidad and Tobago.

Dominican Republic Jazz Festival

The Dominican Republic Jazz Festival, usually held in November, started as a small local event, and now this annual event has became a sensation attracting guests from all over the world. This event is recognized for the country’s deep appreciation for music and features a full line-up of high quality jazz performers. The concert travels around the country, hitting different cities every year, including Santiago, Cabarete, Sosua and Puerto Plata.  In past years, musical acts included Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin, and many Cuban and American players. The venue is less than two hours away from Miami and four hours from New York by air, so take the whole family for a weekend getaway or a mini-vacation. For more information on the festival and event hotels visit DR Jazz Festival or call 809/571-3880.

Anguilla's Tranquility Jazz Festival

Many families overlook the tiny island of Anguilla but its 33 beaches and well-known health spas are worth a visit. Anguilla's Tranquility Jazz Festival is one more reason to visit this great island. The one-of-a-kind festival delivers the richest and purest elements of Jazz and the arts. Both Jazz lovers and non-Jazz lovers will be impressed with the entertainers, not to mention the turquoise seas and the family-friendly white sandy beaches that the island has to offer. The Anguilla Tranquility Jazz Festival is usually held the second weekend in November. Past musical acts include Diane Schuur, whom is known around the world as the first lady of Jazz, Dean Fraser, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and many more inspiring Jazz artists. This is a great event for families who are looking to have a relaxing time. For more information on the festival visit Anguilla Jazz or call 877/4-ANGUILLA.

Dominica's World Creole Music Festival

Three nights of pulsating rhythms! A celebration of Creole music held annually in October. The sixteenth edition of the Dominica World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) is scheduled for October 26-28 at the Windsor Park Stadium. Among other themes, it will pay homage to cadence-lypso icon, the late Jeff Joseph. For schedules or ticket visit WCMF Dominica.