Here’s an honest update, plus everything still worth doing at Fort Zoutman — and right now, it’s on a temporary pause. Here’s an honest update, plus everything still worth doing at Fort Zoutman around Oranjestad in the meantime.

If you’ve been researching an Aruba trip and came across the Bon Bini Festival, you’re not alone. It’s one of the island’s most beloved weekly events — and one of the first things visitors look for when planning their itinerary. So let’s give you a straight answer about where things stand right now.

“Bon Bini” means “Welcome” in Papiamento, the local language of Aruba. The Bon Bini Festival has historically been held every Tuesday evening at Fort Zoutman, the oldest building on the island, right in the heart of Oranjestad. For decades, it was a weekly celebration of Aruban culture — traditional music, dance, local food, crafts, and that warm, welcoming atmosphere that the island does better than almost anywhere in the Caribbean.

For many visitors, it was their first proper introduction to Aruba beyond the hotel strip. And for good reason: it was a genuine window into local life, not a manufactured tourist show.

As of March 2026, the Bon Bini Festival has not resumed and no official restart date has been announced. To be clear: Fort Zoutman itself is open and very much worth visiting — it’s the Tuesday evening festival that is currently on hold.

We know this is disappointing to hear — particularly if you were looking forward to it as part of your trip. But we’d rather give you an honest update than send you searching for something that isn’t running right now.

The good news: Aruba has no shortage of authentic cultural experiences, even without the festival. Here are some alternatives well worth adding to your itinerary.

Fort Zoutman is open to visitors and well worth an hour of your time. The Museo Historico Arubano (Historical Museum of Aruba) is housed inside — Aruba’s oldest building, dating to 1798, filled with artefacts and exhibits covering the island’s indigenous Caquetío history, colonial past, and economic evolution from gold and aloe to oil and tourism. Admission is $5 USD.

The Willem III Tower next door is climbable, with a narrow but rewarding ascent to the top for panoramic views over Oranjestad and the waterfront. It’s one of those experiences that feels genuinely local — not packaged for tourists.

Downtown Oranjestad is one of the most underrated parts of Aruba. The main street — L.G. Smith Boulevard — is lined with colourful Dutch colonial buildings, local shops, and open-air restaurants. Walk it in the late afternoon, stop for a cold Balashi (Aruba’s local beer), and people-watch as the day cools down. The waterfront area around the marina is particularly lovely at sunset.

San Nicolas, Aruba’s second city, has transformed into the cultural capital of the island — particularly around its extraordinary street art scene. The ArtisA foundation has turned the town into an open-air gallery, with murals from local and international artists covering nearly every wall. It’s a completely different side of Aruba from the Palm Beach hotel strip, and the atmosphere on Saturday evenings is wonderful.

Some of the best Aruban cooking happens away from the tourist areas. Ask a local where to find pastechi (fried savoury pastries), keshi yena (stuffed cheese), and fresh-caught fish. A meal at a local snack hut will tell you more about Aruba than any cultural show. Browse our restaurant guide for local favourites across the island.

The moment the Bon Bini Festival has an official restart date, we’ll update this post. If you’re planning a trip and want to time it right, bookmark this page or follow us on social media — we’ll share the news as soon as it’s confirmed.

In the meantime, Aruba is still Aruba. The sun is still out, the beaches are still spectacular, and the welcome — even without the festival — is as warm as it has ever been. Bon Bini.

Visiting Oranjestad? Don’t miss the Fort Zoutman Historical Museum, the downtown walking tour, and our guide to where to eat in Aruba.

No hurricane season. 360 days of sunshine. Temperatures that barely move all year. Here’s what Aruba’s weather actually looks like month by month — and exactly what to pack.

Here is Aruba’s best-kept secret: there’s no bad time to visit. Seriously. While the rest of the Caribbean spends half the year bracing for hurricanes, Aruba sits 15 miles north of Venezuela, well outside the hurricane belt, enjoying around 360 days of sunshine per year. The trade winds blow in from the northeast almost constantly, keeping temperatures comfortable even at the height of summer.

That said, the months are not all identical. Here’s exactly what to expect — and what to pack — for every time of year.

The busiest and most popular months to visit. The weather is flawless: sunny days, cooling trade winds, and very little chance of rain. This is Carnival season, which means the island is buzzing with music, parades, and an energy you won’t find anywhere else. Book accommodation well in advance.

Carnival has wrapped up, but the weather remains perfect. Spring break brings a surge of visitors in mid-March, but by April the island quietens down and prices start to ease. This is one of the best times for families and couples who want great weather without full peak-season crowds.

The tourist trade slows, and with it, the prices. The weather stays warm and sunny, the trade winds remain steady, and the beaches are noticeably less packed. Aruba Hi-Winds takes place in mid-May (May 13–18 in 2026) — the Caribbean’s biggest windsurfing and kitesurfing event, held at Sarah-Quita Beach in Palm Beach. It’s free to attend, wildly entertaining even if you’ve never picked up a board, and a great reason to time a trip around.”

School holidays bring families to the island, particularly from the US and Canada. The weather is hotter but manageable, thanks to those ever-present trade winds. The sea stays calm and clear, and this is prime time for watersports. Hi-Winds — Aruba’s legendary windsurfing and kitesurfing competition — takes place in late June and early July.

The slowest time of year, and the best deals. The trade winds ease slightly, making it feel a touch warmer and more humid, and there’s a marginally higher chance of brief afternoon showers. But “more chance of rain” in Aruba still means the sun is out most of the day. The Art Fair in San Nicolas runs in September — a culturally rich event worth visiting.

The island wakes up again. Restaurant Month runs in November, with special menus and deals across the island’s dining scene. December is festive and lively, with New Year’s Eve celebrations that are genuinely spectacular. Prices rise as the Christmas holiday approaches — book ahead.

Regardless of when you visit, the packing list is pretty consistent.

Aruba is genuinely a year-round destination in a way that few Caribbean islands can claim. The best time to visit is whenever works for your schedule — and your budget. If you want the full carnival experience and don’t mind the peak-season prices, January and February are magical. If you want excellent weather, fewer crowds, and better value, April or May will surprise you. And if you just want to escape somewhere warm and beautiful with almost zero weather risk, any month will do.

Ready to plan your trip? Check our entry requirements, browse where to stay, and explore things to do on the island.

The way we work has changed. The office is no longer confined to four walls, and the “Zoom background” doesn’t have to be a virtual filter anymore.

For those trading cubicles for coastlines, Aruba presents a unique opportunity. While the island has always been a top vacation destination, it is rapidly becoming a haven for a new audience: the long-stay traveler.

If you are looking to bring your laptop to paradise, here is the essential logistical guide to living and working from “One Happy Island.”

Is it practical to work from an island?

Unlike more rustic tropical destinations where power outages and spotty Wi-Fi are common, Aruba offers a modern, reliable infrastructure that rivals many US cities.

Aruba has invested heavily in Fiber to the Home (FTTH) technology. Most vacation rentals and hotels in the main districts (Noord, Oranjestad, Eagle Beach) offer robust speeds averaging 50 Mbps to 100+ Mbps.

Pro-Tip: Always ask your host for a screenshot of a speed test before booking if you have critical bandwidth needs.

Don’t rely solely on Wi-Fi. We recommend getting a local SIM card for backup and exploration.

Transitioning from a tourist to a temporary resident is easier than you think.

Aruba has made it incredibly easy for US nationals to stay for extended periods.

While a hotel room is fine for a week, a digital nomad needs a kitchen, a living space, and a proper desk. Here are four top “work-friendly” options:

For the nomad who needs absolute focus, Paradera Park is a hidden gem located centrally on the island.

If you are planning a longer stay (1 month+) and want to stretch your budget without sacrificing comfort, Quality Apartments near Eagle Beach is a fantastic choice.

If your budget allows, the Boardwalk offers individual casitas that come with dedicated workstations. It feels like a lush, private neighborhood rather than a hotel, offering the perfect balance of luxury and functionality.

For maximum privacy or if you are bringing the whole family, a private rental is often the best route.

If you need a break from your patio, the island has excellent “third places” to work.

Aruba is more than just a quick getaway; it is a viable, safe, and connected base for remote professionals. By utilizing these decision-making tools and focusing on logistics, you can seamlessly transition into the island lifestyle for a month or more.

Aruba is famous for its consistent sunshine and cooling trade winds, but even on “One Happy Island,” the weather can occasionally be unpredictable.

First, take a deep breath. While brief showers are common, they usually pass in 10-15 minutes (we call this “Liquid Sunshine“). However, if you wake up to gray skies that look like they are staying for a while, knowing how to pivot your plans is an essential part of your trip logistics.

Don’t let a little rain dampen your spirits. Here is your “Plan B” guide to making the most of a rainy day in Aruba.

Rainy days provide the perfect excuse to step out of the sun and into the island’s culture. You might be surprised to find world-class museums right in downtown Oranjestad.

If you have a rental car, a rainy day is the perfect opportunity to drive south to San Nicolas, the island’s “Sunrise City.” The 30-45 minute drive lets you sightsee from the dry comfort of your vehicle, and the destination is Aruba’s cultural capital.

If the beach is a wash, why not hit the boutiques or catch a film?

Aruba is often called the “Las Vegas of the Caribbean.” Many resorts feature their own vibrant casinos, providing a lively escape that is open 24/7 or late into the night.

This is one of the best “hidden gems” for a rainy day. Aruba is the world’s largest exporter of Aloe Vera, and the museum and factory tour is entirely indoors.

Why go: You get to see the production process firsthand, learn about the plant’s healing properties, and shop for locally made skincare products that make perfect gifts (or treats for your own sun-kissed skin).

When the weather isn’t cooperating, there is no better comfort than Caribbean cuisine. Use the downtime to enjoy a leisurely, multi-course lunch at one of Aruba’s many excellent restaurants without feeling guilty about missing beach time.

It might sound counter-intuitive to go to a nature exhibit in the rain, but The Butterfly Farm near Palm Beach is fantastic during a light shower.

The mesh netting creates a lush, humid environment that the butterflies love. When it rains lightly, the butterflies often become more active or can be seen roosting on the undersides of leaves, offering a unique photo op you might miss on a dry, windy day. Note: Bring a light rain jacket!

Turn a gloomy weather forecast into a day of total self-care.

Don’t let the weather dictate your happiness. By having these decision-making tools in your back pocket, you can turn a weather delay into a memorable, relaxing part of your Aruba itinerary.

If you survived Aruba’s Grand Carnival Weekend, congratulations! You likely danced for miles, wore incredible costumes, and soaked up more sun (and perhaps a few more cocktails) than usual. But by the time Friday rolls around, the “post-Carnival blues” often manifest physically: dehydrated skin, tired feet, and a serious need for a reset.

You aren’t alone. In fact, 2026 has already dubbed this the year of the “Glowcation”—vacations dedicated entirely to skin health and restorative wellness. And there is no better place to experience it than Aruba, the Aloe Capital of the World.

We’ve rounded up the top 3 spas where you can scrub away the glitter and restore your island glow this weekend.

Vibe: Serene, Earthy, and Intimate.

Located within the adults-only Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Purun Spa is the definition of a sanctuary. Their approach to the “Glowcation” is deeply rooted in Aruba’s natural elements.

Vibe: Modern, Sophisticated, and Result-Driven.

If you want visible results fast, head to the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort. The eforea Spa has embraced the 2026 trend of combining botanical ingredients with high-tech skincare tools.

Vibe: Exclusive, Secluded, and Luxurious.

Sometimes, the best way to recover from a crowd of 50,000 people is to go where there are no people at all. The Okeanos Spa at Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort offers something no other spa can: the private island experience.

Insider Tip: For the ultimate detox, upgrade to the Spa Cove experience. You’ll take a private water taxi to Renaissance Island for an open-air massage in a secluded cove, followed by a frozen cocktail (or a green juice!) as you watch the flamingos. It is the perfect silence after the Carnival storm.