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August is festival season in Curaçao, when the island bursts to life with art, music, and culture. At the heart of the celebration is the Kaya Kaya Festival, where artists and locals come together to transform the neighborhood with bold street art, dynamic dance battles, and live performances. The streets become a stage, and there’s something to experience around every corner.
Equally unmissable is the Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival. With a powerful lineup featuring international acts like Snoop Dogg and Kool & The Gang, it’s a chance to enjoy world-class music in a one-of-a-kind Caribbean setting.
And when you're ready to slow things down, Curaçao offers plenty of space to unwind—whether that’s on a quiet beach or hiking through the trails of Christoffel Park, the island’s largest national park.
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The Kaya Kaya Festival
It’s hard to imagine now, but Otrobanda in Willemstad was once a neglected neighborhood. To change that, the Kaya Kaya Festival was born. Every year, residents and artists come together to make their district more vibrant and welcoming through spectacular murals and live performances. If you want to experience the real Curaçao, this is the festival to visit.
The 8th edition of the festival features three events, all taking place within the same week. Skol Urbano (August 18–24) celebrates the neighborhood’s urban culture and shines a light on local talent through panels, workshops, dance battles, and live shows. Art Week, from August 19–25, showcases Otrobanda’s creative spirit with striking murals, performances, and workshops by both local and international artists. The grand finale takes place on August 24 with the Street Festival — a street party packed with live music, art, and Curaçaoan street food, where you’ll truly feel part of the community.
Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival
The sun is almost always shining on Curaçao, and from August 27 to 30, it will be raining stars too at the Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival. This is your chance to see global acts like Kool & The Gang, Ne-Yo, Ricky Martin, Snoop Dogg, and Gipsy Kings by Diego Baliardo perform live under the Caribbean sun.
Now in its 11th edition, the festival brings together a mix of global headliners, celebrated artists, and new talent. Food is an integral part of the atmosphere, with food stands throughout the venue offering a variety of drinks, local dishes, and international options. Don’t wait too long — tickets are in high demand and selling fast!
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Nena Sanchez Art Gallery
Love Curaçao? Then you’ll love Nena Sanchez. This local artist drew inspiration from the island’s nature and culture. Bright colors, hibiscus flowers, flamingos, and typical Curaçaoan architecture: her paintings and giclées (canvas reproductions) are filled with it. Her work is on display and available for purchase at Landhuis Jan Kok and the Gallery in Punda, Willemstad.
The Curaçao Museum
Not only the oldest museum on the island, but also one of the most diverse. Antique furniture, paintings by local and international artists, a botanical garden, and even an original airplane cabin from the first KLM flight to Curaçao: prepare to be surprised by colorful art and the colonial history of the island.
Christoffel Park
Curaçao’s largest national park spans about 23 km². Hike endlessly and enjoy rare flowers, plants, and wildlife. The Savonet Museum gives insight into the region’s history, from the Arawak natives to the plantation era. Up for a challenge? Climb the 375-meter-high Christoffel Mountain for an unforgettable view.
The Hato Caves
These limestone caves are over 300,000 years old. Wander past stalactites and stalagmites with names like the Pirate’s Head and the Sea Turtle, while hearing captivating stories about runaway slaves who once hid here for months. Kids will be amazed by the bats flying close overhead.
Landhuis Bloemhof
Landhuis Bloemhof is a historic estate dating back to 1735 in Willemstad, now a vibrant cultural center. Once home to artist and writer May Henriquez, it now serves as a meeting place for creatives and art lovers, featuring rotating exhibitions, a sculpture garden, and a rich art library. One of the highlights is the Cathedral of Thorns, a monumental labyrinth structure made entirely of local wabi-plant thorns. Designed by artist Herman van Bergen, it symbolizes the power of creativity, nature, and cultural diversity.
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