🎶 Event Overview
Official Name: Soul Beach Music Festival
Location: Oranjestad, Aruba
Venue(s): Nikki Beach, Harbor Square Arena, Renaissance Convention Center, Aruba’s top beach clubs
Dates: Wednesday, May 21 – Monday, May 26, 2025 (Memorial Day Weekend)
The Soul Beach Music Festival is a world-class destination event that blends the luxurious vibes of the Caribbean with the best in R&B, soul, comedy, and Black culture. Held annually on the island of Aruba over Memorial Day weekend, Soul Beach is equal parts music festival, upscale beach party, and cultural celebration. Whether you’re dancing under the stars to top-tier R&B artists, networking with travelers from across the globe, or sipping cocktails at sunset, Soul Beach delivers an unforgettable experience wrapped in warm island hospitality.
🕰️ History and Background
Founded: 2001
Founded By: Mark Adkins, event visionary and entertainment executive
Created to combine a luxury travel experience with Black music excellence, the Soul Beach Music Festival has grown into one of the premier global events for R&B and comedy lovers. Originally launched in South Beach, it found its true home in Aruba, where it has thrived for over two decades.
Festival Milestones:
- 2005: Moves permanently to Aruba, welcomed with national support
- 2010s: Welcomed artists like Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Usher, The Roots, and Ne-Yo
- 2019: Featured John Legend and Ella Mai to a sold-out crowd
- 2022–2024: Returns post-COVID with acts like Jill Scott, Kevin Hart, Anthony Hamilton, and DJ D-Nice
- 2025: Celebrates its 24th anniversary with expanded beachside experiences
🌟 Why You Should Attend
Because Soul Beach is not just a festival—it’s a lifestyle.
This is where Black excellence meets island elegance. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, planning a girls’ trip, or flying in solo to network with movers and shakers, Soul Beach offers both relaxation and high-energy nightlife, with plenty of sand and soul.
Key Reasons to Attend:
- Unmatched setting in one of the Caribbean’s most luxurious and welcoming islands
- World-renowned R&B and comedy talent
- Curated events from sunrise yoga to midnight yacht parties
- A global crowd of professionals, creatives, and travelers
- Endless opportunities for connection, celebration, and rejuvenation
🔥 What to Expect This Year (2025)
Headliners (Announced March 2025 – Past performers include):
- John Legend
- Usher
- Charlie Wilson
- Jill Scott
- Tank and the Bangas
- Cedric The Entertainer
- Kevin Hart
Expect 2025’s lineup to feature a blend of Grammy-winning artists, DJs, and comedians, all performing in intimate, beachside, or open-air venues.
2025 Schedule Highlights:
- Wednesday, May 21: Kick-off parties and beachside welcome drinks
- Thursday, May 22: Comedy show at Renaissance Convention Center
- Friday, May 23: Beach day + main concert under the stars
- Saturday, May 24: Pool parties + live concert + afterparty
- Sunday, May 25: Soul Beach Day + DJ sets + late-night yacht party
- Monday, May 26: Chill and farewell brunch
🎟️ Ticket Types & Pricing
- General Admission: Starting at $125 for concerts, $75 for comedy show
- VIP Experience: $350–$750 includes preferred seating, open bar, express entry
- Weekend Passes: Bundles with optional add-ons for yacht parties, afterparties, etc.
✈️ Travel & Logistics
Best Airport:
- Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) – 10 minutes from all major hotels
Getting Around:
- Taxi Service: Flat rates between major areas (airport to hotel = ~$20)
- Rental Cars: Great if you want to explore the island during downtime
- Festival Shuttles: Provided for select events with advance ticketing
- Walking: Most events are walkable from downtown Oranjestad or resort areas
🏨 Where to Stay
Recommended Hotels:
- Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort: Festival headquarters and luxury beachfront hotel
- Divi Aruba All-Inclusive: Popular with groups and close to concert venues
- Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort: Oceanfront with elegant amenities
- RIU Palace Aruba: All-inclusive with nightlife built in
Book early—hotels sell out months in advance. Some packages available via festival travel partners.
🍽️ Where to Eat
Black-Owned or Local Favorites:
- Zeerovers: Fresh seafood with a casual beachside vibe
- Yemanja Woodfired Grill: Upscale Caribbean fusion
- The West Deck: Laid-back local favorites with sunset views
- Cuba’s Cookin’: Latin-Caribbean soul food and live music
Food options are also available at festival events, including beach BBQs, curated cocktails, and pop-up food trucks.
🧠 Tips for First-Timers
- Dress Code: Tropical chic—bring swimwear, breezy outfits, evening attire, and sun protection
- Weather: Expect 85–90°F with sunshine—pack light and hydrate frequently
- Time Zone: Aruba is on Atlantic Standard Time (no daylight saving)
- Money: USD widely accepted; bring cash for cabs and smaller vendors
- Language: Dutch and Papiamento are official, but English and Spanish are widely spoken
📲 How to Stay Connected
- Website: www.soulbeach.net
- Instagram: @soulbeachmusic
- Twitter/X: @soulbeachmusic
- Facebook: /soulbeachmusicfestival
- YouTube: Soul Beach Channel
- Hashtags: #SoulBeach2025 #SoulOnTheBeach #SBMF25
Festival organizers recommend downloading the Soul Beach mobile app (available March 2025) for schedules, updates, and event maps.
📝 Final Notes
Vendor & Media Info:
- Vendor submissions: Due by March 1, 2025
- Performer applications: Invite-only for 2025
- Media credentials: Apply via the website by April 5, 2025
- Volunteer and ambassador programs: Available through partnerships
COVID-19/Safety:
SBMF2025 will follow local public health guidelines. Aruba maintains high safety and cleanliness standards for all international visitors.
📅 Mark Your Calendar
Soul Beach Music Festival 2025 is your chance to escape, vibe, and connect with culture on one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Whether you’re in it for the concerts, the comedy, the beaches, or the people—this is where unforgettable memories are made.
🎟 Secure your spot now at www.soulbeach.net
📍 May 21–26, 2025 | Aruba
📣 Gather your crew. Book your flight. Experience the soul of the beach.
