Notting Hill Carnival 2026 will take place on Sunday August 30 and Monday August 31, with the main parades starting at 10:30am each day and music continuing until 7pm. The event, which celebrates Caribbean culture, is free to attend and is expected to draw over one million people to the streets of west London. The full schedule includes the J'ouvert early morning celebration, the children's day parade, live stages, and a moment of reflection for Grenfell Tower victims at 3pm on both days.
Saturday August 29: Steel Band Competition
The carnival weekend kicks off on Saturday August 29 with the UK National Panorama Steel Band Competition at Emslie Horniman's Pleasance Park, running from 4pm to midnight. Tickets for this event are available for purchase.
Sunday August 30: Family Day Schedule
Sunday is designated as family day, beginning with J'ouvert from 6am to 9am, starting at Sainsbury's by Canal Way Roundabout. The official opening ceremony takes place at the MAS Judging Point on Great Western Road from 10am to 10:30am. The children's day parade starts at Great Western Road at 10:30am and runs until 5pm, while the Dutty/Fun Mas continues until 7pm. Sound systems operate at various locations from 12pm to 7pm, and live stages at Powis Square run concurrently. A moment of reflection for Grenfell Tower victims is scheduled for 3pm at all locations.
Monday August 31: Adults' Day Details
Monday is adults' day, featuring the main parade starting at Great Western Road from 10:30am to 7pm. Sound systems and live stages at Powis Square operate from 12pm to 7pm, with the same 3pm moment of reflection for Grenfell Tower victims.
Music is turned off at 7pm on both Sunday and Monday. Attendees looking to continue celebrations can find official and unofficial afterparties following the parade.
Attendance, Tickets, and Weather
The carnival is free to attend, requiring no ticket for the parade or sound systems. For the second consecutive year, the judging grandstand is open to the public, allowing spectators to watch bands and judges from a seated position. Grandstand tickets are available for purchase.
Weather forecasts for the bank holiday weekend predict thunderstorms, though the worst is expected to pass by Sunday, with drizzle and highs of 23°C on family day. Attendees should prepare for potential rain during the celebrations.
