The Bermuda International Film Festival, or BIFF, was first introduced in 1997 with only 22 films screened over seven days in two of Hamilton's theaters. Since then, this festival has come a long way. This festival in Bermuda has received widespread recognition from all around the world, including from its own residents. The event is the qualifying festival for the Short Film Academy Award at present.

Aside from feature films, the festival also shows short films, documentary features, and narrative features. Separate awards are given for all of these categories. For the documentary and narrative categories, only those with new directors are screened. The short film competition, on the other hand, is open to all directors. The Audience Choice Award is given to the best feature-length film, and the directors whose films win it are invited to Bermuda the following year to serve on the jury.

The World Cinema Showcase, Opening Night and Closing Night, BIFF Kids (children's films), a Sidebar highlighting modern cinema from a leading filmmaking country, special presentations, midnight madness films, and a short series are all part of the International Film Festival. The festival has screened films that have gone on to win Academy Awards in the documentary and short film categories in recent years. The Bermuda International Film Festival has screened films from the Cannes, Berlin, Sundance, and Toronto film festivals, as well as European Film of the Year.

Time: March.

Place: Bermuda.

The Bermuda Festival of Performing Arts is an annual event that takes place between January and March each year. During this time, Bermuda Island has become an international hub of cultural exchange. Performing artists from all around the world come down to perform at this event and cater to a diverse range of audiences. Thus, if you happen to be in Bermuda during this time, don't miss it. This event is some three decades old and has become a part of Bermuda's cultural tradition.

The Bermuda Festival of Performing Arts began when the great violinist, the late Yehudi Menuhin, worked with the former Governor of Bermuda, Sir Edwin Leather, and launched the festival for the first time in 1976. This festival has lived up to its original design and philosophy over the years. The event puts the spotlight on music, but as time went on, it expanded to include a diverse and now comprehensive range of performing arts from internationally renowned artists. Local Bermudian artists are also actively participating.

The Festival’s 'Outreach' Program provides school students with special performances and workshop opportunities. These educational sessions are led by festival performers while they are on the island.

Time: January to March.

Place: Bermuda.

The Harbor Night celebration is held every Wednesday during the high season (usually May through September) on Front Street in Hamilton, Bermuda. Harbor Nights is the longest-running and largest festival in Bermuda. Front Street in Hamilton gets closed to all vehicles after sunset. The shops and restaurants remain open until late in the evening.

Sparkling lights and music illuminate the street. A large number of vendors in colorful dresses sell various kinds of local arts and crafts. Many of them will be the local artists themselves, who are generally willing to talk with you and explain their artwork.

There are also a number of food stalls selling different kinds of food, both Bermudian and ethnic. After that, the Gombey dancers come with their upbeat music and rhythmic drumming. They are massive crowd pullers. It's a fantastic experience even if you just take a stroll along Front Street and take in the ambiance of Harbor Night. People mix freely and converse with each other. This is a wonderful family event and gives a fantastic insight into Bermudian culture.

Time: every Wednesday during the high season (usually May through September).

Place: Bermuda.

The Bermuda Music Festival is probably one of the most famous festivals in Bermuda. It was formerly known as the Bermuda Jazz Festival and takes place every year in October for four days. The performers at the Bermuda Music Festival include both local music talents as well as international musicians.

Watching the performances of amazing stars on stage during the Music Festival is like a dream come true for many. It’s just like listening to music in paradise. The usual venue for the Bermuda Music Festival is the Bermuda National Sports Center in Devonshire Parish. This is an international-standard auditorium with all of the necessary amenities to host such musical events. The National Sports Center can hold up to 7,000 people. The opening night of the Bermuda music festival generally takes place at The Fairmont Southampton hotel, one of Bermuda’s top luxury resorts.

Time: May.
Place: Bermuda.

Good Friday, to most Bermudians, is about flying kites on the beaches, enjoying a festive atmosphere, and eating a traditional codfish breakfast and cakes. Bermudians make a variety of kites in a range of sizes and shapes. The majority of them are hexagonal (with 6 sides) or octagonal (8 sides) in shape.

They are made of colorful paper tissues, wood or stripped bamboo sticks, metal, and strings. The kites typically have a long tail that assists in their balance during flight. Some of the kites are so large that it requires several people to hold and release them into the air. The majority of kites are still used across the country as part of their structure. Initially, the kite flying was done only after 3 pm in the afternoon. However, these days, you will see kites flying all day long. Entry to the Kite Festival is free to all visitors from all over the world.

The Kite Festival is organized at Horseshoe Bay Beach every year on Good Friday. They are a social group that actively works towards bringing people together for social and cultural enrichment. A kite competition takes place in various categories, including Best Traditional Bermuda Kite, Longest Tail, Biggest Kite, Smallest Kite, Best Designed Kite, Best Boxy (Fennel Sticks), Highest Kite, Most Innovative Design, Ugliest Kite, Best Visitors Kite, etc. Some of the enjoyable family activities include Easter egg hunts, egg and spoon races, wheelbarrow races, 3-legged races, marbles, etc. There is also a fishcake competition.

Previously, there was an annual food festival on the island called Bermuda Gourmet Getaway, which was a great food and wine fair where renowned chefs from all over the world would prepare gourmet dishes right in front of your eyes and you could even sample them. Competitions were also held among the chefs. Wines from around the world were also available for tasting.

However, in 2011, the Gourmet Getaway was discontinued, and in 2012, the City Food Festival was established, which is now held annually in March in Hamilton City. In the newer format, talented local chefs compete in a canapé competition, followed by wine tasting and a street food festival featuring signature dishes and cocktails from the island's restaurants and bars, caterers, and food vendors. Each event requires tickets, and the festival lasts several days.

Time: March.

Place: Hamilton City, Bermuda.