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.
What Is the Bon Bini Festival?
“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. 
What’s Happening Right Now
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.
What You Can Do Instead
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.
Visit Fort Zoutman and the Historical Museum
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.
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am–6pm / Saturday, 10am–2pm / Closed Sundays
- Entrance fee: $5 USD
- Address: Fort Zoutmanstraat, Oranjestad
Explore Oranjestad on Foot
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.
Head to San Nicolas
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.
Try Local Food at the Spots Locals Actually Love
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.
We’ll Update This When the Festival Returns
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.
