Butterfly Carnival Flutters Back to Dubai With Global Beats

The Butterfly Carnival is set to return to the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre from November 8th to the 9th for its second edition. Launched in 2024, the festival has quickly carved out a place on the regional cultural calendar, drawing inspiration from iconic carnivals around the world.

This year’s programme blends influences from Notting Hill, Trinidad and Tobago, and Rio de Janeiro, with more than 30 international artists performing across two stages. Nigerian Afro-fusion star Omah Lay will headline, alongside acts spanning Afrobeats, Dancehall, Soca, Calypso, Reggaeton, Brazilian Funk, Amapiano, Afrohouse, Hip Hop, and RnB.

Partnerships with cultural institutions including Jamaica’s Dream Weekend, Notting Hill Carnival sound systems, and Afro Loud bring global collaborations to the line-up. Beyond music, the festival grounds will feature a carnival village with costume and make-up stations, merchandise, and interactive art.

Food stalls will showcase international flavours, from Caribbean jerk chicken and Trinidadian doubles to Spanish churros and Brazilian picanha. Each night will conclude with a parade of dancers, drummers, stilt performers, and fireworks, positioning the festival as both a music event and a celebration of carnival traditions worldwide.