Everything You Need to Know About the Havre des Pas Seaside Festival 2026

By Alyssa | WhatsOn local events writer Alyssa picks out timely events, local favourites and useful places to eat, stay and explore.

With summer in full swing across the Channel Islands, anticipation is already building for Jersey's biggest beach party later this month. If you're mapping out your island weekends, it is time to circle the ultimate late-July coastal celebration on your calendar. July in Jersey means one thing to those of us who live here: taking the party to the promenade for the much-loved Havre des Pas Seaside Festival.

No Jersey summer is truly complete without a weekend of acoustic tunes, street food, and sunshine at this historic Lido. Set against the backdrop of our iconic Victorian bathing pool and sweeping bay, this two-day event transforms a quiet residential stretch of St Helier into a vibrant, family-friendly hub of coastal energy. Whether you are a local resident looking forward to the annual al fresco gatherings or a visitor hoping to soak up some authentic island atmosphere, here is everything you need to know about navigating the weekend.

What to Expect on the Promenade

The Havre des Pas Seaside Festival is easily one of the island's finest al fresco weekend gatherings. Kicking off at midday on both Saturday and Sunday, the promenade is completely pedestrianised, allowing crowds to wander freely between pop-up bars, local food vendors, and craft stalls. The musical lineup is always a brilliant blend of atmospheres. You will typically find acoustic sets providing a relaxed soundtrack near the food stalls, while DJ stages set up right on the beach bring a distinctly upbeat, holiday vibe to the afternoon.

Because it is a community-focused festival, it caters to everyone. Families can enjoy dedicated beach games and entertainment in the afternoon, while the evening transitions smoothly into a sunset beach party. While there is a midday start time, the exact closing times can vary slightly depending on local scheduling and weather conditions, so I always advise keeping an eye on the official parish notices closer to the day.

St Helier's Festival Double-Bill

If you happen to be visiting for a slightly longer stretch this July, you are in luck. The parish essentially runs a festival double-bill. The weekend immediately prior (Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July) plays host to the Fête de St Hélier. This free-entry event fills the town centre with Norman and Jersey heritage stalls, funfair rides, and giant roaming performers. It is the perfect warm-up to the beachside celebrations at Havre des Pas and firmly cements St Helier as the festival capital of the island this month.

Practical Tips for the Day

When it comes to tickets for Havre des Pas, the organisers keep things refreshingly simple and incredibly affordable. You cannot buy tickets online in advance; they are strictly on-the-door only. Entry is just £3 per day or £5 if you want a weekend wristband, and children under ten go absolutely free.

Another excellent initiative to look out for is the festival's eco-friendly reusable cup scheme. Introduced to reduce plastic waste on the beach, you will use these cups for your drinks throughout the day. It is a smart local touch that helps keep our beautiful coastline pristine, so please do support it.

Where to Stay Near the Lido

If you are travelling to Jersey specifically for the festival, basing yourself in the Havre des Pas area is a brilliant move. It means you can simply step out of your front door and straight into the action without worrying about taxis or bus schedules.

For a room with a sea view right on the promenade, the Marina Metro Hotel & Dockyard Restaurant is a fantastic, modest choice that puts you right at the heart of the festival. Just a couple of streets back from the beach, you will find the Thalatta Guest House on Cleveland Road. It is famously welcoming, offering an amazing breakfast and a quieter retreat that is still only minutes from the Lido.

If you are bringing the whole family and need a few more on-site facilities to keep the kids entertained, The Merton Hotel on Belvedere Hill is just a short stroll up from the promenade. Known for its fantastic indoor pool and waterslides, it is a brilliant base for a lively summer weekend.

Where to Eat Nearby

During the festival, I highly recommend grabbing lunch from the various street food vendors lining the promenade. However, if you prefer a sit-down meal away from the hustle and bustle, St Helier town centre is just a ten-minute walk away.

For a relaxed evening meal with brilliant steaks and ribs, head over to Weighbridge Place to visit The Square, which often features live music of its own. Alternatively, if you fancy exploring Halkett Street, Hugo's offers a lovely, refined atmosphere with top-tier service. If you are in the mood for something fresh and vibrant, the sushi platters at Soy Seafood and Sushi Bar in the West Centre are absolutely superb and make for a perfect summer evening dinner.

Make a Weekend of It

If you want to balance out the daytime beach partying with some historic island culture, Jersey's magnificent fortresses are calling. A walk across the causeway in St Aubin's Bay will take you to Elizabeth Castle, a brilliant daytime excursion before the festival fully kicks off.

For an unforgettable evening, look to the east. Running from early July right through to the end of August, Mont Orgueil Castle in Gorey hosts its Summer Night Sessions. Booking ahead via Jersey Heritage is required, but watching the sun go down over the harbour while listening to open-air DJ sets inside an 800-year-old medieval fortress is a true bucket-list experience. It is the perfect premium contrast to a laid-back day at the Lido.

Whichever weekend you choose to visit, July in Jersey is beautifully vibrant. Grab your sunglasses, keep some change handy for the festival door, and I'll see you on the promenade.