Costume Island Antigua: The Complete Guide
Costume Island is Antigua's #1 costume store, located on the second floor of Newgate House on Newgate Street in St. John's. This complete guide covers carnival feather pieces, rhinestone accessories, Halloween costumes, children's character dress-up, and pet costumes — plus everything you need to plan for Carnival 2027.
Costume Island Antigua: The Complete Guide
TL;DR: Costume Island is Antigua's number one costume store, located on the second floor of Newgate House on Newgate Street in St. John's. Open Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 6 PM, the shop stocks carnival feather pieces, rhinestone sets, Halloween costumes, children's character dress-up, and pet costumes. If you're planning for Carnival 2027 or the next themed party, this is your first stop.
Antigua runs on celebration. From the beaches of Dickenson Bay to the streets of St. John's, there is always something to dress up for. And when locals and visitors need a costume, one name comes up every single time: Costume Island.
Describing itself as Antigua's #1 Costume Store, Costume Island has built a following of over 12,500 on Facebook and earned a loyal customer base across the island. It serves everyone from masqueraders preparing for the annual Carnival road march to parents hunting for a last-minute Halloween outfit, to tourists who discover the store during a shopping day in the capital. Yet despite that popularity, no dedicated guide to the store has ever been written. Until now.
This is the complete, practical guide to Costume Island Antigua. It covers what's in stock, when to go, how to plan your Carnival purchases, how the store fits into the island's mas band scene, and how to combine a visit with everything else Newgate Street and St. John's have to offer.
What Is Costume Island and Where Is It Located?
Costume Island is on the second floor of Newgate House on Newgate Street in St. John's, Antigua. It is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The phone number is +1 (268) 462-0598. It is closed on Sundays. Plan for a weekday visit if you want a quieter browsing experience.
Newgate Street sits in the heart of downtown St. John's, close to St. John's Anglican Cathedral and within easy walking distance of Heritage Quay, Redcliffe Quay, and the main commercial strip. If you're arriving from the cruise pier, the walk to Costume Island takes about ten minutes on foot. If you're coming from one of the island's hotels, a short taxi ride into the capital is all it takes.
The second-floor location is worth noting. Look for Newgate House and head upstairs. The store is not visible at street level, which is exactly why a guide like this matters. Many visitors who would love the shop walk right past it without knowing it's there.
You can reach them by phone or email at costumeislandantigua@gmail.com. The store also maintains a website at costumeislandantigua.com and active social media on both Facebook and Instagram (@costume_island_antigua), where they post new arrivals regularly.
What Does Costume Island Actually Stock?
Costume Island carries a wide range of costume and themewear categories, covering carnival accessories, Halloween costumes, character dress-up for children, and even outfits for pets. It is not a single-season store. Stock rotates year-round to match the island's packed events calendar.
Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to find:
Carnival and rave wear
This is the core of the business. Costume Island stocks carnival feather pieces, rhinestone accessories, hand pieces, foot pieces, body chains, shimmer accessories, jeweled headpieces, and feather backpacks. These are the add-ons and statement pieces that masqueraders use to customize their look beyond what their mas band provides. If your band costume needs a little more drama, this is where you find it.
Custom-made carnival headpieces are also available on request. These are made in-store and can be ordered to suit a specific colour palette or design theme. Inquire in-store for lead times, particularly ahead of the Carnival season.
Halloween costumes
Halloween is a growing event on the island, and Costume Island is fully stocked for it. The range covers adult costumes in multiple themes, with stock arriving well before October. If you're on the island around Halloween, this is the only dedicated costume shop you need to visit.
Children's character costumes
The children's range is extensive. Recent stock has included Marvel character costumes such as deluxe Spiderman sets, alongside a broad selection of other character and themed dress-up options. Parents planning a birthday party, school event, or holiday activity will find plenty here.
Pet costumes
Yes, pet costumes. Costume Island is one of the very few retailers in the Caribbean stocking outfits for animals. This makes it genuinely unique in the region. It's a draw for pet owners who want to include their companions in themed events.
General themewear
Beyond carnival and Halloween, the store carries costumes and accessories for themed parties, school productions, and special events throughout the year. The range shifts with demand, so it is always worth calling ahead or checking their Facebook page for the latest arrivals.
Planning for Carnival 2027: What Should You Buy at Costume Island?
For Antigua Carnival 2027, Costume Island is the go-to source for ready-to-wear carnival pieces and accessories. The store is best used for add-ons, customizations, and standalone costumes rather than official mas band registrations, which are purchased separately through the bands themselves.
Antigua Carnival 2027 is scheduled from July 20 to August 3, 2027. The festival marks its 70th anniversary under the theme "Legendary 70," making it one of the most significant Carnival celebrations in the event's history. Carnival Monday falls on August 2 and Carnival Tuesday on August 3. The Parade of Bands on Tuesday is the centrepiece of the entire festival, with masqueraders in elaborate costumes filling the streets of St. John's.
For anyone planning to play mas, the smart move is to begin shopping at Costume Island as early as December or January. Here is why. Popular sections with the major bands sell out months in advance. Demand for feather pieces, rhinestone sets, and body accessories spikes in the weeks before the festival. Getting to Costume Island early means better selection, more time for custom pieces, and no last-minute scrambling.
What specifically to buy at Costume Island for Carnival 2027:
- Feather backpacks and hand pieces to enhance an existing mas band costume
- Jeweled headpieces for frontline-style impact at a lower cost than a frontline registration
- Complete rhinestone accessory sets for themed road events and pre-Carnival fetes
- Rave wear for J'ouvert morning, when practical, comfortable outfits matter more than elaborate costumes
- Full standalone costume sets for those who want to participate in Carnival celebrations without registering with a formal band
The store is also an excellent resource for Monday Wear, the more casual parade day that precedes Carnival Tuesday's grand finale.
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Mas Band Costumes vs. Costume Island: Understanding the Difference
This is where most first-timers get confused, and it is worth clearing up directly.
Official mas band costumes for Antigua Carnival are not sold at Costume Island. They are purchased through the bands themselves: Insane Carnival, Myst Carnival, Flex, Xclusive, DumzTree, Fuze, Epic, and others each release their own costume collections annually and sell registrations directly through their websites and mas houses.
Mas band costume prices for Antigua Carnival typically range from around US$400 to US$1,500 (approximately EC$1,088 to EC$4,080), depending on the band, section, and package inclusions. Frontline sections from leading bands like Insane and Myst generally sit in the US$600 to US$1,100 range (EC$1,632 to EC$2,992). These packages usually include food, drinks, mobile facilities, and entertainment as part of an all-inclusive road experience.
Costume Island occupies a different and complementary role. Think of it this way: the band provides the costume, and Costume Island provides the extras. Feather backpacks, rhinestone leg pieces, body chains, shimmer accessories, and headpieces are all things masqueraders buy at Costume Island to personalize their mas band outfit.
Costume Island also serves a large segment of participants who attend Carnival events, fetes, and street celebrations without registering with a formal band. For this group, a complete costume or themed outfit from Costume Island is often the most practical and affordable option.
For the 70th anniversary in 2027, demand for both mas band registrations and standalone costume pieces is expected to be significantly higher than in previous years. Book your mas band section early through the band's official channels, and visit Costume Island well before July to secure your accessories and add-ons.
Does Costume Island Cater to Halloween and Year-Round Occasions?
Yes. While Carnival is the peak selling season, Costume Island operates year-round and stocks costumes for every major occasion on the Antigua calendar.
Halloween is the second biggest driver of foot traffic. The store begins stocking Halloween costumes well in advance of October 31, covering adult costumes across multiple themes. For visitors spending the Halloween period in Antigua, Costume Island is the only dedicated costume retailer on the island.
The Christmas and New Year period is another busy window. Themed parties are common at resorts, hotels, and private venues across the island during peak tourist season (November through April). Costume Island is well-positioned for this, with general themewear and accessories available throughout the season.
School events, birthday parties, carnival-themed corporate functions, and community celebrations generate consistent demand outside the major seasonal peaks. The store's tagline, "Be What You Want To Be," reflects this year-round positioning: Costume Island is not just a Carnival shop, it is Antigua's go-to destination for creative dress-up at any time of year.
The Facebook page at facebook.com/costumeislandanu is the fastest way to check current stock. The team posts new arrivals regularly, including specific product shots of children's character costumes, pet outfits, and seasonal pieces. Following the page or checking it before your visit will save time and prevent disappointment if a specific item sells out.
Children's Costumes and Pet Outfits at Costume Island
Costume Island's range for younger shoppers and pet owners is one of its most distinctive offerings. No other retailer in Antigua consistently carries both.
The children's section covers character costumes, themed dress-up sets, and carnival-appropriate outfits for younger masqueraders. Recent stock has included deluxe superhero costumes with detailed accessories, confirming that the children's range goes beyond basic dress-up and into genuinely high-quality costume territory. Parents shopping for birthday parties, school events, or Carnival family outings will find the range more comprehensive than expected.
For pets, the store stocks a rotating selection of outfits covering various sizes and themes. It is a small but meaningful part of the inventory, and it reflects Costume Island's broader commitment to inclusive, family-friendly shopping. If you plan to dress your dog or cat for Halloween or a themed event, Costume Island is the place to start in Antigua.
Sizes across all categories vary with stock availability. For children's costumes in particular, it is worth calling ahead if you need a specific size, especially during peak Carnival and Halloween periods when popular options sell quickly.
How to Combine a Costume Island Visit With a Day in St. John's
Costume Island sits in an excellent location for a broader St. John's shopping day. Newgate Street connects directly to the city's main commercial district, and several of Antigua's most visited retail destinations are within walking distance.
Shoul's Toys, Gifts & Housewares is on Newgate Street, essentially a neighbour to Costume Island. It is an excellent stop for children's items, gifts, and household goods. Combining both visits makes sense, particularly for families shopping for themed events.
A short walk towards the waterfront brings you to Redcliffe Quay, one of St. John's most atmospheric shopping destinations. The historic complex houses boutique stores, art galleries, jewelry shops, and restaurants in restored colonial-era buildings. It is a good spot for lunch, browsing local art, or picking up souvenirs after your Costume Island visit.
Heritage Quay, just steps from the cruise pier, offers duty-free jewelry, perfumes, and fashion brands. For visitors arriving by cruise ship, a logical route runs from Heritage Quay along the main streets to Newgate Street, taking in Costume Island and Shoul's before heading back toward the waterfront via Redcliffe Quay.
Village Walk Shopping Centre on Friars Hill Road is another option for a broader shopping run, though it is a short drive from downtown rather than walkable.
For a full picture of everything the capital has to offer, the St. John's business directory on AntiguaSearch covers over 700 verified businesses across every category, from dining to accommodation to specialist retail.
A practical tip for visiting Costume Island specifically: arrive on a weekday morning. The store is quieter on Monday and Tuesday, and staff have more time to help with custom piece inquiries, sizing questions, and specific costume requests. Weekend visits are busier, especially in the weeks before major events.
Conclusion
Costume Island is one of those St. John's institutions that locals rely on and visitors discover with genuine delight. Whether you are a masquerader looking to add rhinestone pieces to a mas band costume, a tourist who wants to dress for a themed resort party, a parent searching for a Spiderman costume for a birthday, or someone planning the perfect Halloween outfit on the island, this store has you covered.
Three things to take away from this guide:
First, Costume Island stocks far more than Carnival wear. The year-round range covers Halloween, children's events, pet outfits, and themed occasions across every season.
Second, for Carnival 2027 specifically, the smart move is to visit early. The 70th anniversary celebration will drive higher-than-usual demand for both mas band registrations and costume accessories. December or January visits give you the best selection.
Third, a visit to Costume Island pairs naturally with a full shopping day in St. John's. Redcliffe Quay, Shoul's, and Heritage Quay are all walkable from Newgate House.
Ready to explore everything St. John's has to offer? Browse the complete Retail and Shopping directory on AntiguaSearch and plan your perfect shopping day in the capital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is Costume Island in Antigua?
Costume Island is on the second floor of Newgate House on Newgate Street in St. John's, Antigua. The location is in the heart of downtown, within walking distance of Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay. The entrance is not at street level, so look for Newgate House and head upstairs. The store can be reached at +1 (268) 462-0598.
What are Costume Island's opening hours?
The store is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It is closed on Sundays. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter, which is ideal if you need help with specific costume requests or sizing. During peak seasons such as the weeks before Carnival and Halloween, stock moves quickly, so earlier in the season is always better than later.
Can I buy a mas band costume for Antigua Carnival at Costume Island?
No. Official mas band registrations for Antigua Carnival, covering bands such as Insane Carnival, Myst Carnival, and Flex, are purchased directly through each band's own channels. Mas band costumes for Antigua Carnival typically range from around US$400 to US$1,500 (EC$1,088 to EC$4,080) depending on the section and inclusions. Costume Island is best used for ready-to-wear pieces, carnival accessories, and add-ons that complement or enhance a mas band costume.
When should I shop at Costume Island for Antigua Carnival 2027?
As early as possible. Antigua Carnival 2027 runs from July 20 to August 3, with Carnival Monday on August 2 and Carnival Tuesday on August 3 under the theme "Legendary 70." The 70th anniversary is expected to drive exceptional demand. Visiting Costume Island in December, January, or February gives you the best selection of feather pieces, rhinestone accessories, custom headpieces, and standalone costume sets before popular items sell out.
Does Costume Island sell children's and pet costumes year-round?
Yes. Costume Island stocks children's character costumes and pet outfits throughout the year, not only during Halloween. The children's range includes licensed character costumes, and the selection is refreshed with new arrivals regularly. For the most current stock availability, check the Costume Island Facebook page at facebook.com/costumeislandanu, where new products are posted as they arrive. If you are shopping for a specific character or size, calling ahead at +1 (268) 462-0598 is recommended.