Midnight Riot runs 1:00 AM - 7:00 AM, which makes getting there and getting home part of the plan. This guide covers taxis, driving and how to make it work if you are coming over from St. John, St. Croix or the British Virgin Islands.
Where it is
Midnight Riot is at Muse, 3077 Kronprindsens Gade, in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. That is in the downtown area of the island's capital, a short drive from most hotels and neighborhoods on the west and central parts of St. Thomas.
Open the venue in your maps app before the night so you know the route. Downtown streets can be narrow and busy during carnival week.
The golden rule: plan your ride home first
Doors to sunrise means you will be leaving around 7am, along with a lot of other people who have also been up all night. Do not wait until then to figure it out. Before you leave for the fete, decide:
- Who is driving, or which taxi driver is picking you up
- What time and where you will meet
- A backup plan if your first option falls through
Taxis on St. Thomas
Taxis are the easiest way to get to Midnight Riot, especially if you plan to drink.
- How they work: many St. Thomas taxis are open-air safari trucks or vans that carry several groups. Fares are usually charged per person and are set by the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission, so the price depends on the route and the number of people.
- Confirm the fare first. Ask the driver the price per person before you get in.
- Get a driver's number. If a driver takes you there, ask if they can pick you up at the end of the night and save their number.
- Ask your hotel. Front desks can usually arrange a pickup or recommend a driver.
- Carry cash. Not every driver takes cards.
Taxis run late on St. Thomas, but the hour after a big fete lets out is the busiest of the night. A pre-arranged pickup beats waiting on the curb.
Driving yourself
If you are driving:
- Remember we drive on the left in the U.S. Virgin Islands, even though most cars are left-hand drive. It takes a few minutes to adjust, and it is harder after a long night.
- Pick a designated driver who will stay sober and awake until sunrise. Six hours is a long shift.
- Plan your parking before you leave. Downtown fills up during carnival week, so give yourself extra time.
- Protect your seats. Paint and powder travel. Bring an old towel or sheet to sit on, especially in a rental car.
Coming from St. John
St. John and St. Thomas are connected by passenger ferries between Cruz Bay and Red Hook, and from Cruz Bay to Charlotte Amalie, plus car barges. The catch for a fete like this one: ferries do not run through the middle of the night.
Your options:
- Stay on St. Thomas that night. Book a room near downtown and head back to St. John the next day. This is the easiest plan.
- Come over in the evening and take the first boat back. Check the morning ferry schedule in advance and give yourself time to get from Charlotte Amalie to the dock.
Either way, check the current ferry schedule before you go. Times change seasonally and on holidays.
Coming from St. Croix
St. Croix and St. Thomas are connected by short flights and seaplanes, and at times by ferry. Since the fete runs overnight, plan to arrive on St. Thomas the day before and leave the day after. Carnival week fills planes fast, so book early.
Coming from the British Virgin Islands
Ferries run between Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda and St. Thomas during the day. A few things to know:
- You need a passport to travel between the BVI and the USVI, and you will clear immigration and customs on arrival.
- Arrive the day before. Ferries do not run overnight, so plan to stay on St. Thomas the night of the fete.
- Check schedules and requirements with the ferry operator before you travel, since they can change.
Flying in from the mainland
If you are flying to St. Thomas for the fete, read our guide to flying to St. Thomas for the fete, then pick a base with our guide on where to stay in St. Thomas for fete weekend.
After the fete
- Keep a towel, water and dry clothes in the car or ready at your room.
- Shake off loose powder outside before you get in a vehicle.
- If you are staying downtown, consider walking back with your group only if it is a short, familiar route.
- Eat something. Sunrise breakfast after a fete is a tradition for a reason.
Quick checklist
- Venue saved in your maps app
- Ride home arranged before you leave
- Cash for taxis
- Designated driver confirmed, if driving
- Ferry or flight booked with a night on St. Thomas, if coming from another island
Got the travel sorted? Make sure the main thing is too. Get tickets for Midnight Riot.
