Go beyond the beach on your trip to the Cayman Islands. A robust calendar of festivals and cultural events means a chance to explore, learn more and live like a local.
From carnivals to the arts, and, of course, Pirates Fest, there is an authentic experience for everyone.
AGRICULTURAL SHOW
Want an authentic taste of the Cayman Islands? Then The Agricultural show is the event for you! Held annually on Ash Wednesday in Grand Cayman and later in the year in the sister islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, the ‘Ag Show’ is a great place to enjoy local produce, food and handmade crafts. There’s fun for the whole family with livestock displays, performances and a petting zoo.
https://caymanagriculture.com/
BATABANO
Cayman kicks off summer a little earlier with our annual Batabano festival, which takes place every May. The word “Batabano” refers to the footprints that turtles leave in the sand when they come to land to make their nests.
A visual and cultural feast, this traditional carnival features a parade of stilt performers, dancers, masks and more.
www.caymancarnival.com
BRACCANAL
Braccanal takes carnival’s lively atmosphere and sets it against the backdrop of the Bluff in Cayman Brac. Revelers can enjoy fetes, parties and a parade.
https://www.braccanal.com/home
CAYMAN ARTS FESTIVAL
Talented international and local artists in classical music, opera, jazz and more perform in venues around Grand Cayman during this annual two-week festival. Don’t worry if you miss the festival as events are also hosted throughout the year.
https://caymanartsfestival.com/
CAYMAN ART WEEK
Cayman Art Week is an all-access pass to the art scene of the Cayman Islands. You can visit galleries, art studios and pop-up exhibitions across all three islands. This is your chance to discover and collect Caymanian art and engage with artists and art lovers alike.
CAYMAS
Jump into carnival! From themed fetes and parties to the road parade, this is a non-stop, colourful celebration of Cayman. CayMAS is held over Cayman’s Constitution Day weekend (end of June through the first weekend of July)
COCO FEST
Imagine sipping the water from a fresh-cut coconut as you browse a selection of coconut-based products. Coco Fest celebrates coconuts’ significance to Cayman through food, crafts, and demonstrations. A family-friendly event at Pedro St. James, you will leave with a full stomach and appreciation for this versatile fruit.
GIMISTORY
Folklore and music combine at Gimistory, the Cayman Islands international storytelling festival. Celebrating the art of storytelling since 1999, this festival delights young and old with a colourful cast of local and international chroniclers. You’ll laugh, cry and learn while listening to these engaging stories.
https://artscayman.org/gimistory/
LOOKY YA!
Step back in time at this event hosted by the Cayman Islands National Museum. Enjoy local food, live music and performances, and shop for locally made artisanal crafts.
PIRATES FEST
Pirates invade the Cayman Islands every November during Pirates Fest. Visitors and locals and enjoy swashbuckling fun with parades, music, games, and fireworks. An all-island celebration Pirates Fest lets you experience the flavours and culture of each district through heritage days.
https://www.piratesfestcayman.com/
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RED SKY AT NIGHT
Enjoy all types of art at Red Sky at Night hosted annually at the F.J. Harquail Cultural Centre. You can be entertained by live performances of dance, music, acting and storytelling. Browse and purchase artwork and handmade items by local artists and artisans. Plus, with local food on sale you can experience an authentic dinner and a show.
https://artscayman.org/red-sky-at-night/