Caribbean Fall Festivals Travelers Must Experience

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While fall usually signals a time to slow down, the Caribbean starts heating up with fall activities. Though the area is known for its pristine beaches and water activities, the Caribbean is also home to diverse cultural and culinary traditions, which take center stage in the fall. From rum to culinary arts festivals, here are five annual festivals across the Caribbean to look forward to. 

The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival 

Held at the Baha Mar resort, The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival is back for the third year. Held from October 22nd to the 27th, the weekend promises intimate chef experiences, interactive cooking demos, and live music performances. Every year, the festival welcomes world-class chefs, and this year, chefs Marcus Samuelsson, Katsuya Fukushima, Dario Cecchini, and Daniel Boulud will attend. Guests will also be treated to a live performance from Grammy award-winning musician and singer Sir Rod Stewart. The festival is also a celebration of the arts in the Bahamas. Through a partnership with FUZE Art Fair, a regional art fair, local artists will be showcased through exhibits, art demos, and artist talks. 

Barbados Food & Rum Festival 

Barbados is considered the birthplace of rum, so it’s fitting that one of the biggest rum festivals in the Caribbean takes place on the island. The Barbados Food & Rum Festival was established in 2009 and has raised its profile each year, winning the Caribbean’s Best Culinary Festival award in 2023 at the World Culinary Awards. This year, the festival will be held from October 24-27 at the O2 Beach Club and Spa

Bermuda Art Month 

Bermuda Art Month takes place across the island during the entire month of October. Though Bermuda’s calling card is usually its pink sand beaches, the festival turns the spotlight on its talented artists. The month-long event includes panel discussions, exhibits, and interactive art sessions. Visitors and locals can also experience the island’s best resorts while taking in the art. The “Sip & Cave” Event involves painting canvas inside the Prospero Cave at the Grotto Bay Resort, and The Loren will display sculptures by local artist Stratton Hatfield. 

Jamaica Food + Drink Festival 

Kingston hosts the Jamaica Food + Drink Festival from November 7th to 10th this year. The signature event is celebrating its 10th year, and guests can expect wine-paired dinners, cocktail events, and cooking demos. The four-day event will also include a marketplace with over 60 food vendors offering some of the island’s traditional dishes, such as jerk chicken, meat patties, coco bread, and rum cake. The event will also feature brunch parties, live music, and tours of the local communities. 

World Creole Music Festival, Dominica 

Dominica is nicknamed the “Nature Island” because of its natural beauty, and it’s also home to one of the biggest fall music festivals, the World Creole Music Festival. The event is scheduled from Oct. 25-27 in the island’s capital, Roseau, and showcases the island’s Creole history through music, food, and art. The live music festival is heading into its 24th year and will include exciting performances of Creole music like Kompa, Zouk, and Soukous. This year’s lineup of international artists will include Stephan and Damian Marley, as well as Afrobeat superstar Rotimi. 

This article originally appeared in TravelPulse.