Celebrations and Festivals in the Bahamas You Don’t Want to Miss
Come to a party you’ll never forget with these vibrant celebrations in the Bahamas!
From traditional Bahamas festivals like Junkanoo to fruit-themed gatherings, there’s something for everyone.
NOTE: the Covid-19 pandemic halted many of these beloved celebrations, some permanently. However, the festivals listed below are, to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing this, all planned for the 2022 festival season.
Each year, this post is updated for accuracy and timing. Email additions or corrections to us here.
This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through one of the links, I will receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.
Updated 5/2022 | Written 12/2015
Why You Should Attend Celebrations in the Bahamas
Year-round sunshine, crystal clear waters, and hundreds of white sand beaches: welcome to the Bahamas!
PIN ME!
This island chain is only a short plane ride from Fort Lauderdale or Miami, Florida, but the tropical scenery and laid back island vibe makes it feel as if it is a world away.
While most people head to the island chain for relaxation (and rightly so!), there's another reason why you should check your calendar before you make your vacation plans here.
The celebrations of the Bahamas are amazing!
Festivals in the Bahamas are a great way to dive into the unique culture of each island, make new friends among the locals, and spend a few days that you’ll never forget!
The Best Bahamas Festivals in 2022
Here are just a few of the exciting events that are held all over the island chain each year!
Junkanoo
Festival dates: Boxing Day, New Year's Day, and the month of July
Festival location: Various locations across the Bahamas
The most famous of the festivals of the Bahamas, Junkanoo is a colorful romp through the islands' culture and spirit that occurs three times a year.
At each of the iterations of Junkanoo, there are parades with colorful costumes, upbeat music, and cash prizes for the best costumes and dances.
Don't miss the Rush-Outs, which are large dance troupes, sometimes reaching 1,000 members. They dance down the streets of Nassau, Eleuthera, Bimini, and more, bringing the party to crowded streets of each town.
The exuberant dancing happens early in the morning--mostly from 2 a.m. to 10 a.m.--so plan your sleep schedule accordingly!
Deep Creek Conch Festival
Conch fritters | source
Festival date: early June
Festival location: Deep Creek, Eleuthera
You might have seen a pretty conch shell on one of your previous beach vacations, but did you know that these gastropods can be fried and served up?
These conch fritters are delicious—so much so that they’re the national food of the Bahamas!
Come celebrate all things conch at the Deep Creek Conch Festival, held in 2022 from June 1-June 6th.
Pelican Point Coconut Festival
Beach on Grand Bahamas Island | source
Festival Date: Easter Monday
Festival Location: Pelican Point, Grand Bahama Island
If you love this tropical treat, you'll have to make plans to attend the next Coconut Festival.
The Home of Coconuts, as Pelican Point is known, is the perfect place to find a coconut craft or try some new coconut foods.
Don't forget to try a gully wash, a Bahamian drink that contains (what else?) coconut water.
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National Family Island Regatta
Regatta in action | source
Festival date: Late April
Festival location: Elizabeth Harbour, George Town, Exuma
One of the oldest regattas in the Bahamas and a long time favorite Bahamas festival, this family-friendly event was first held in 1954.
All boats the complete in the four-day-long festival are locally made Bahamian sloops, and the competition gets fierce for the "Best in the Bahamas" title.
In between races, there are plenty of other things to do during the festival, including fashion shows, volleyball tournaments, and weightlifting competitions.
Eleuthera Pineapple Festival
Festival date: Late May/ early June
Festival location: Gregory Town, Central Eleuthera
Did you know that this island was known for its pineapple farming?
Honor Eleuthera's rich farming history at this festival, where you can watch the crowning of each year's Little Miss Pineapple, participate in a triathalon, discover new ways to cook with pineapple, and try to win the pineapple eating contest.
For 2022, the first weekend in June will host this fruit-centric gathering, so plan your visit now.
Cat Island Rake and Scrape
Festival date: First Friday in June (Bahamian Labour Day)
Festival location: Arthur's Town Airport, Cat Island
In the Bahamas, a saw isn't just a saw--it's a musical instrument, too!
The handsaw is played along with drums and guitar, and, in the Bahamas, the music usually accompanies the toe-heel polka or Bahamian Quadrille dance.
In addition to the unique musical stylings of the festival, you'll also want to catch the gospel choir concert, shop the local artists' booths, and eat some delicious conch and other Bahamian delicacies.
In 2022, the festival will be held June 2nd-5th.
Keep up to date with the latest festival details on the Cat Island Rake and Scrape Facebook page.
All Andros Crab Fest
Fresh Creek, Andros
Festival date: Second weekend in June
Festival location: Fresh Creek, Andros
What better place to sample some of the freshest crabs in the world than on Andros Island, known as "The Land of Crabs." [Andros is also where I had the opportunity to study abroad at Forfar Field Station while in college!]
At the festival, you can sample crab fixed in 101 ways, learn more about the life cycle of these shellfish, and listen to some rake and scrape music. More attractions are announced in the run up to the festival start on their Facebook page.
It’s been a staple of this rural island community since 1997, and now attracts thousands of attendees each year.
Come hungry and be prepared to have a good time!
As a side note, Andros Island is my favorite Bahamian island. Check out other amazing things to do in Andros Island, Bahamas here!
Bahamas International Film Festival
Festival date: Early December
Festival location: Harbour Island, Eleuthera, and Nassau
The only thing better than having a movie marathon is having a movie marathon in paradise!
Established in 2004, BIFF provides the islands with access to films that they otherwise would not have access to, in essence serving as a film liaison between the Bahamas and the international film community.
You're likely to rub shoulders with the filmmakers and the A-list attendees, so make room in your suitcase for a nice dress next to those bathing suits.
No matter where you choose to take your Bahamas vacation, make sure to see which Bahamas festivals are on the calendar during your visit.
Any of these will add another layer to your visit and will help you immerse yourself in the colorful and talented culture of the Bahamas.
Have you gone to any celebrations in the Bahamas? Which of these would you like to attend?
