The Rhythm of the Islands: A Festival Guide to the Turks and Caicos by LiveMusicTCI
By Banita Sadhra on 9th January, 2026
If you thought Turks and Caicos was all chill vibes and quiet beaches, think again. Across every corner of this island chain — from Grand Turk and Salt Cay to South Caicos, Middle & North, and Provo — there are weekends when food, rhythm, and community take center stage. From ripsaw on Horse Stable Beach to glitter-filled house beats on Water Cay, to a Junkanoo parade through Grace Bay, music is how the islands come alive. This year we are spotlighting the cultural events that define the rhythm of life across the country — and inviting you to go beyond Provo to experience the true heart of the islands. See the full lineup here.
SOUTH CAICOS
The Big South Regatta is part boat race, part waterfront festival, and all Big South pride. Generations return each May for the boat races, local vendors, pageants, and nights that light up with acts like the Provision Band and Sagittarius. Coming into its 59th year in 2026, it’s a true institution — a celebration of history, heritage, and community spirit.
Later in the summer, Big South Fishermen’s Day honors the island’s deep connection to the sea. Conch knocking, local seafood stands, and DJ Pop and bands keep things lively.
MIDDLE CAICOS
Held every February on Bambarra Beach, the Valentine’s Day Cup brings a joyful buzz to Middle. The highlight? Model sailboats raced by locals and expats. With BBQ, crafts, and music, it’s one of the most charming events in the country. Not here in February?
Come back in late summer for MC Expo Weekend, where DJ Space and rake & scrape bands — including the ever-popular A+ Band — turn this peaceful stretch of sand into an all-day celebration.
NORTH CAICOS
Usually held in April or May, the Rake & Scrape Festival on Horse Stable Beach is a North favorite and a love letter to ripsaw. It honors the genre’s roots with dancing, food, and the unmistakable sound of saw and rhythm. We Goin’ Kew is held each October — a vibrant daytime event full of Twin Island flavor.
It starts with crafts and conch fritters and ends with a stage on fire with ripsaw and soca. Don’t be surprised if you’re shouting “Gemma, Gemma!” with everyone else — it’s that kind of energy.
SALT CAY
The Salt Cay Day Festival is a warm-hearted homecoming on the country’s tiniest inhabited island, where Ms. Nettie’s whelk soup is legendary, Friday night trivia and karaoke might be the most joyful night in the TCI — and it’s the one weekend when donkeys don’t outnumber people.
With storytelling, dominoes, maypole plaiting, homemade dishes, and Salt Cay’s own Elroy Simmons often headlining, this weekend held in June this year is full of deep roots where generations return each year to celebrate their island home.
GRAND TURK
Grand Turk has long been a hub for festivals in the TCI. From past favorites like TI SummaJam and GT LinkUp Weekend to newer events, the island pulses with creative spirit and deep musical roots. Each summer, Grub, Grill & Good Times brings bands like V6 to the National Museum’s deck for a laid-back night of food and heritage.
Turks Groove made a big splash in 2025, blending DJ nights and festival-style events with GT favorites like DJ Blow and Yardie Boy, plus Taylo Hype — TCI’s only female DJ — in the mix. The Sandbar is the go-to beach hangout for pop-up rake & scrape and pre-festival shows, and hometown icon Kaz Hall is never far. A much-loved voice behind original TCI music (alongside brother Keno), if he’s not on stage, he’s probably front row — always showing up to support the music scene.
PROVIDENCIALES (PROVO)
From beach bars to resort patios, live music pulses through Provo every night of the week. Catch the likes of Apple at The Strand, Quinton at Embers, Janardo at Almond Tree, or Raj the Entertainer at Castaways. Thursdays at the Fish Fry feel like a festival, with local food and crafts, We Funk Junkanoo, and bands like Q Band Lynks — hosted by Sweet Mickey and DJ Sticky. After dark, DJs like Shakes, Terro, Young Squad, and Savage keep the party going at Aziza, Rooftop, and Shisha Lounge.
And just when you think the weekly lineup can’t get better, the calendar fills with festivals! The Turks & Caicos International Music Festival returned in 2025 with Kes, Miss Universe events (congrats Miss Bereniece Dickenson!), and after-parties across the island. The Best of the Best Concert at the Come Go With Me Festival features international acts and local stars like Jack Lightbourne and Barbara Johnson.
On Boxing Day, Maskanoo turns Grace Bay into a vibrant street festival with TCI’s top musicians and DJs, costumed masqueraders, pounding drums and cowbells, fire dancers, and shimmeringmasks in every color.
Provo also hosts Sand Jam and new favorites like Jamming in Paradise and Soca on the Beach. Even the Wine Cellar Golf & Fishing Tournament and TCI Boat Club’s Poker Run wrap with dockside concerts and DJ sets — and artists like Tess Charles and Mohen Cox light up the stage at the TCI Top Model extravaganza.
BONUS BEATS: Caribbean House Evolution @ Water Cay
More than a dance party, CHE is a full-sensory celebration on a remote cay — flags flying, glitter shining, basslines rolling, and dancing in the sand. The energy is wild, the vibe is magic, and it keeps going all weekend with after-parties at Cielo.