Jazz and World Music Festivals in The Caribbean - March 2026

 

The Caribbean is a vibrant tapestry of culture, music, and celebration, and 2026 is set to be a year filled with incredible jazz and music festivals that highlight the region's rich traditions and diverse sounds. From the soulful roots of Jamaica's Rebel Salute to the pulsating rhythms of deep house in St. Lucia's ZEMI Festival, the wonderful jazz festivals, including regional and international stars, each event offers a unique experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in the heart and soul of the Caribbean. Whether you're drawn to the electrifying energy of Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival or the laid-back, intimate vibe of the Virgin Islands Jam Fest, there's something for every music lover to enjoy. As you plan your 2025 festival calendar, get ready to explore stunning island destinations, dance to the beats of world-renowned artists, and create unforgettable memories in paradise.

Virgin Islands Jam Fest

March 5-7, 2026, Held at the Windmill Bar, St. John

Since 2019, Janice, Ronnie, Christie, Andy and Moe have been welcoming festivalgoers to  the VI Jam Fest. The 8th annual festival is scheduled for March 5-6-7, 2026. VI Jam Fest is a laid-back, grassroots, gateless event located on a scenic overlook on the  small island of St. John. Typically, we host around 350 attendees which makes it intimate and not crowded. The breathtaking sea views will mesmerize you while your favorite musicians entertain you.

Miami Gardens, Florida

Jazz in the Garden Music Fest  March, 7 and 8, 2026, Hard Rock Stadium

The cultural landscape of South Florida is set to transform this spring as the 19th annual Jazz in the Gardens (JITG) Music Festival returns to Hard Rock Stadium on March 7 and 8, 2026. Coming off a milestone year where it was lauded by Newsweek and crowned “Best Music Festival for 2025” by Miami New Times, the event has unveiled a roster that seamlessly bridges the golden era of R&B with the heavyweights of modern hip-hop.

St. Thomas, Virgin Islands

University of the Virgin Islands, March 14, 2026, at Prior Jollek Hall at Antilles School

UVI Concert Choir & Band

Steel Pan Ensemble

Jazz Combo

St. Thomas All Stars Elementary Band

Tortota, British Virgin Islands

March 21, 2026, Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium, Paraquita Bay

Tito Puente Jr last performed at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium on January 12, 2013, during the eighteenth season of the Series, delivering an electrifying concert still remembered as a defining moment in the programme’s history, HLSCC stated.

Born in New York City and of Puerto Rican heritage, Puente Jr. continues the global legacy of his legendary father – Tito Puente – by blending Afro-Cuban rhythms, Caribbean musical traditions, and classic jazz elements with a spirited contemporary style. His 2026 return offers residents and visitors an exceptional opportunity to experience elite Latin jazz .

University of the Virgin Island, St. Thomas

March, 21, 2026, RCA Session at the Elridge Blake Sports & Fitness Center

The University of the Virgin Islands’ Reichhold Center for the Arts (RCA) will present an unforgettable evening of music and dance when RCA Sessions hosts the Jairay Petty Big Band in “Ode to Cotton Club” on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Elridge Blake Sports & Fitness Center on the Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas.

Cayman Island, Cayman National Cultural Foundation, Camana Bay Area

March 21, 2026, Harquail Theatre Main Stage

Red Sky at Night is the anchor event for Cayfest and is a favourite of participants and attendees alike. Each year patrons are treated to live performances from musicians, dancers, actors, and storytellers, as well as displays of creative work by visual artists and artisans, all on the grounds of the F.J. Harquail Cultural Centre. Visitors revel in a sensory-filled experience at this multi-cultural arts festival, as the sounds of the steel pan, fiddle, and drums, and the aroma of mouth-watering local and regional culinary delicacies waft in the night air.

SXM Festival 2026 - Caribbean Music Festival, St. Martin

March 18-22, 2026, Happy Bay Beach, Bamboo Beach

From March 18 to 22, 2026, Saint Martin transforms into a true earthly paradise for electronic music lovers, adventurers, and those captivated by breathtaking landscapes. The SXM Festival 2026 immerses you in a magical atmosphere where the party, nature, and mesmerizing sounds come together to offer a one-of-a-kind immersive experience.

Viva The Latin Jazz!!

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