OneRepublic to Headline the Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival in 2026

The Fifth Annual Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival is set to be an unforgettable experience as Baha Mar, the premier luxury resort in The Bahamas, announces its star-studded lineup for this year’s festivities. Scheduled to run from October 21 to 25, 2026, the festival promises to be a vibrant blend of culinary excellence, artistic expression, and exhilarating performances, with Grammy-nominated rock band OneRepublic headlining the opening night.

As one of the most anticipated events on the Caribbean calendar, this year's festival aims to deepen its connection to Caribbean culture while bringing together an impressive roster of culinary experts. Attendees can look forward to stunning performances, unique culinary experiences, and engaging workshops led by some of the world's most renowned chefs.

Baha Mar has curated an exciting programming schedule featuring international culinary masters and local Caribbean talent. The festival has made waves over the past five years, evolving from a humble vision into a benchmark for culinary and artistic achievement. This milestone celebration will showcase the extraordinary skills of Bahamian chef Simeon Hall Jr., Saint Lucia's Nina Compton, Trinidad's Tristen Epps, and others, all while featuring crowd favorites from previous editions of the festival.

Notable Events in the Programming Schedule

The festival will highlight events such as the Masterclass Series, where guests can cook alongside culinary titans like Daniel Boulud and Amanda Freitag. These sessions will provide participants with hands-on experience and insights from top chefs in the industry. Additionally, Boulud will host an Alumni Dinner, celebrating the talents of chefs from his kitchens across the world.

A special evening event will take place on Thursday, October 22, featuring a Nawlins Nightcap at Jon Batiste’s Jazz Club, where Batiste will collaborate with Nina Compton to deliver a night full of live music and delightful culinary offerings. This blend of Southern and Caribbean flavors will showcase the rich cultural crossroad that defines the region’s culinary landscape.

On Friday, October 23, festival-goers can experience The Island Table, which emphasizes local ingredients paired with outstanding Caribbean traditions. This unique event allows guests to immerse themselves in the distinct flavors of the islands while networking with fellow food enthusiasts.

Exclusive Hotel Packages and Passes

To enhance the festival experience, Baha Mar is offering exclusive hotel packages and weekend passes. The Platinum Weekend Pass and Gold Weekend Pass will grant special access to key events, including the festival's extremely popular walkthrough tasting event, Taste of Baha Mar, featuring multiple chefs and cocktail stations.

Potential attendees are encouraged to secure their packages early on, as the exclusive pricing and accommodations at Baha Mar's luxury hotels—Rosewood, SLS, and Grand Hyatt Baha Mar—are expected to sell out due to high demand.

In bringing culinary art and music to forefront, Baha Mar continues to set the stage for innovative chefs and artists alike. Graeme Davis, President of Baha Mar, expressed excitement for the festival's growth, stating, "We are thrilled to expand the festival with new concepts and a diverse talent pool, increasing opportunities for our culinary artists and visual creators to come together."

This year's festival focuses on artistry while also putting a strong emphasis on the rich heritage of Caribbean cuisine. Mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable celebration in paradise. Tickets and hotel packages are now available for purchase at festival.bahamar.com.

Join us in October 2026 for an experience that promises to delight the senses and celebrate the culture and culinary excellence of The Bahamas.