The Fish Fry
Stubbs Diamond Plaza, Sibonne Road, The Bight, Providenciales
While the highlight of a visit to the Turks and Caicos is undoubtedly the crystal-clear water and marine environment, a trip to the islands is not complete without immersing oneself in the local culture. The Fish Fry, a popular weekly event on Providenciales, affords visitors an opportunity to do just that.
Held every Thursday at Stubbs Diamond Plaza in the Bight neighborhood, the Fish Fry is a place to sample local food and drinks and experience live music.
At the Turks and Caicos Fish Fry, you’ll find numerous stalls featuring local artists selling handmade crafts ranging from jewelry to art, as well as imported clothing and gifts, all inspired by the Turks and Caicos. Food vendors serve a variety of island favorites, such as peas and rice, crab, lobster, queen conch prepared a variety of ways, mac and cheese, corn, and much more. The highlight is the fried fish—a favorite dish in Turks and Caicos—that gives the event its name.
Many beverages are also available, such as locally brewed Turk's Head beer or the popular local cocktail known as Gully Wash. If you prefer non-alcoholic drinks, you’ll also find sodas and juices, as well as fresh coconuts you can enjoy with or without rum.
Food and drink prices at the Fish Fry tend to be quite high and in some cases are comparable to prices at sit-down restaurants in Grace Bay. Example prices are $18 for a hamburger and $20–$25 for a conch salad (2025 price).
How to Attend
As one of few weekly events that provide tourists the opportunity to experience Turks and Caicos culture, attending the Fish Fry is a popular thing to do on Providenciales. Admission to the event is free, with food, drink, and souvenirs available for purchase. It’s recommended to bring cash, as many vendors don't accept card payments.
Unfortunately, parking at the Fish Fry has become increasingly difficult. It's illegal to park on the sidewalk, though many people do so on the curbside of Sibonne Road. Some paid parking is available, which security can direct you to. Parking at these areas ranges from $15–20 (2025 price).
While the Fish Fry can be an excellent event for older families, couples, or even solo travelers who want to enjoy the local food and drinks that the Turks and Caicos has to offer, some tourists have complained that the on-stage entertainment is not suitable for young children.
Music, Entertainment, and Shopping
The Fish Fry typically features live music from various local bands. Genres range from local takes on popular songs to reggae, soca, and more traditional ripsaw music. Often, cultural performers perform dances local to the islands, such as the rake and scrape (inspired by the old sea salt industry and raking salt in the salinas) and a Junkanoo rush by the We Funk band (which runs the island's small Junkanoo Museum).
Junkanoo is a traditional Bahamian and Caribbean processional parade that features dancers and musicians in colorful costumes, dancing and marching to the rhythm of drums, cowbells, and other percussion instruments. The best place to see Junkanoo is at the Maskanoo event on Boxing Day (December 26), but Fish Fry gives visitors an opportunity to experience the event throughout the year. Spectators are always welcome to jump in and participate.
Bands typically start to play 1–2 hours after the event begins. The Junkanoo performance tends to start after 8:00 PM.
Fish Fry Location
The Turks and Caicos Fish Fry is now held in the parking lot at Stubbs Diamond Plaza in the Kingston enclave of the Bight. This plaza is located on Sibonne Road, just a short distance from central Grace Bay.
The Fish Fry’s new location in the Bight makes it convenient for visitors to attend. The Stubbs Diamond Plaza is a 10-minute walk away from The Palms and a five-minute drive from Beaches Turks and Caicos and most other Grace Bay resorts. World-famous Grace Bay Beach is a 10-minute walk away.
The Old Fish Fry Location
In the past, the Fish Fry was held at the Children’s Park Bight Beach access. However, the site was never intended to host events, and the landscaping, facilities, and amenities of the park rapidly fell into disrepair.
After a two-year hiatus resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fish Fry returned in April of 2022 at the new location in the Bight.
Located in The Bight
The Bight is a residential community found inland between the Grace Bay and Turtle Cove areas. The settlement is one of the three original villages on Providenciales. Much of the Bight supports low-density residential development, yet small shops, several resorts, and an increasing number of vacation accommodations can also be found in the area.