Turks and Caicos Major Events
The Turks and Caicos Islands has several major annual events throughout the year. They can be a great addition to a vacation in this Beautiful by Nature archipelago.
These events range from a junkanoo-style festival around Christmas to themed charity fundraisers and model sailboat races. Many of them are free to attend, and are a great way to explore other islands like Middle Caicos, South Caicos, and Water Cay.
Throughout the year, you can also find smaller events that are fun to attend, such as live music shows, craft markets, pub quizzes, and beach BBQs. For a full list of events happening in the Turks and Caicos, see Events.
The Fish Fry
The Fish Fry is a weekly cookout held in The Bight, a neighborhood on Providenciales. It is a great opportunity to sample a wide range of Turks and Caicos and Caribbean cuisine foods from local restaurants. Dishes include conch salad, cracked conch, fresh lobster (when it's in season), and blackened fish.
The event also features a live band and emcee that provide entertainment throughout the night, vendor stalls selling local and imported crafts, and a live Bahamian-style junkanoo band.
New Year's Eve
The most impressive display of the year is the fireworks over Grace Bay Beach on New Year's Eve.
Many of the larger resorts on Providenciales put on their own firework displays, and when the clock strikes midnight, the entirety of Grace Bay lights up. It’s not just fireworks—there are often several beach bonfires going (the largest is usually at Rickie’s Flamingo Café), and sky lanterns can be seen floating away during the night.
Maskanoo
Maskanoo is a street festival held on Boxing Day (December 26), and combines elements of masquerades and traditional Bahamian-style junkanoo. It features live music, a costumed parade, and fireworks.
Maskanoo is hosted by the local hotel and tourism association, and the event takes place in the evening on Grace Bay Road in the heart of the shopping district. Craft and food vendors also offer a selection of souvenirs, drinks, and dishes.
In the Pink
In the Pink is a charity event usually held in October at The Palms resort on Grace Bay Beach. The event is a fundraiser for the National Cancer Society, and combines a high-end used clothing sale with a general extravagant party, which is one of the largest held in the country.
There's also a poker tournament during the event and a raffle that auctions off a luxury prize, usually from Jai’s.
Valentine's Day Cup
The Valentine's Day Cup is a model Caicos Sloop sailboat race that takes place on the quiet island of Middle Caicos on the Saturday nearest Valentine’s Day.
The tournament is a great event for families and children, and offers a fun beach day with local food and music. It’s held at the tranquil Bambarra Beach, which offers calm and shallow water and white sand.
The Valentine’s Day Cup is a great excuse to visit the spectacular islands of North Caicos and Middle Caicos on a day trip. There’s a plethora of natural sights and secluded beaches to discover.
Fisherman's Day
This local fishing festival is held each August on South Caicos, an island located at the southeastern end of the Turks and Caicos archipelago. Fresh seafood options are abundant, as is rum punch and the music of local bands.
During the day, you can watch fishermen compete in a variety of events, like conch diving and conch boat racing. Attending Fisherman's Day is a great way to meet locals and explore the island.
The Caribbean Food & Wine Festival
The Caribbean Food and Wine Festival is arguably the top event of the year for fine dining foodies. This international festival has historically welcomed Michelin-starred chefs from the U.K. and U.S., international wine experts, and other gastronomy pros to the luxury resorts of the Turks and Caicos Islands (primarily Providenciales).
Events vary from year to year, but typically include a wine tasting or pairing, a multi-course gourmet dinner, and a delicious brunch on Providenciales or Parrot Cay.
You'll need tickets for each event if you want to try them all, and prices per event can range from $60 to upwards of $250, depending on the function (2024 prices).
Caribbean House Evolution
The multi-day Caribbean House Evolution music festival hosts a mega party (by local standards) each year at the idyllic Water Cay. The festival usually takes place over three days in mid-summer, with a beach party, a pool party, and finally, the Water Cay boat party.
The music is almost entirely electronic, and is provided by local and international DJs.
The boat party can be quite impressive, as scores of boats—ranging from small vessels to beautiful yachts—make the short hop over to Water Cay and anchor at the beach.
The Wine Cellar Golf & Fishing Tournament
The Wine Cellar Golf and Fishing Tournament is an annual competition and charity fundraiser that takes place over a weekend in March. Fishing boats and golf teams grab their rods and clubs to compete for cash prizes and trophies in their respective sports.
Fishing takes place in Turks and Caicos territorial waters with boats departing the Blue Haven Marina, whereas the golfing tournament happens on the manicured greens of the Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club. There's typically a shore party for competitors and spectators at the marina during the fishing tournament, and a range of great prizes you can win from the raffle or silent auction.
Race for the Conch
Race for the Conch is an open water swimming competition held off of Grace Bay Beach. The event features three races between 0.5 and 2.4 miles (0.8 and 3.9 km) in length, as well as a 100-meter (328 ft) children's race. One of the biggest sporting events of the year on Providenciales, Race for the Conch is a great event to participate in or watch from the shoreline with other spectators.
Proceeds have historically benefited local causes and organizations, including learn-to-swim programs and the Turks and Caicos Reef Fund. The World Open Water Swimming Association has named it one of the top 100 open water races in the world.
An Evening of Art
This charity art fundraiser is a great way to browse local fine art, photography, and multimedia works in a luxurious setting. An Evening of Art is typically held at the elegant Shore Club resort and features live performances, delicious food and drink, and both a silent and live auction.
There's usually an after party with a live DJ and dancing. The event raises money for the local youth center.