The Montserrat Arts Council unveils a packed schedule of events from July 18–26, blending tradition, food, youth engagement and business opportunities.
The Montserrat Arts Council has unveiled an ambitious calendar for the 2026 Calabash Festival, inviting both residents and visitors to participate in nine days of cultural immersion from July 18 to 26. Operating under the banner “Carved in Culture, Spiced to Life,” the festival promises to showcase the island’s distinctive traditions, artistic talent, culinary heritage and sense of community.
The festival kicks off on Saturday, July 18, with outdoor activities including a morning Sea Scape Coastline Tour and kayaking experience at Little Bay, followed by an evening Worn Crossroads event at The Cotch. Sunday combines spiritual observance with leisure, featuring a Neighbourly Day Church Service and the Calasplash 5: Sandy Cheeks Edition Bikini Bottom Beach Party at Old Road Beach.
Throughout the week, the schedule balances activities for all ages and interests. Mid-week offerings include the Sip N’ Craft: A Taste of Montserrat tasting event on July 20, a Children’s Bus Tour and Night of Billiards and Dominoes on July 21, and a live radio panel discussion titled “Culturally the Same, but Spiced Differently” on July 22. Young people take centre stage on July 23 with the Shades of Calabash Teen Sip N’ Paint and the Youth Explosion of Talent showcase.
Friday, July 24, emerges as a major highlight, with the Little Bay Public Market and Hotspot Parking Lot hosting an all-day Market Day, Grand Food Fair and PRIME Lyme event. The following day shifts focus to entrepreneurship, as the Produced in Montserrat Expo (PRIME) at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex gives local artisans and business owners a platform to display their wares and services.
The festival concludes on Sunday, July 26, with the MCA Bash It Like a Calabash event in Little Bay and the Prime Montserrat Business Awards and Gala at the Salem Community Centre. According to the Montserrat Arts Council, the festival is designed to celebrate the island’s cultural identity while creating opportunities for community engagement, entertainment and economic activity. For more information, interested parties can contact the Montserrat Arts Council at info@artscouncil.ms or by telephone at 1-664-491-8555/6.
The Calabash Festival is a signature cultural event for Montserrat, bringing together the island’s residents and attracting visitors to celebrate local heritage through food, art, music and community activities. The festival’s structure reflects the island’s commitment to preserving cultural traditions while supporting local entrepreneurs and creative talent.
As a major cultural festival in the Eastern Caribbean, the Calabash Festival exemplifies how island communities use celebration to strengthen cultural identity, support local economies and foster intergenerational engagement. For Caribbean diaspora members and cultural enthusiasts, the event demonstrates Montserrat’s vibrant creative spirit and commitment to preserving island traditions in the face of historical challenges.
Written & Edited by Orlyn Edwards. Published by Caribbean Air Force Media.
Category: Culture · Island routing: Montserrat