5 Best Performing Arts Venues in Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas

Since 1993, Festival Noel has marked the official start to the Christmas season. Traditionally held the first Friday evening in December at the Rand Nature Centre, this wine- and food-tasting event and art show displays local talent. Proceeds aid the Bahamas National Trust for the development and restoration of national parks on Grand Bahama Island.

Every summer a party crowd gathers for The Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association's annual swim race and daylong beach bash. Grand Bahama residents of all ages swim the sea in honor and support of BASRA's volunteer force, who in conjunction with The Bahamas Defense Force and the U.S. Coast Guard help people in distress. Live music, food and drink tents, and a bikini-friendly, end-of-summer party atmosphere make this a memorable event.

Sailing sloops from throughout the country meet in July for various sailing races, and crowd-pleasing favorite, the sculling competition. Onshore festivities take place at Smith's Point and include Junkanoo parades, dancing, live music, and food and drink.

Junkanoo is the national festival of The Bahamas, named after an African tribal chief named "John Canoe," who demanded the right to celebrate with his people after being brought to the West Indies in slavery. Starting in the evening on January 1 and running into the early morning hours, the downtown streets of Freeport come alive with larger-than-life costumed dancers jumping to the sounds of drums, whistles, and cowbells. At the end of January, watch local primary and secondary students take to the streets in the same colorful, cultural garb for Junior Junkanoo.

This homecoming celebration on the East End of the island held annually on Easter Monday features live music, coconut food sampling, coconut crafts, coconut bowling, and more.