While people flock to Grand Cayman for its white sand beaches and turquoise waters, this seemingly tranquil island has one of the most thrilling festive calendars! From electrifying carnivals to maritime festivals and world-class culinary gatherings, Grand Cayman is abuzz with cultural events throughout the year.
Here at Rum Point Club, we like to join in the celebrations as much as anyone! We’ve created this guide to Cayman Islands cultural events and festivals you can’t miss, from the iconic Batabano to Pirates Week. Between the festivities, you can always join us at our Rum Deck or Solis Restaurant to unwind with a cocktail or refuel on a delicious Caribbean meal. Keep reading to learn more about Grand Cayman’s best festivals, and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions about our club.
Batabano: Cayman’s Carnival Celebration
The highlight of Cayman’s cultural calendar is Cayman Carnival Batabano. Taking place in the first week of May each year, it celebrates the beginning of the turtle nesting season. In fact, the name “Batabano” refers to the tracks left in the sand by turtles as they come on shore to nest!
Batabano’s main parade sees hundreds of masqueraders take to the streets in handcrafted costumes adorned with feathers, beads, and bold colours. The sounds of soca music fill the air as dancers and spectacular floats pass by spectators, an unmissable event for both locals and visitors!The celebration extends beyond the parade, with fetes, events, and food stalls showcasing Caribbean flavours. Batabano is both a visual spectacle and a social event, drawing together people from across cultures in a shared celebration of Cayman’s modern Caribbean identity. It’s also an excellent way to kick off the summer season. Read our Ultimate Guide to Visiting Grand Cayman in Summer to find out more about what you can experience!
Pirates Week: A Celebration of Maritime Heritage
Held annually in November, Pirates Week is one of the Cayman Islands’ most distinctive cultural events, honouring its longstanding seafaring heritage. With “pirates” storming George Town, parades, and fireworks, it’s a celebration like no other, transporting you back in time! Throughout the week, you can also enjoy activities such as cardboard boat races and District Days featuring local cuisine and art.
If you want to learn more about the island’s maritime history, read our guide to the History of Grand Cayman!
Cayman Cookout: The Culinary Highlight of the Year
Every January, Cayman Cookout draws international attention to Grand Cayman’s thriving food scene. Widely regarded as one of the Caribbean’s premier culinary festivals, Cayman Cookout brings together award-winning chefs, sommeliers, and mixologists for a weekend of tastings, demonstrations, and immersive dining experiences.
While global culinary talent headlines the event, local seafood, Caribbean spices, and regional techniques take center stage. Events range from casual beachside tastings to formal multi-course dinners, and include our very own Beach Bash! Hosted by Rum Point Club every year, you can enjoy elevated street food and cocktails while soaking up our stunning North Side setting. For more ideas on what dishes to try on your trip to the island, read our guide to the Most Popular Cuisines in Grand Cayman!
Cayman Arts Festival and Cayman Art Week
Each year, the Cayman Arts Festival further elevates Cayman’s cultural landscape. A celebration of music from classical to opera and jazz, it offers a diverse range of performances over a period of two weeks, showcasing local talent.
Another event culture vultures should look out for is the Cayman Art Week in May, when local galleries and studios often open their doors to the public, offering opportunities to meet artists and explore works inspired by Cayman’s landscapes, history, and multicultural influences.
Cayman Islands Agricultural Show
If you want to enjoy family-friendly fun while tasting delicious local foods, then the Cayman Islands Agricultural Show is for you! Held every Ash Wednesday, it celebrates the islands’ farmers and artisans with livestock exhibitions, displays of locally grown produce, and craft stalls. Food plays a major role, with stalls serving traditional dishes such as cassava heavy cake, jerk chicken, and homemade dishes prepared using long-standing recipes.
Experience Cayman Culture and Unwind at Rum Point Club
Whether you’re interested in the high-energy celebrations of Batabano, the historic reenactments of Pirates Week, or the refined flavours of Cayman Cookout,Grand Cayman’s cultural calendar offers something for everyone! And luckily for visitors, Rum Point Club is open year round. Relax between events at our Rum Deck or continue the fun with our beach activities! No matter when you visit, we’ll be here to welcome you to Grand Cayman. If you have any questions about our club, don’t hesitate to contact us.
