CAYFEST 2026
CAYFEST 2026 is here!
Join the Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) for a vibrant, month-long celebration of culture without borders. Under the theme Global Threads, CAYFEST 2026 brings together dance, film, music, poetry, workshops, and living heritage, highlighting how stories, traditions, and creativity connect Cayman to the world.
Events unfold throughout March 2026, beginning with a spectacular opening night and building toward the much-loved cultural finale, Red Sky at Night. Whether you’re drawn to world-class performances, cinematic storytelling, or hands-on cultural experiences, CAYFEST 2026 offers something for everyone.
Get tickets at wwwwticketsplus.ky for selected events, with many activities free to the public.
Public Events line up:
CAYFEST Opening Night – National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica:
Friday 6 March 2026, 7pm
Harquail Theatre, F.J. Harquail Cultural Centre
Tickets: CI$100 / CI$80 / Children CI$50
CAYFEST 2026 opens in spectacular fashion with the legendary National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica, one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated cultural institutions. With over six decades of global acclaim, NDTC fuses African-Caribbean traditions, Jamaican movement, and classical and contemporary ballet into an electrifying performance.
This glamorous fundraising gala includes a welcome drink and canapés, with all tickets offering a VIP experience. Dress to impress and enjoy an unforgettable night of Caribbean excellence. Click here to Get Tickets
Presented by DART – CAYFEST on Film 2026
Grand Cayman:
14–15 March 2026 at Camana Bay 1-3pm, 4-6pm, 7-9pm
Cayman Brac:
7 March 2026 at the Alexander Hotel | 1pm-7pm
Cinema takes centre stage at CAYFEST on Film 2026, a carefully curated showcase celebrating Caymanian and Caribbean storytelling through film. Presented by our sponsors, DART, this programme highlights bold creative voices and powerful narratives that reflect the region’s cultural richness and diversity.
Audiences can expect an inspiring selection of short and feature films that explore themes of identity, memory, migration, belonging, and human connection. From intimate personal stories to thought-provoking social reflections, the screenings offer a platform for filmmakers to share authentic perspectives and spark meaningful conversations.
CAYFEST on Film takes place across multiple locations, bringing the cinematic experience to both Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac, and creating opportunities for communities to engage with regional film in accessible and dynamic settings.
Screening schedules and film line-ups will be announced in February 2026 on social media.
For updates and additional information, visit www.cayfestonfilm.ky
Dawn & Awakening - Cayman National Choir and Orchestra Concert:
13 March 2026
Harquail Theatre, 7:30pm
Enjoy an inspiring evening of music as the Cayman National Choir and Orchestra take the stage as part of CAYFEST 2026. This concert celebrates musical excellence and community through choral and orchestral performance. The Cayman National Choir and Orchestra, a resident company of the F.J. Harquail Cultural Centre, presents an evening of music to rejuvenate the heart, mind, and soul. In a world filled with chaos, a night of invigorating melodies can awaken the spirit like a radiant Cayman sunrise.
Doors open at 6:45 PM on the night of the event.
Children’s Book Author Collective - Saturday 14th March
F. J. Harquail Theatre
Free to the Public | 10AM-12PM.
The Children’s Book Author Collective is a lively, family-friendly celebration of storytelling, creativity, and community. This engaging event brings together local children’s book authors for a morning filled with imagination and connection.
Families can enjoy live story readings, interactive performances by actors role-playing characters from beloved local books, and hands-on opportunities for children to engage directly with authors and stories. A book market will be open throughout the event, offering a chance to explore and purchase unique children’s books while supporting local creators.
In keeping with the Global Threads theme, the featured books highlight important topics such as diversity, social justice, emotional resilience, environmentalism, and empathy. The event is designed to spark curiosity, encourage meaningful conversations, and inspire young readers to see the world through many perspectives.
Poetry Night & Spoken Word – Hylton Grace:
18 March 2026, National Gallery, 7pm
Free to the public
An evening of poetry and spoken word led by acclaimed Caymanian poet Hylton Grace. This event celebrates storytelling, voice, and creative expression within the CAYFEST programme. Further details to be announced.
Improv Workshops – Baltimore Improv Group
(School Visits: March 19–20, (Closed to public)
Adult Workshop: March 19 at 6:00 PM, Studio Theatre
Live Shows & Games: Red Sky at Night, Studio Theatre
Free to the Public
The Baltimore Improv Group brings its dynamic approach to improvisational theatre to Cayman with a series of engaging school workshops, an interactive adult session, and live performances.
During school visits on March 19–20, students will experience the fundamentals of improv—live, unscripted theatre where scenes and stories are created in the moment using audience suggestions. Through fun, interactive exercises, students will build confidence, sharpen quick-thinking skills, strengthen collaboration, and improve clear communication, all within a supportive and inclusive environment.
Adults are invited to participate in an improv workshop on March 19 at 6:00 PM in the Studio Theatre. This hands-on session is open to all experience levels and encourages creativity, spontaneity, and teamwork while offering a playful introduction to performance.
Audiences can also catch the Baltimore Improv Group at Red Sky at Night, where they will present live improv shows and games in the Studio Theatre. Expect fast-paced scenes, audience interaction, and plenty of laughter as performers transform suggestions into unforgettable moments on stage.
All workshops and performances are free to the public and offer a unique opportunity to experience the joy, creativity, and connection of improvisational theatre.
Red Sky at Night
21 March 2026
F.J. Harquail Cultural Centre Grounds - Gates Open 4PM
A beloved festival tradition, Red Sky at Night returns as the grand finale of CAYFEST 2026, transforming the F.J. Harquail Cultural Centre grounds into a vibrant celebration of Caymanian culture and creativity.
This immersive, all-day event features a dynamic four-stage layout and a bustling Caymanian Village, bringing together live music, dance, storytelling, and heritage experiences in one unforgettable setting. Audiences can enjoy performances by local favourites such as Swanky Kitchen Band, alongside energetic dance showcases, spoken word, and traditional storytelling.
From quadrille and maypole dancing to heritage demonstrations, traditional crafts, authentic Caymanian food, and folk practices, Red Sky at Night offers a rich, hands-on experience that honours the past while celebrating the present. The festival also hosts over 100 local artists, artisans, and vendors, providing a platform to explore, support, and connect with Cayman’s creative community.
Family-friendly and deeply rooted in local culture, Red Sky at Night is a joyful gathering that brings people together under the stars to celebrate music, heritage, community, and island pride.