Established in 2006, Caribbean American Heritage Month celebrates the culture and contributions of Caribbean Americans each June. Broward honors this 20-year milestone with seven exciting events featuring the history, cuisine, art, dance, and musical traditions of the Caribbean nations and Caribbean Americans.
Caribbean American Heritage Florida Inc. will host the kids’ zone with their signature program, “Coolture,” a children’s festival that teaches culture and cultural appreciation to kids. Kids can join a percussion and steelpan workshop exploring Caribbean music; learn Caribbean dances and Caribbean stories and legends; create crafts related to Caribbean culture, and discover facts about Caribbean heroes and icons.
“Caribbean American Heritage Festival” offers free admission; guests can purchase food and drinks from vendors at the event.
City of Sunrise Caribbean American Heritage Festival at Sunrise City Park
The City of Sunrise holds its annual “Caribbean American Heritage Festival” at Sunrise City Park on June 6. This community festival has live music, food, crafts, dance, and live performances to celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month. Tanto Irie, the DJ Host of Reggae Runnins on South Florida’s local radio station, Hot 105 FM, is the emcee of the Festival. Joining him is DJ She-J Hercules, the first woman mixer at 99 Jamz, Miami’s R&B and hip-hop station. The Festival’s live music performances highlight genres originating from the Caribbean nations, including salsa, Latin pop, soca (an offshoot of calypso music with an energetic rhythm), Kompa (a Haitian musical form with a danceable beat), and steelpan music. Musicians at the Festival include:
- Kevin Lyttle: Soca music artist with hits like “Turn Me On” (2003), which topped charts in the U.S. and across Europe.
- Sizwe C: A South Florida soca artist who provides a platform for Caribbean artists to share their story on his podcast, “What They Do.”
- Rosaly Rubio: Dominican artist known for reggaeton and fusing pop and Latin pop.
- Gr8ness: An Afrobeat artist with Kompa influences.
- Also performing is the Lauderhill Steel Ensemble, the Bahamas Junkanoo Revue (performing in the Bahamian parade tradition of Junkanoo), and the Salsa Ninjas from the Sunrise Latin dance academy of the same name.
- Code Red Band, who creates “classic rock with a groove” will headline the event with Kevin Lyttle.
Caribbean American Heritage Florida Inc. will host the kids’ zone with their signature program, “Coolture,” a children’s festival that teaches culture and cultural appreciation to kids. Kids can join a percussion and steelpan workshop exploring Caribbean music; learn Caribbean dances and Caribbean stories and legends; create crafts related to Caribbean culture, and discover facts about Caribbean heroes and icons.
“Caribbean American Heritage Festival” offers free admission; guests can purchase food and drinks from vendors at the event.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Island SPACE Mango Festival 2026 (Father’s Day)
WHERE: Charles F. Dodge City Center, Pembroke Pines, 601 City Center Way, Pembroke Pines
WHEN: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, June 21
COST: Tickets start at $13
INFORMATION: (954) 999-0989 or purchase tickets on the event page
BEST FOR: All ages
Art@Night: Caribbean Night at Coral Springs Museum of Art
The Coral Springs Museum of Art honors the traditions of Caribbean heritage with “Art@Night: Caribbean Night” on June 11. The Museum’s signature art event series, Art@Night, invites the community for an evening at the Museum to enjoy themed art activities, music, food, drinks, and the latest exhibitions. Create a Carnaval-inspired mask with glitter, jewels, and feathers; tour the current exhibitions, “Across This Land: America At 250” and “Clyde Butcher: Lifeworks in Photography,” and enjoy food and drinks (including Caribbean-style sangria) from Reggae Beets Gourmet Food Truck, known for their health-conscious and vegan Jamaican cuisine.
“Art@Night: Caribbean Night” is a free event and open to guests of all ages; food and drinks are available for purchase at the event.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Art@Night: Caribbean Night
WHERE: Coral Springs Museum of Art, 2855A Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs
WHEN: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, June 11
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 340-5000 or RSVP on the event page
BEST FOR: All ages
Taste of the Caribbean Islands 2026 at Miramar City Hall
Experience the unique flavors and dishes of the Caribbean at “Taste of the Caribbean Islands 2026” at Miramar City Hall on June 13. Hosted by the City of Miramar’s Vice Mayor, Carson “Eddy” Edwards, “Taste of the Caribbean Islands” lets visitors experience the culture of the Caribbean through the food with authentic drinks and bites from different Caribbean nations. And enjoy music and live entertainment at the event.
The event is the brainchild of Vice Mayor Carson “Eddy” Edwards, who advocates for civic engagement and immigrant rights, and promotes Jamaican culture through his work, including serving as a former Board Member of the Jamaica USA Chamber of Commerce and current CEO of the annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival in Miramar that highlights Jamaican cuisine.
“Taste of the Caribbean Islands 2026” is free and open to all ages.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Taste of the Caribbean Islands 2026
WHERE: Miramar City Hall Plaza, 2300 Civic Center Place, Miramar
WHEN: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, June 13
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 602-3830 or learn more on the event page and RSVP on Eventbrite
BEST FOR: All ages
Games & Fête: Caribbean Heritage Month Celebration by Victory Black Box Theatre at L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center
Learn more about the traditions and history of the Caribbean nations with an exciting game night at Victory Black Box Theatre on June 19. Part of Victory Black Box Theatre’s adult programming, the adult game night events provide an intimate and lively setting where participants can connect with other adults and enjoy “classic games with a twist.” Their June adult game night, “Games & Fête: Caribbean Heritage Month Celebration,” includes a variety of recognizable board games, card games, and trivia with a focus on Caribbean heritage and culture. Join themed challenges and learn interesting facts about Caribbean culture, nations, and history. Musical genres that originate in the Caribbean island nations are the soundtrack of the evening—calypso and soca (Trinidad and Tobago), reggae (Jamaica), and steelpan (originated in Trinidad and Tobago but the instrument is used throughout the Caribbean). Tropical-themed drinks and snacks will also be available.
Purchase tickets for “Games & Fête: Caribbean Heritage Month Celebration” through the Eventbrite link.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Games & Fête: Caribbean Heritage Month Celebration
WHERE: Victory Black Box Theatre at L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center, 1409 NW 6th Street, 3rd floor, Fort Lauderdale
WHEN: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday, June 19
COST: $10, early bird price, $15, general admission
INFORMATION: (954) 467-2444 or purchase tickets on the event page
BEST FOR: Adults (aged 18+)
Island SPACE Mango Festival 2026 (Father’s Day) at Charles F. Dodge City Center
Island SPACE Caribbean Museum brings back their popular “Island SPACE Mango Festival” on June 21 at Charles F. Dodge City Center to mark Father’s Day. Island SPACE Caribbean Museum educates and celebrates the stories and traditions of the Caribbean and the Caribbean diaspora community. The Museum emphasizes community engagement and their programming highlights art, history, music, food, and fashion of the Caribbean countries. “Island SPACE Mango Festival 2026” is in its third year.
Taste the many varieties of mangos at the Mango Walk, including exotic and country-specific mango varieties not often found in local supermarkets. Featured mangos are auctioned off later at the event. Gardeners can learn the secrets of mango cultivation and grafting at educational workshops to grow their own backyard mango tree or better care for their existing mango trees; with the right care, mango trees can live for decades, even up to 100 years. View cooking demonstrations by chefs and sample mango dishes like smoothies, ice cream, preserves, and other mango recipes. Join the mango auction and participate in activities at the Kids & Family Zone. Vendors will also be selling mango products and mango-inspired items like mango lotion and mango candles. Dads can join the Daddy Mango Eating Competition, or opt for the “Daddy’s Kingdom” tickets that offer extra treats, gifts, and premium raffle entry in honor of Father’s Day, which coincides with the event.
Tickets to “Island SPACE Mango Festival 2026” include general admission, “Daddy’s Kingdom,” and “Mango Sommelier Experience.” Tickets for the Mango Sommelier Experience include a special flight tasting (no alcohol included) of exotic mango varieties. Led by the Mango Sommelier, this curated mango tasting introduces guests to the subtle flavors, sweetness levels, tastes, and textures of each mango variety, all while learning about its origins, traditions, and distinct characteristics. Vendors and volunteers who want to help at the event can also sign up to participate on the Island SPACE website.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Island SPACE Mango Festival 2026 (Father’s Day)
WHERE: Charles F. Dodge City Center, Pembroke Pines, 601 City Center Way, Pembroke Pines
WHEN: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, June 21
COST: Tickets start at $13
INFORMATION: (954) 999-0989 or purchase tickets on the event page
BEST FOR: All ages
Celebrate Caribbean Heritage Event at Lauderhill Towne Centre Library
Lauderhill Towne Centre Library holds a special Caribbean Heritage event on June 23 educating the public about Caribbean culture. Sponsored by The Albert and Ann Jacobs Trust Fund, a fund of the Broward Public Library Foundation Endowment which funds library programs and services, the event highlights Caribbean music traditions with live steel drummers and music. This interactive demonstration and performance will give guests a deeper understanding of the steel pan, a uniquely Caribbean instrument.
Learn more about Caribbean cultures and connect with the community during this family-friendly program. The “Celebrate Caribbean Heritage” event is free to attend.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Celebrate Caribbean Heritage
WHERE: Lauderhill Towne Centre Library, 6399 West Oakland Park Boulevard, Lauderhill
WHEN: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 23
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 357-6406 or register on the event page
BEST FOR: All ages
City of Pembroke Pines Caribbean American Heritage Festival at Charles F. Dodge City Center
The City of Pembroke Pines presents their Caribbean American Heritage Festival on June 27 at Charles F. Dodge City Center. Enjoy authentic Caribbean cuisine, live music and performers, and cultural exhibits. South Florida’s Caribbean heritage museum, Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, provides art activities (for kids and adults) at the event. Trinidadian-born comedian and actress, MC Niki Crosby, and DJ T-Rex act as emcees for the event.
Jamaican singer, songwriter, and music legend, Wayne Wonder, whose 2002 song, “No Letting Go” became a global hit and helped earn him a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album, headlines the Festival. The USVI Moko Jumbies (United States Virgin Islands), who have performed at DanceAfrica Miami, will also perform at the event. Moko Jumbies, known today as the exuberant and joyful stilt walkers of the Caribbean Carnival celebrations, have roots in African religious traditions and a long history in the Caribbean dating back to the time of slavery, when enslaved Africans were forced to transform and disguise their religious practices to fit a festive or artistic context to ensure its survival.
Also performing at the Festival is the Lauderhill Steel Ensemble, Tricia Kelshall (Trinidadian singer-songwriter known for her soca music), and Devine Songz (Jamaican reggae artist).
The Festival is open to all ages and entrance is free. Attendees can purchase food, drinks, and unique Caribbean goods from event vendors.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Caribbean American Heritage Festival
WHERE: Charles F. Dodge City Center, Pembroke Pines, 601 City Center Way, Pembroke Pines
WHEN: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, June 27
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 392-2130 or learn more on the event page
BEST FOR: All ages
This story was produced by Broward Arts Journalism Alliance (BAJA), an independent journalism program of the Broward County Cultural Division.
