One of the area’s biggest and most authentic cultural festivals is making its return to the area. The 2nd Annual Caribbean Carnival is taking place on Saturday, February 22 from 5-9 pm at the beautiful Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland.
The sprawling celebration of Caribbean culture is a showcase of island vibes and experiences, including a headline performance by Grammy Award-winning reggae band Inner Circle, authentic Caribbean food trucks and restaurants, a Caribbean and Black-owned makers market, kids activities, a parade, and even live steel drum performances.
The family-friendly event is completely free to attend and open to all ages. Last year’s inaugural Caribbean Carnival was a wild success, and organizers say the 2025 edition will be even bigger. Between the music, the food, the craftsmanship, and the performances and traditions from all over the islands, this is truly one of the most authentic cultural experiences anywhere in the region.
In addition to all the performances, attendees can try various dishes from the double-digit food vendors on hand, while also perusing the market showcasing Caribbean and Black-owned makers and businesses.
While the food and drink is enough to get us there on its own, the lineup of live performances is particularly impressive. This collection of music and experiences is unlike anything else happening this year.
Caribbean Carnival schedule of performances and what to expect:
5-5:30 pm – DJ Lady Shay
The Tampa-based DJ and MC brings a vibrant energy and a music selection skill that’s deeply rooted in her Jamaican heritage. DJ Lady Shay understands the true art of mixing and is incredible to watch and hear. Her music repertoire spans from electronic to current pop, hip hop, old school, dancehall, calypso and soca music. She also brings a vibrant energy to the microphone as a professional MC!
5:30-6:30 pm – Tati Nuzi
Caribbean Carnival BSP is honored to feature Inez Barlatier, a multifaceted performer of Ayisyen (Haitian) descent. As Tati Nuzi, she celebrates the art and culture of her homeland Ayiti (Haiti) through energetic drumming and singing, colorful costumes and traditional dances, folktales and visual art. Inez’s ancestral and resonant voice and enthusiastic band bring forth deeply rooted musical traditions with a youthful vibrancy that is ecstatic and infectious. Tati Nuzi will lead families on a journey to a land rich with history, while inviting participation in folkloric dances and drumming along with cultural learning that emphasizes community and gratitude.
6:40-7:25 pm – Caribbean Crew Trio steel drum band
Get ready to embrace the tropical sounds of The Caribbean Crew, a Steel Drum Band, who will perform a variety of steel drum music, reggae, calypso, soca and dancehall at Caribbean Carnival BSP!
7:25-7:45 pm – Junkanoo Parade Band
Experience the vibrant expression of Bahamian Culture with the Junkanoo Parade! The high-energy performance, with elaborate costumes and a powerful sound produced by traditional instruments, will parade through the Caribbean Carnival crowd and is sure to get the whole family dancing!
7:45-9 pm – Inner Circle
The Jamaican-bred, Grammy-winning quintet is one of the world’s most respected reggae groups with a long string of successes stretching back to the mid-70′s. Inner Circle’s special brand of pop-oriented Jamaican beats and energy-filled live performances have allowed the band to transcend the traditional reggae niche and enjoy widespread crossover appeal.
Learn more about the Caribbean Carnival here. Bonnet Springs Park is located at 400 Bonnet Springs Boulevard in Lakeland.
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