Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival 2026 returns for eleven days from Thursday, April 30 to Sunday, May 10, blending world‑class headliners with community jazz, visual arts, fashion, dance, and culinary showcases across Castries, Rodney Bay, and the island’s iconic Pigeon Island National Landmark. Expect a genre‑spanning program—jazz, soul, Afrobeats, reggae, soca, gospel, and more—paired with street exhibitions and community stages that keep the island humming from morning workshops to night‑sky finales over the Caribbean Sea. Save the dates, book your stay near the north of the island, and map out both the big nights and the intimate discoveries that make this festival special.

Dates, venues, and program pillars

Dates: April 30 to May 10, 2026, confirmed across official and partner channels.
Mainstage: Pigeon Island National Landmark hosts the festival’s largest open‑air concerts beside historic fort ruins and sea views.
City stages: “Art and the City” activations transform Castries with exhibitions, pop‑ups, and street performance during the first festival week.
Community Jazz: Free or low‑cost concerts bring live music to towns and villages leading into the Pigeon Island weekend.

The schedule typically ramps from mid‑week showcases and community jazz toward the mainstage weekend at Pigeon Island, culminating with a star‑powered finale under the open sky.

Tickets, on‑sale timing, and how to plan

Ticket window: Official guidance points to ticket drops and themed‑night announcements in January 2026—set alerts now so you can lock best‑value tiers before they rise.
Pass types: Expect single‑day Pigeon Island tickets, reserved seating upgrades, and select VIP options; community events often remain free or low‑cost to keep access wide.
Hotel strategy: Reserve refundable rooms in Rodney Bay Village for easy shuttle access to Pigeon Island and quick rides to Castries for Art‑and‑the‑City nights.

If traveling with friends, align on your “can’t‑miss” themed nights before on‑sale; booking the same hotel simplifies transport to late finishes on Pigeon Island.

Early lineup signals and genres

Festival roundups and partner teasers highlight a cross‑genre approach—jazz, Afro beats, reggae, soca, pop, rock, gospel, and Zouk—plus the island’s own guitar legend Ronald “Boo” Hinkson anchoring local excellence. Third‑party previews list names such as Tems and Beverley Knight among early confirmations, with full waves unveiled at the January launch. Always verify the official lineup page when it goes live.

Expect: Jazz masters, soul vocalists, reggae icons, soca powerhouses, and contemporary crossover acts, distributed across themed nights.
Local anchors: Community jazz platforms lift Saint Lucian bands and choirs in the lead‑up, offering intimate sets before the big stage.

A smart 11‑day game plan

Days 1–3 (Thu–Sat): Land, settle in Rodney Bay, and explore Art‑and‑the‑City in Castries—galleries, street music, and food markets that introduce festival themes.
Days 4–7 (Sun–Wed): Community Jazz in villages like Soufrière, Micoud, and Vieux Fort; choose a southern loop day for Pitons views and a sunset return.
Days 8–10 (Thu–Sat): Pigeon Island mainstage—arrive early for lawn space, rotate between the fort overlook and the front‑of‑house sound tower for best audio, and pace hydration.
Day 11 (Sun): Finale night at Pigeon Island—plan a late Monday flight if possible to savor the closer.

Reserve at least one midday for a beach break at Reduit or Pigeon Island’s smaller coves so your legs are fresh for evening sets.

Getting there and around

Flights: Hewanorra International (UVF) in the south or George F. L. Charles (SLU) near Castries; Rodney Bay sits about 90 minutes from UVF or 20 minutes from SLU.
Transport: Festival shuttles and taxis connect Rodney Bay and Pigeon Island; pre‑book return rides after headliners to avoid queues.
Driving: Roads are scenic and winding; if you self‑drive, designate a sober driver and use daylight hours for longer transfers.

Where to stay and eat

Stays: Rodney Bay resorts and guesthouses put you near restaurants, marinas, and shuttles; Castries hotels suit early Art‑and‑the‑City nights; Soufrière stays work for a Pitons + Community Jazz combo.
Food: Sample green fig and saltfish, bouyon, grilled fish, cocoa tea mornings, and Bakes and Accra at community nights; Rodney Bay’s Marina adds international flavors when you want variety.

Packing list and festival comfort

Clothing: Breathable fabrics, light rain layer, and a wrap for sea breezes at Pigeon Island.
Footwear: Cushioned sneakers for lawn standing and fort paths; sandals for beach breaks.
Day kit: Sunscreen, hat, refillable bottle, portable charger, and a small picnic mat for lawn comfort.
Night kit: Earplugs if sound‑sensitive, light jacket, and cash for quick vendor lines.

Check bag policy for Pigeon Island shows; smaller bags speed security and gate entry.

Photography and viewing tips

Golden hour at Pigeon Island frames performers against sea and stone—position camera left for sunset tones.
For clean audio in phone videos, stand just forward of the front‑of‑house mix tent; subs can overwhelm near stage wings.
Respect sightlines—lower phones during quiet solos and allow kids up front during community sets.

Accessibility and family notes

Pigeon Island terrain includes lawns and gentle slopes; ask staff for accessible viewing zones and shuttle details.
Community Jazz is family‑friendly; plan earlier returns for young children on mainstage nights.
Hydration and shade are essential; pack hats and schedule midday breaks.

Beyond the stages: arts, culture, and nature

Arts: Pop‑ups, galleries, and the Icon series foreground Saint Lucian artists; look for talks tied to the Island’s creative economy.
Culture: Kweyòl expressions, Dennery Segment parties, and steel pan shade sets pop up around the schedule—follow festival socials for day‑of drops.
Nature: Hike Pigeon Island’s fort for panoramic views; plan a non‑show day for the Pitons, Sulphur Springs, and a chocolate estate tour.

Budget and value

Passes: Single‑day mainstage tickets offer flexibility; VIP adds comfort if you prefer elevated viewing and quick entry.
Hotels: Rodney Bay mid‑range properties balance convenience and cost; book early before January’s lineup launch spike.
Local spend: Build a cushion for taxis, snacks, and market finds during Art‑and‑the‑City.

Call to action

Circle April 30–May 10, 2026, reserve a base in Rodney Bay, and set alerts for the January ticket drop and lineup waves. Sketch your must‑see nights at Pigeon Island, then leave space for serendipity at Community Jazz and Art‑and‑the‑City. Pack light, hydrate, and let Saint Lucia’s sea air, fort silhouettes, and island rhythms carry you from gallery mornings to star‑lit encores.

Verified Information at a Glance

Event: Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival 2026
Dates: April 30 – May 10, 2026
Mainstage venue: Pigeon Island National Landmark (Rodney Bay)
City/Community: Art‑and‑the‑City in Castries; Community Jazz across towns and villages
Tickets: On sale January 2026; themed nights revealed at launch
Travel base: Rodney Bay resorts with easy shuttle access to Pigeon Island
Genres: Jazz, soul, Afrobeats, reggae, soca, gospel, pop, rock, Zouk; local icon Ronald “Boo” Hinkson among anchors

Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival 2026