Cayfest 2026 is underway, bringing a two-week programme of performances, exhibitions, film and community events to audiences across the Cayman Islands.
Presented by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF), this year’s festival is organised under the theme ‘Global Threads’, highlighting cultural connections between Cayman and the wider Caribbean while showcasing local artists across multiple disciplines.
The festival opened on the weekend at the FJ Harquail Cultural Centre with a performance by the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) of Jamaica, one of the region’s best-known dance institutions.
The company presented ‘RISE’ as part of Cayfest’s opening night fundraising event, drawing audiences for an evening of contemporary Caribbean dance.
Beyond the stage performance, the visit also included opportunities for the local arts community.
Dancers from the company led an intermediate workshop for Cayman-based performers and delivered a special one-hour performance for school groups, giving students the chance to experience professional Caribbean dance up close.
In a press release, NDTC artistic director Marlon Simms described the experience as a cultural exchange.
“To be part of Cayfest is to be in dialogue with the spirit of the Caribbean – its people, its stories, and its enduring creativity,” he said.
The opening weekend also included Cayfest on Film – Cayman Brac, which turned the island’s cinema into a free community screening space and continued the festival’s focus on participation as well as performance.
In a festival message, CNCF managing director Rosalie Twohey described the Cayfest 2026 as “a once-in-a-decade moment for the arts,” highlighting the foundation’s broader goal of strengthening Cayman’s creative sector through education, collaboration and support for local artists.
The festival continues throughout March with concerts, literary events, film screenings and community workshops, culminating in the annual Red Sky at Night arts fair on 21 March.
What to see next: your CAYFEST week-by-week guide
Thursday, 12 March, 6pm to 8pm – NCFA Late Night Exhibition at Mind’s Eye
Wine, cheese, atmosphere and powerful youth artwork from the National Children’s Festival of the Arts.
Friday, 13 March, 7pm – Resident Company of the FJ Harquail Centre, the Cayman National Choir and Orchestra perform Dawn and Awakening at Harquail Theatre
A big, uplifting concert built around renewal, hope, and the transformative power of music. Visit eventpro.ky for tickets.
Saturday, 14 March, 10am to 12pm – Children’s Book Author Collective at Harquail Centre
Live readings, interactive storytelling, and book signings with Caymanian children’s authors.
Saturday 14 March, 1pm to 9pm and Sun 15 March, 1pm to 6pm – CAYFEST on Film at Camana Bay Cinema
Short films, music videos, and features celebrating Caymanian & Caribbean storytelling. Expect identity, memory and belonging. Visit Cayfestonfilm.ky for the full schedule.
Wednesday, 18 March, 7pm – Floetry by Hylton Grace at the National Gallery’s Lower Exhibition Hall
A free, intimate night of poetry and spoken word with local and international voices.
Thursday, 19 March, 6pm – ‘Go BIG or Go Home’ Adult Improv Workshop at Harquail Studio Theatre
Free and playful improv workshop open to all experience levels. Must be 18 or over. Register by emailing events@artscayman.org.
Saturday, 21 March, 4pm-11pm – Red Sky at Night in the Harquail Centre grounds
The popular multidisciplinary arts fair returns as Cayfest’s finale. The event will feature multiple stages, live music (Swanky Kitchen Band, Heat, Madame Nirosa and Future Fobia), dance showcases, spoken word, storytelling, over 100 vendors, and a Caymanian Village packed with heritage demonstrations and hands-on culture.
