A vacation to beautiful Turks and Caicos not only offers the chance to unwind and relax on some of the most exquisite beaches in the world, but it also gives you the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in a new culture. From the food to annual events and festivals that celebrate life and the traditions of the Caribbean, these events let you experience Turks and Caicos in a whole new way. As you plan your Turks and Caicos vacation, knowing what events are happening during your stay can help you experience the island like a local and add a whole new layer of fun and enjoyment to your stay. Check out some of our most beloved, can’t-miss annual Turks and Caicos events and add some to your itinerary on your next visit.
Wine Cellar Golf and Fishing Tournament
Highlighting three incredible parts of a Turks and Caicos vacation: wine, golf, and fishing, this annual event invites locals and visitors alike to enjoy a weekend of fun as you compete in a two-day fishing competition and one-day golf challenge. Head out into the deep and cast your line for mahi-mahi, tuna, or wahoo, and try to land the heaviest catch. For the golf event, four-person teams compete for the title at the Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club in Grace Bay in an afternoon of exceptional play.
With nearly $100,000 in prizes on the line, it’s a chance to have some incredible experiences and possibly win big! In addition to the tournaments, spectators and competitors can enjoy live music and banquet celebrations when they participate in this annual event held every March.
Kite Flying Competition
If you’re visiting Turks and Caicos over the Easter holiday, the skies will turn technicolor as dozens of kites zip through the air at the annual Kite Flying Competition. Offering fun for the whole family, this is an especially great event to add if you’re traveling with children. Held on Easter Monday, the competition features an egg hunt, live music, games, local food, drinks, prizes, trophies, and more! Whether you’re coming to watch or looking to try your hand at flying your own kite, you’ll be in for a treat. Awards will be given for the largest, smallest, most artistic, and best traditional kites, and events will take place throughout the islands.
Locations:
- Grand Turk: Governor’s Beach
- North Caicos: Horse Stable Beach
- Providenciales: Kids Park
- South Caicos: Iris Stubbs Primary
Big South Regatta
The oldest festival in Turks and Caicos, the Big South Regatta, has been running for over 50 years. What began as a commemorative event to celebrate the 1966 arrival of Queen Elizabeth II to the island has grown into one of the most exciting events of the year. Held over the last weekend in May, the three-day festival is more than a boat race; it’s a chance for the people of South Caicos to showcase their unique culture and maritime prowess. Amateur and semi-pro yacht captains take to the water to compete while on land; there’s live music, delicious Caribbean food, and cultural shows that keep the crowds entertained. If you’re staying in one of our Villa Esencia vacation rentals on Providenciales, you can easily reach South Caicos via passenger ferry or plane.
Race for the Conch
Are you an avid swimmer? Do you love supporting a good cause? If you answered yes, the Race for the Conch event is definitely for you if you’re visiting Turks and Caicos at the end of June. Featuring a 2.4-mile, 1-mile, and half-mile race, swimmers take to the crystal blue waters of Grace Bay as they compete for the best time. Proceeds from sponsorships and race fees directly support the Provo Children’s Home, local swimming programs, the RC Reef Fund, and initiatives to help special needs children in the outer islands.
Caribbean Food and Wine Festival
Held each October, the Caribbean Food and Wine Festival presents a week of extraordinary indulgence featuring the unique flavors of the islands. From award-winning chefs and cooking demonstrations to workshops, wine classes, panel discussions, and lively parties, every second of this festival is jam-packed with opportunities to sip and savor fantastic creations that highlight this region’s delicacies. If you’re visiting Turks and Caicos in the fall, this is one festival you’ll never forget.
Turks and Caicos International Film Festival
This annual event in Turks and Caicos is unlike any film festival you’ve been to before. With a focus on environmental stories, the films presented at the Turks and Caicos International Film Festival (TCIFF) help raise awareness and support conservation efforts for our oceans and work to preserve their natural beauty so they can be enjoyed by generations yet to come. The festival features writer’s workshops, film screenings, and discussions with directors and casts of featured films. Whether you attend one screening or enjoy the entire festival, the stories you’ll hear at TCIFF will stay with you long after you return from your Turks and Caicos vacation.
Maskanoo Festival
The annual Maskanoo Festival is the largest festival in Turks and Caicos and happens every December 26th, making it the perfect addition to your vacation if you’re planning a holiday getaway. Celebrating the island’s rich history and unique culture, Maskanoo commemorates the West African and Caribbean heritage that was forged as enslaved people celebrated Christmas with activities that parodied the lavish affairs of the island’s wealthy. Today, Maskanoo features lively music, cultural activities, and authentic food and culminates with spectacular fireworks that light up the night sky over Grace Bay. Get a truly local experience when you participate in this can’t-miss annual Turks and Caicos event.
Book Your Turks and Caicos Getaway with Villa Esencia
No matter when you visit Turks and Caicos, you’re guaranteed to have an incredible time. From the brilliant beaches to the culturally enriching annual events, you can fill your days with fun. When you’re looking for the perfect place to stay during your visit, Villa Esencia has you covered with exceptional Turks and Caicos vacation rentals right on the shore. Browse our available properties and book your next trip directly with us for the best rates on the island!
