Get ready for a taste of island time. The 3rd Annual Caribbean Carnival is taking place on Saturday, February 21, from 3-9 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 Kabaka Pyramid & The Bebble Rockers, authentic Caribbean food trucks and restaurants, a 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. After a smashing success in 2024 and 2025, the 2026 rendition is slated to be the best one yet. 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.
One of the big highlights is the Bahamian 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.
In addition to all the performances, attendees can try various dishes from the double-digit food vendors on hand. While the food and drink are 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:
Musical performances begin at 3 pm, running until 9 pm, capped off with the headline performance by Kabaka Pyramid & The Bebble Rockers. Here are the performers listed in order of appearance.
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!
Melo Groove Steel Orchestra
Melo Groove Steel Pan Orchestra was founded in honor of Melville “Melo” Esdelle of Trinidad and Tobago to create a safe, inclusive place for youth to enhance their artistic talent through commitment, integrity and respect. Now they have formed an incredible group of people from all over the world representing the twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts, U.S. Virgin Islands, Haiti, Grenada and Japan. Melo Groove Steel Orchestra strives for musical excellence to expand the rich tradition of steel pan music in all genres, creating a truly enjoyable musical experience.
Irie Souljah
Known for his soulful voice, uplifting lyrics, and global sound, Irie Souljah continues to carve out a unique lane at the intersection of roots reggae and cross-cultural storytelling. His early music quickly gained support from both rising and veteran artists in Kingston’s vibrant music scene. With singles like “Learn and Grow,” “Helping Hand” with Anthony B & Iya Terra, and “Thankful” with Chronic Law, Irie has earned a reputation for combining righteous messages with rich melodies and timeless grooves.
Kabaka Pyramid & The Bebble Rockers
Kabaka Pyramid (born Keron Salmon in Kingston, Jamaica) is a Grammy-winning reggae artist known for fusing reggae, hip-hop and dancehall with conscious, Rastafarian-inspired lyrics, emerging as a key figure in the reggae revival movement and earning international acclaim with his 2022 album The Kalling, which won the Grammy for Best Reggae Album and features collaborations with major artists like Buju Banton, Protoje and members of the Marley family.
Learn more about the Caribbean Carnival here. Bonnet Springs Park is located at 400 Bonnet Springs Boulevard in Lakeland.