Turks and Caicos Events for 2017
There is no shortage of Turks and Caicos events and activities occurring throughout the year. Many of our events are great for families, and provide a good opportunity to meet and get to know the local residents of islands.
Here are a few of the major events in Turks and Caicos. We've starting with summer 2017 events and look forward to adding fall and winter events as they are finalized.
Events in Spring and Summer 2017
50th Annual Big South Regatta
When: May 25-May 28, 2017Taking place on South Caicos, aka the "Big South", this annual regatta features a variety of sailboat races and exhibitions.
The center of the regatta is Cockburn Harbor. Now just a sleepy and picturesque harbor town, at one time Cockburn Harbor in South Caicos was the commercial hub of the islands. Everyone from Queen Elizabeth to fearsome pirates have passed through this town, thanks to its strong connection to the sea and sailing.
This event is for adventurers, and requires at least an overnight stay away from The Palms resort.
See Turks and Caicos Tourism for more information.
7th Annual “Race for the Conch” Eco-SeaSwim
When: July 1, 2017, 9:30amThis open-water race happens right here off Grace Bay Beach, close to The Palms resort. This annual race is intended to promote awareness of the valuable ocean and reef systems surrounding the islands and funds support local ocean and reef protection charities.
The race consists of both a one-mile and a 2.4 mile race along the world-renowned Grace Bay Beach, and is open to all competitive and recreational swimmers. There is also a 100 meter children’s “Race for the Conch” for swimmers twelve years and younger (all children may participate for free).See the Facebook page for more details.
Fall Events
Caribbean Food & Wine Festival
When: First week of November
This three-day world-class event each November brings together celebrity chefs, cutting-edge cuisine and truly noteworthy wines and spirits, all right here on the island of Providenciales.
The Caribbean Food & Wine Festival is hosted at different resorts along Grace Bay Beach each year in early November, an ideal time of the year to visit the islands.
Check the event's Facebook page closer to November, 2017 for more details.
Turks and Caicos Conch Festival
When: The final week of November
At the end of every November the islands kick off the holiday season with the world’s only festival devoted to the conch, a local delicacy.
Now in it’s 14th year, the Conch Festival is a three-day, weekend event, and starts with a Calypso event on Friday. The next day, Saturday, is when the festival officially starts.
Refer to the event's Facebook page for more details closer to November.
Winter Events
Christmas in Turks and Caicos
Christmas is a quiet time, and many locals spend the day with their families. The Palms resort itself is decorated for Christmas, and many of our guests spend the day on the beach or at the pool, basking under the warm Caribbean sun.
Maskanoo Parade
When: December 26After Christmas Day, winter celebrations kick off with the Maskanoo parade on December 26 in the Bight Settlement, close to Grace Bay.
Maskanoo is based on the rituals of the Africans brought to the Turks and Caicos islands two hundred years ago to work on salt plantations throughout our islands. Today, the post-Christmas Maskanoo masquerade is a reminder of our rich history, unique culture and friendly, lively locals.
New Year's Eve
When: December 31New Year’s Eve starts off with an island tradition called Old Year’s Night. Residents of Turks and Caicos attend church services until late on New Year's Eve. After church service ends, bells ring out into the night to bring good luck into the New Year.
At midnight, fireworks are set off on Grace Bay Beach to celebrate the New Year.
Events in Spring 2018
While spring 2018 is still a year or so away there are many events throughout the spring that are great for families.
The spring season starts with the Middle Caicos Valentine’s Day model boat race, which is typically held on the weekend following February 14. Check the Middle Caicos web page for more details closer to the date.
Easter in Turks and Caicos
The Easter season each year starts with the Turks and Caicos Kite Festival. There are two festivals, one on North Caicos, while on Providenciales the festival occurs at the Children's Park in the Bight Settlement, in the heart of Grace Bay.
In 2017 year the kite festival occurred on North Caicos on March 26, and on Providenciales on March 28. If you want a spectacular, family-friendly event, this is for you.
Easter Egg Hunts Around the Islands
Easter egg hunts and family-friendly games are planned for Sunday, April 1 in Bight Park on Providenciales.
Be sure to check the Turks and Caicos Tourism website for more details closer to the date.