Due to inclement weather, The LOOP Fort Lauderdale Beach has extended its Caribbean American Heritage Month Weekend Celebration to June 24 and 25. Since 2006, June has been designated as Caribbean American Heritage Month by Presidential Proclamation. The month-long observance promotes the rich culture and heritage of the Caribbean-American people and their contribution to the United States of America.
Building off The LOOP’s four pillars of engagement, “F.A.M.E.,” and its mission to provide “Infinite Experience for Everyone Under the Sun,” the inaugural Caribbean American Heritage Month Cultural Celebration Weekend at Las Olas Oceanside Park will showcase food, art, music and entertainment which are a rich and thriving part of the Caribbean culture in South Florida. The free event is open for the entire family to enjoy.
As music and dance are an essential part of Caribbean culture, the tropical beats of the islands will keep the party going all weekend long with sounds including Calypso, Reggae, and Soca to Salsa, Merengue, and Dancehall.
On Saturday and Sunday, guests will have the opportunity to purchase a variety of authentic Caribbean food and drinks, and watch cooking demonstrations sponsored by Grace Foods featuring “Taste The Islands” Chef Irie. The LOOP will also feature a special marketplace showcasing makers and artists of Caribbean descent.
On Saturday, guests will have the opportunity to listen to four-time Grammy winner the Tomasito Cruz Quartet and on Sunday, Julien Believe, the “Music Ambassador of The Bahamas,” will host the daylong entertainment lineup and sounds in recognition of the 50th anniversary of The Bahamas’ independence.
Saturday, June 24:
- 10–11:30 a.m. – Oriente, Eddy Balzola Trio
- 11 a.m.–3 p.m. – BRLG – Face Painting
- 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. – Tomasito Cruz Quartet
- 10 a.m.–12 p.m. – Hot 105 Live Broadcast and Tanto Irie
- 1–2 p.m. – Chef Irie Cooking Demonstration
- 2–2:45 p.m. – All-Star Divas Quintet
- 2:45–3:15 p.m. – Chef Irie, Grace Foods Cooking Demonstration
- 3:15–4 p.m. – All-Star Divas Quintet
Sunday, June 25:
- 10–11 a.m. – SFCC Socaton
- 11–11:30 a.m. – Junkanoo Dancers
- 11 a.m.–3 p.m. – BRLG – Face Painting
- 11:30 a.m.–1:45 p.m. – Interactive DJ Set (roll call, dance competitions, trivia, etc.)
- 1:45–2 p.m. – Junkanoo Dancers
- 2–2:45 p.m. – Chef Irie Cooking Demonstration
- 2:45–4 p.m. – Julien Believe, DJ, Junkanoo Dancers
More Information
The Caribbean American Heritage Month Weekend Celebration is presented by the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Beach Business Improvement District (BID) and sponsored by Grace Foods and Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Parking
The most convenient place to park is the Las Olas Beach Parking Garage, where the PayByPhone payment option can be used, and parking can be extended from anywhere using the mobile PayByPhone App.
For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/cahmcelebration
