A month-long celebration of Caribbean identity, talent, and taste takes over the islands this May.
Antigua and Barbuda is set to host the 2026 edition of its Culinary Month this May, with an expanded lineup of events, visiting chefs and destination-wide programming aimed at further positioning the twin-island nation as a culinary tourism player.
Running throughout the month, the initiative builds on a program first introduced in 2023, with a continued focus on showcasing local cuisine alongside chefs of Caribbean heritage from key international markets.
The schedule includes the return of Restaurant Week from May 3 to 17, with more than 50 restaurants offering prix-fixe menus at accessible price points, as well as the FAB Fest (Food, Art & Beverage Festival), which combines food vendors, chef demonstrations and live entertainment.
A series of ticketed events will take place throughout the month, including collaborative dinners featuring visiting and local chefs, a beachside BBQ event, and a closing cookout. A fundraising dinner highlighting Caribbean women chefs is also planned, aligning with broader efforts to spotlight regional talent.
Among the participating chefs are returning names such as Andi Oliver and Kareem Roberts, alongside newcomers including Nina Compton and Tristen Epps-Long, reflecting a mix of established and emerging culinary voices with Caribbean roots.
In addition to consumer-facing events, the Caribbean Food Forum will take place on May 21, bringing together industry stakeholders for discussions on hospitality and food systems. The hybrid format is expected to attract both regional and international participation.
The “Eat Like A Local” program will also return, directing visitors to casual dining spots and traditional cookshops across the islands, with an emphasis on everyday Antiguan and Barbudan dishes.
The initiative follows Antigua and Barbuda’s recognition as the Caribbean’s Best Emerging Culinary City Destination in 2025, and forms part of a broader strategy to diversify the destination’s tourism offering beyond its established beach appeal.