The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has unveiled ambitious plans for its flagship culinary event, the Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month, scheduled for May 2026. This monthlong gastronomic celebration marks a significant expansion following the nation’s recent recognition as the Caribbean’s Best Emerging Culinary City Destination 2025 by the World Culinary Awards.
The culinary festival will feature an impressive roster of internationally acclaimed chefs of Caribbean heritage, including British TV personality Andi Oliver, James Beard Award winner Nina Compton, and Top Chef Season 22 champion Tristen Epps-Long. The event lineup encompasses multiple culinary experiences designed to showcase the islands’ rich gastronomic heritage.
Key components include Restaurant Week (May 3-17), where over 50 local establishments will offer prix fixe menus at various price points. The Caribbean Food Forum on May 21 will bring together hospitality professionals and food systems experts for a hybrid conference. The signature FAB (Food, Art & Beverage) Fest on May 23 will transform Cedar Valley Golf Course into an immersive food and art village with demonstrations, local vendors, and performances.
Additional highlights include collaboration dinners featuring guest chefs from the UK, US, and Canada, a Puerto Rican-inspired BBQ event, a fundraising dinner celebrating Caribbean women chefs, and a finale beach party cookout. Minister of Tourism Charles Fernandez emphasized that the event aims to elevate Caribbean cuisine on the global stage while providing unique cultural experiences for international visitors.
The 2026 edition represents a substantial scaling of the event, which launched in 2023 with the goal of highlighting Antigua and Barbuda’s diverse food culture. Major sponsors include ACB Caribbean, Red Stripe Beer, and Siboney Beach Club as official host hotel sponsor.