One of the Eastern Caribbean’s most anticipated cultural celebrations is ready to welcome attendees tomorrow, Saturday, May 2, as Jazz ‘n Arts in Paradise touches down at Paradise Valley in Borne, Dominica. Slated to run from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., the festival serves as the crown jewel of the wider Jazz ‘n Creole weekend, promising attendees a packed 8-hour schedule of live music, immersive cultural experiences, and cross-disciplinary artistic showcases from across the Caribbean.
Headlining this year’s lineup is internationally celebrated Martinican artist Kali, a staple of Caribbean contemporary music who will take the stage alongside a diverse roster of emerging and established talent including Kimani T, 15.61, Phael Lander, and Khadijah Joseph. Beyond the main stage performances, the day will be filled with non-stop cultural presentations from community groups across Dominica, bringing centuries-old local traditions to life. These include performances from Possie Culcha Pan, Penville Children Flirt, Dansesé Gwan Anse, the current Junior Calypso Monarch, the Paix Bouche Cultural Group and Drummers, the Kalinago Dancers, and acrobatic performances from Waitu Cirque.
Organizers have designed the festival to extend far beyond live music, curating a range of interactive and educational experiences for visitors of all ages. Leading environmental scholar Dr. Henri Joseph will host informative sessions focused on Caribbean biodiversity and traditional natural medicine, connecting attendees to the island’s unique natural heritage. Local creative industries will also take center stage: designer Doudou Diez will present a contemporary fashion showcase highlighting Caribbean design talent, while the Waitukubuli Artists Association has curated a public art gallery of local work and will host live painting demonstrations throughout the day. Additional artistic offerings include floral art displays, open mic poetry sessions, and guided botanical walking tours of the lush, scenic grounds of Paradise Valley. For food lovers, a dedicated culinary village will serve a wide selection of authentic Dominican street and family-style cuisine all day, capped off by a traditional slow-roasted pig roast, a beloved local community gathering staple.
Ticket pricing is structured to make the event accessible to all: general admission is EC$25 for adults and just EC$10 for children, with same-day tickets available for purchase directly at the event entrance. Jazz ‘n Arts in Paradise is presented by Dominica’s Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority, produced in partnership with Paradise Valley management, the Waitukubuli Artists Association, and the Paix Bouche Cultural Group. Attendees can find the latest schedule updates, accessibility information, and event details on the official Dominica Festivals Facebook and Instagram pages.
For visitors traveling to Dominica for the festival, the island nation sits in the Eastern Caribbean archipelago, nestled between the French territories of Guadeloupe and Martinique. It is easily accessible for international travelers, with direct air connections from Miami via American Airlines and from Newark, New Jersey via United Airlines. Regional travelers can reach the island through connecting flights on regional carriers including InterCaribbean Airways, WINAIR, Sunrise Airways, LIAT 2020, and Caribbean Airlines. For those traveling by sea, the RFS Express ferry service offers regular connections from Guadeloupe, Martinique, and St. Lucia.