Nassau's most popular celebration is Junkanoo. A spectacular festival of pulsating rhythm and vibrant colors, Junkanoo is held twice a year on Boxing Day and New Year's Day. The parade starts in the early-morning hours and lasts until well after dawn.
If you happen to be in town on the last Friday of the month, you may want to join the Tea Party on the porch of the Government House, hosted by the Governor General's spouse. The party is a mix of English tradition and Bahamian folklore, where you will meet with Bahamian people.
For detailed information about upcoming events in Nassau, contact the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. Phone 242-302-2000 or toll-free 800-224-2627. http://www.bahamas.com.
To call the phone numbers listed in this calendar from outside Nassau, you must first dial your country's international access code, followed by 242.
Information in this calendar is subject to change and should be confirmed.
September, 2008
6 Sep—Bird Walk. A bird walk can be arranged for visitors to spot and identify local species. Walks are by appointment only. Contact Bahamas Outdoors at 242-362-1574 to arrange a time. http://www.bahamasoutdoors.com.
13 Sep—Changing of the Guards Ceremony. A changing of the guards ceremony takes place year-round at Government House, home to the Governor-General of the Bahamas. The Royal Bahamas Police Force Band performs at each ceremony. For information and times, call 242-322-2020.
Mid September—Bahamas Culinary Classic. This Bahamas wine and food festival celebrates local ingredients from the islands. Conch is often featured. Watch talented local chefs prepare their best dishes and learn how it's done or simply stroll along and sample the flavors of the island. For times and venue information, call 242-302-2000.
Throughout September—Cricket. Regular cricket matches are held every Saturday and Sunday at Hanes Oval. Hanes Oval is near Fort Charlotte on West Bay Street. For information, call 242-326-4720. Continues through late November
Throughout September—Theater. Plays, concerts and other events are held year-round at Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts, Mackey Street. For information and tickets, call The Dundas Centre's box office at 242-394-7179. Continues through 12 Jul 2010
Throughout September—Art Exhibit. Regular art exhibits are available for viewing. Free admission. The gallery is on the ground floor of the Central Bank. For information, call 242-322-2193. http://www.centralbankbahamas.com. Continues through 12 Jul 2010
October, 2008
4 Oct—Bird Walk. A bird walk can be arranged for visitors to spot and identify local species. Walks are by appointment only. Contact Bahamas Outdoors at 242-362-1574 to arrange a time. http://www.bahamasoutdoors.com.
11 Oct—Changing of the Guards Ceremony. A changing of the guards ceremony takes place year-round at Government House, home to the Governor-General of the Bahamas. The Royal Bahamas Police Force Band performs at each ceremony. For information and times, call 242-322-2020.
12 Oct—Discovery Day. Public holiday.
Throughout October—Theater. Plays, concerts and other events are held year-round at Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts, Mackey Street. For information and tickets, call The Dundas Centre's box office at 242-394-7179. Continues through 12 Jul 2010
Throughout October—Cricket. Regular cricket matches are held every Saturday and Sunday at Hanes Oval. Hanes Oval is near Fort Charlotte on West Bay Street. For information, call 242-326-4720. Continues through late November
Throughout October—Art Exhibit. Regular art exhibits are available for viewing. Free admission. The gallery is on the ground floor of the Central Bank. For information, call 242-322-2193. http://www.centralbankbahamas.com. Continues through 12 Jul 2010
November, 2008
1 Nov—Bird Walk. A bird walk can be arranged for visitors to spot and identify local species. Walks are by appointment only. Contact Bahamas Outdoors at 242-362-1574 to arrange a time. http://www.bahamasoutdoors.com.
8 Nov—Changing of the Guards Ceremony. A changing of the guards ceremony takes place year-round at Government House, home to the Governor-General of the Bahamas. The Royal Bahamas Police Force Band performs at each ceremony. For information and times, call 242-322-2020.
Throughout November—Cricket. Regular cricket matches are held every Saturday and Sunday at Hanes Oval. Hanes Oval is near Fort Charlotte on West Bay Street. For information, call 242-326-4720. Concludes late November
Throughout November—Theater. Plays, concerts and other events are held year-round at Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts, Mackey Street. For information and tickets, call The Dundas Centre's box office at 242-394-7179. Continues through 12 Jul 2010
Throughout November—Art Exhibit. Regular art exhibits are available for viewing. Free admission. The gallery is on the ground floor of the Central Bank. For information, call 242-322-2193. http://www.centralbankbahamas.com. Continues through 12 Jul 2010
December, 2008
4-11 Dec—Bahamas International Film Fest. This annual festival features films in different genres. Various venues. For tickets, call the box office at 242-356-5939. http://www.bintlfilmfest.com.
6 Dec—Bird Walk. A bird walk can be arranged for visitors to spot and identify local species. Walks are by appointment only. Contact Bahamas Outdoors at 242-362-1574 to arrange a time. http://www.bahamasoutdoors.com.
13 Dec—Changing of the Guards Ceremony. A changing of the guards ceremony takes place year-round at Government House, home to the Governor-General of the Bahamas. The Royal Bahamas Police Force Band performs at each ceremony. For information and times, call 242-322-2020.
25 Dec—Christmas Day. Public holiday.
26 Dec—Boxing Day. Public holiday.
26 Dec—Boxing Day Junkanoo Parade. Parade groups dress in fanciful uniforms and "rush" to earn the top prize at the parade. The audience cheers on its favorite group. Purchase your tickets two or three weeks in advance from the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Phone 242-356-2691.
Throughout December—Theater. Plays, concerts and other events are held year-round at Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts, Mackey Street. For information and tickets, call The Dundas Centre's box office at 242-394-7179. Continues through 12 Jul 2010
Throughout December—Art Exhibit. Regular art exhibits are available for viewing. Free admission. The gallery is on the ground floor of the Central Bank. For information, call 242-322-2193. http://www.centralbankbahamas.com. Continues through 12 Jul 2010
January, 2009
1 Jan—New Year's Junkanoo Parade. Much like the Boxing Day parade, a New Year's Junkanoo parade is also held to celebrate the coming year. For the route and other information, call 242-302-2000.
1 Jan—New Year's Day. Public holiday.
3 Jan—Bird Walk. A bird walk can be arranged for visitors to spot and identify local species. Walks are by appointment only. Contact Bahamas Outdoors at 242-362-1574 to arrange a time. http://www.bahamasoutdoors.com.
10 Jan—Changing of the Guards Ceremony. A changing of the guards ceremony takes place year-round at Government House, home to the Governor-General of the Bahamas. The Royal Bahamas Police Force Band performs at each ceremony. For information and times, call 242-322-2020.
30 Jan—Tea Party at Government House. A tea ceremony is frequently held at Government House. It is an opportunity for visitors to meet locals and share in island entertainment, including music, dance, poetry and native foods. Dress code is casually elegant—shorts and tennis shoes are not allowed. Complimentary transportation can be arranged. For information, call the People-to-People Program at 242-323-1853.
Throughout January—Theater. Plays, concerts and other events are held year-round at Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts, Mackey Street. For information and tickets, call The Dundas Centre's box office at 242-394-7179. Continues through 12 Jul 2010
Throughout January—Art Exhibit. Regular art exhibits are available for viewing. Free admission. The gallery is on the ground floor of the Central Bank. For information, call 242-322-2193. http://www.centralbankbahamas.com. Continues through 12 Jul 2010
February, 2009
7 Feb—Bird Walk. A bird walk can be arranged for visitors to spot and identify local species. Walks are by appointment only. Contact Bahamas Outdoors at 242-362-1574 to arrange a time. http://www.bahamasoutdoors.com.
14 Feb—Changing of the Guards Ceremony. A changing of the guards ceremony takes place year-round at Government House, home to the Governor-General of the Bahamas. The Royal Bahamas Police Force Band performs at each ceremony. For information and times, call 242-322-2020.
27 Feb—Tea Party at Government House. A tea ceremony is frequently held at Government House. It is an opportunity for visitors to meet locals and share in island entertainment, including music, dance, poetry and native foods. Dress code is casually elegant—shorts and tennis shoes are not allowed. Complimentary transportation can be arranged. For information, call the People-to-People Program at 242-323-1853.
Throughout February—Theater. Plays, concerts and other events are held year-round at Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts, Mackey Street. For information and tickets, call The Dundas Centre's box office at 242-394-7179. Continues through 12 Jul 2010
Throughout February—Art Exhibit. Regular art exhibits are available for viewing. Free admission. The gallery is on the ground floor of the Central Bank. For information, call 242-322-2193. http://www.centralbankbahamas.com. Continues through 12 Jul 2010
March, 2009
7 Mar—Bird Walk. A bird walk can be arranged for visitors to spot and identify local species. Walks are by appointment only. Contact Bahamas Outdoors at 242-362-1574 to arrange a time. http://www.bahamasoutdoors.com.
14 Mar—Changing of the Guards Ceremony. A changing of the guards ceremony takes place year-round at Government House, home to the Governor-General of the Bahamas. The Royal Bahamas Police Force Band performs at each ceremony. For information and times, call 242-322-2020.
27 Mar—Tea Party at Government House. A tea ceremony is frequently held at Government House. It is an opportunity for visitors to meet locals and share in island entertainment, including music, dance, poetry and native foods. Dress code is casually elegant—shorts and tennis shoes are not allowed. Complimentary transportation can be arranged. For information, call the People-to-People Program at 242-323-1853.
Early-Late March—Cricket. Regular cricket matches are held every Saturday and Sunday at Hanes Oval. Hanes Oval is near Fort Charlotte on West Bay Street. For information, call 242-326-4720. Continues through late November
Throughout March—Theater. Plays, concerts and other events are held year-round at Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts, Mackey Street. For information and tickets, call The Dundas Centre's box office at 242-394-7179. Continues through 12 Jul 2010
Throughout March—Art Exhibit. Regular art exhibits are available for viewing. Free admission. The gallery is on the ground floor of the Central Bank. For information, call 242-322-2193. http://www.centralbankbahamas.com. Continues through 12 Jul 2010
April, 2009
4 Apr—Bird Walk. A bird walk can be arranged for visitors to spot and identify local species. Walks are by appointment only. Contact Bahamas Outdoors at 242-362-1574 to arrange a time. http://www.bahamasoutdoors.com.
11 Apr—Changing of the Guards Ceremony. A changing of the guards ceremony takes place year-round at Government House, home to the Governor-General of the Bahamas. The Royal Bahamas Police Force Band performs at each ceremony. For information and times, call 242-322-2020.
24 Apr—Tea Party at Government House. A tea ceremony is frequently held at Government House. It is an opportunity for visitors to meet locals and share in island entertainment, including music, dance, poetry and native foods. Dress code is casually elegant—shorts and tennis shoes are not allowed. Complimentary transportation can be arranged. For information, call the People-to-People Program at 242-323-1853.
Throughout April—Art Exhibit. Regular art exhibits are available for viewing. Free admission. The gallery is on the ground floor of the Central Bank. For information, call 242-322-2193. http://www.centralbankbahamas.com. Continues through 12 Jul 2010
Throughout April—Theater. Plays, concerts and other events are held year-round at Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts, Mackey Street. For information and tickets, call The Dundas Centre's box office at 242-394-7179. Continues through 12 Jul 2010
Throughout April—Cricket. Regular cricket matches are held every Saturday and Sunday at Hanes Oval. Hanes Oval is near Fort Charlotte on West Bay Street. For information, call 242-326-4720. Continues through late November
May, 2009
2 May—Bird Walk. A bird walk can be arranged for visitors to spot and identify local species. Walks are by appointment only. Contact Bahamas Outdoors at 242-362-1574 to arrange a time. http://www.bahamasoutdoors.com.
9 May—Changing of the Guards Ceremony. A changing of the guards ceremony takes place year-round at Government House, home to the Governor-General of the Bahamas. The Royal Bahamas Police Force Band performs at each ceremony. For information and times, call 242-322-2020.
29 May—Tea Party at Government House. A tea ceremony is frequently held at Government House. It is an opportunity for visitors to meet locals and share in island entertainment, including music, dance, poetry and native foods. Dress code is casually elegant—shorts and tennis shoes are not allowed. Complimentary transportation can be arranged. For information, call the People-to-People Program at 242-323-1853.
Throughout May—Art Exhibit. Regular art exhibits are available for viewing. Free admission. The gallery is on the ground floor of the Central Bank. For information, call 242-322-2193. http://www.centralbankbahamas.com. Continues through 12 Jul 2010
Throughout May—Cricket. Regular cricket matches are held every Saturday and Sunday at Hanes Oval. Hanes Oval is near Fort Charlotte on West Bay Street. For information, call 242-326-4720. Continues through late November
Throughout May—Theater. Plays, concerts and other events are held year-round at Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts, Mackey Street. For information and tickets, call The Dundas Centre's box office at 242-394-7179. Continues through 12 Jul 2010
June, 2009
5 Jun—Labor Day. Public holiday.
13 Jun—Changing of the Guards Ceremony. A changing of the guards ceremony takes place year-round at Government House, home to the Governor-General of the Bahamas. The Royal Bahamas Police Force Band performs at each ceremony. For information and times, call 242-322-2020.
Throughout June—Art Exhibit. Regular art exhibits are available for viewing. Free admission. The gallery is on the ground floor of the Central Bank. For information, call 242-322-2193. http://www.centralbankbahamas.com. Continues through 12 Jul 2010
Throughout June—Theater. Plays, concerts and other events are held year-round at Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts, Mackey Street. For information and tickets, call The Dundas Centre's box office at 242-394-7179. Continues through 12 Jul 2010
Throughout June—Cricket. Regular cricket matches are held every Saturday and Sunday at Hanes Oval. Hanes Oval is near Fort Charlotte on West Bay Street. For information, call 242-326-4720. Continues through late November
July, 2009
10 Jul—Independence Day. Public holiday.
11 Jul—Changing of the Guards Ceremony. A changing of the guards ceremony takes place year-round at Government House, home to the Governor-General of the Bahamas. The Royal Bahamas Police Force Band performs at each ceremony. For information and times, call 242-322-2020.
Throughout July—Art Exhibit. Regular art exhibits are available for viewing. Free admission. The gallery is on the ground floor of the Central Bank. For information, call 242-322-2193. http://www.centralbankbahamas.com. Continues through 12 Jul 2010
Throughout July—Cricket. Regular cricket matches are held every Saturday and Sunday at Hanes Oval. Hanes Oval is near Fort Charlotte on West Bay Street. For information, call 242-326-4720. Continues through late November
Throughout July—Theater. Plays, concerts and other events are held year-round at Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts, Mackey Street. For information and tickets, call The Dundas Centre's box office at 242-394-7179. Continues through 12 Jul 2010
August, 2009
3 Aug—Emancipation Day. Public holiday. Also known as August Monday.
8 Aug—Changing of the Guards Ceremony. A changing of the guards ceremony takes place year-round at Government House, home to the Governor-General of the Bahamas. The Royal Bahamas Police Force Band performs at each ceremony. For information and times, call 242-322-2020.
Throughout August—Art Exhibit. Regular art exhibits are available for viewing. Free admission. The gallery is on the ground floor of the Central Bank. For information, call 242-322-2193. http://www.centralbankbahamas.com. Continues through 12 Jul 2010
Throughout August—Theater. Plays, concerts and other events are held year-round at Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts, Mackey Street. For information and tickets, call The Dundas Centre's box office at 242-394-7179. Continues through 12 Jul 2010
Throughout August—Cricket. Regular cricket matches are held every Saturday and Sunday at Hanes Oval. Hanes Oval is near Fort Charlotte on West Bay Street. For information, call 242-326-4720. Continues through late November
