Celebrating Flavor and Art: Highlights from the 2024 Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival

The 2024 Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival, held from October 22 to 27 at the Baha Mar Resort, heralded the beginning of the Bahamian holiday social season. This annual event has quickly established itself as a must-attend occasion, joining the ranks of beloved local favorites like Paradise Plates, Jollification, BNT’s Art & Wine Festival, Transforming Spaces, International Cultural Festival, and Tingsmus (just to name a few).

This year’s festival offered an exciting lineup that showcased the best of Bahamian and international cuisine, featuring renowned chefs Marcus Samuelsson, Ken "Katsuya" Uechi, Dario Cecchini, Amanda Freitag, Carla Hall, Maneet Chauhan, Geoffrey Zakarian, Scott Conant, and Simeon Hall Jr., as well as spirits expert and author Noah Rothbaum, sommelier Amanda McCossin, and mixologists Karl Williams and Marv the Mixologist. The artist lineup was curated by John Cox, Executive Director of Art & Culture at Baha Mar, and his team, and included a wide array of Bahamian and Caribbean talent, along with interactive classes by June Collie, Shaquille Coleby, and John Paul Saddleton.

The event was also filled with music and included a concert headlined by music legend Rob Stewart, along with performances by The Essence Band and other Bahamian musicians, bands, and Junkanoo performers.

Signature dinners featured renowned culinary professionals who dazzled attendees with their innovative dishes, blending local flavors with global influences. Beyond these memorable dining experiences, the festival also included a variety of interactive chef demonstrations, allowing guests to engage directly with culinary experts. Participants had the opportunity to learn from world-class chefs, sommeliers, and mixologists, deepening their appreciation for the culinary arts.

In addition to the rich food offerings, the festival embraced the vibrant artistic community of the Caribbean. The second annual FUZE Art Expo was a highlight, showcasing a diverse range of Caribbean artists. For the first several days, the expo was free to the public, making art accessible and fostering a sense of community. Attendees were able to explore a vast array of artwork, further enriching their festival experience.

The event’s growth was evident in the diverse range of vendors and activities on offer. Guests could immerse themselves in intimate cooking classes, learning hands-on techniques and secrets from experienced chefs. Additionally, there were unique art classes that encouraged creativity and exploration, enhancing the overall festival atmosphere.

For those planning to attend next year’s festivities, securing a weekend pass is highly recommended. This pass provides access to a variety of chef demonstrations and the FUZE Art Pavilion, making it easy to experience the festival’s culinary and artistic offerings. Those interested in a deeper dive into the festival should consider booking a signature dinner or participating in intimate cooking sessions to truly savor the flavors of the Bahamas. Alternatively, an all-access pass allows participants to experience the full spectrum of art, music, and culinary delights, ensuring a memorable celebration of Bahamian culture.

As the Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival continues to evolve, it solidifies its place as a cornerstone of the holiday social season, uniting food lovers and art enthusiasts in an unforgettable celebration.