2nd annual Caribbean American Heritage Month Celebration

Embrace the rhythm of the Caribbean this June as The LOOP Fort Lauderdale Beach proudly presents the Second Annual Caribbean American Heritage Month Celebration, presented by the City of Fort Lauderdale Beach Business Improvement District.

Since 2006, June has been officially recognized as National Caribbean American Heritage Month, a time to honor Caribbean Americans’ vibrant culture and enduring contributions to the fabric of American society. In 2023, the City of Fort Lauderdale honored The LOOP with a proclamation, cementing June as Caribbean American Heritage Month in the city.

Rooted in The LOOP’s commitment to engagement and its mission to provide an “Infinite Experience for Everyone Under the Sun,” the celebration at Las Olas Oceanside Park promises a colorful showcase of Caribbean culture through food, art, music, and entertainment.

Free and open to all ages, all festivities will unfold during the weekend MKT, which takes place every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

FOOD – A Taste of the Caribbean
Soul-warming and deep-flavored Caribbean food is comfort at its finest. Step into a world of vibrant flavors and culturally influenced dishes from Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, and more as the LOOP dishes out the tasty side of islands with live cooking demonstrations and samplings every Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

• June 1: Meet & Greet and Taste the Islands Cookbook Signing with Chef Thia, 11 am – 2 pm
• June 1: Meet & Greet and Pre-Order of “Koupe Dwet Boule Kay: Revolutionary Plant-Based Haitian Recipes” with Vegan-chef, Nzingah of Yes Baby I Like It Raw, 12 pm – 2 pm
• June 9: Meet & Greet and Taste the Islands Cookbook Signing with Chef Irie, 11 am – 2 pm

ARTIST SHOWCASE – The Colors of the Islands, June 23
In addition to the local artisans showcasing at the weekend market, visual and performance artists wishing to share their works as part of a pop-up gallery on Sunday, June 23, are invited to submit samples of their work online through May 24 at theloopflb.com/cahm-call-for-artists/

• Pieces of Jamaica Book Signing with Photographer David Muir, 11 am – 2 pm
• Jamaican Flair: Carnival Costumes and Mask Making with Island Space Caribbean Museum, 10 am – 5 pm

MUSIC & DANCE – Island Vibes
Music and dance lie at the heart of Caribbean culture, and throughout June, the air will pulse with the infectious rhythms of Calypso, Reggae, Soca, Salsa, Merengue, and Dancehall. Every Saturday from 12 to 3 p.m., guests will embark on a musical journey, each dedicated to celebrating the richness of a different Caribbean nation.

• June 1: Dillard Center for the Arts – spotlight Haiti
• June 1: Intro to Haitian Folkloric Dance with Nzingah, 10:30 – 11:30 am
• June 8: Sabor Latino – spotlight Puerto Rico
• June 15: Oriente Quartet – spotlight Cuba
• June 22: Pan Paradise – spotlight Trinidad & Tobago and The Bahamas
• June 29: Paul Anthony & The Reggae Souljahs – spotlight Jamaica

Reggae Sundays, hosted by the legendary Tanto Irie, beckon locals and visitors to bask in the sun, wander the Sunday market, and sway to live bands and DJs. This weekly celebration epitomizes the fusion of culture, community, and Caribbean vibes against the breathtaking backdrop of Fort Lauderdale Beach.

ENTERTAINMENT—Three special activities will round out the month-long celebration at Las Olas Oceanside Park, adding to the excitement.

• June 8 — One Love. One Ocean. From 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., make waves for a cleaner, healthier planet during the monthly Second Saturday Beach Clean Up. Hosted with the City of Fort Lauderdale and Volunteer Organization, Fort Lauderdale Beach Sweep/Beach Sweep America, the One Love, One Ocean Clean Up aims to safeguard the ocean—the vital conduit that connects the Caribbean and U.S. FREE, supplies and complimentary parking provided.
• June 23 — Socaton: Bring the whole family to Dance. Sweat. Fete. Socaton returns to the LOOP as part of the 2nd annual Caribbean American Heritage Month celebration on Sunday, June 23 from 10 am - 11:30 am
• June 28 — Movies by Moonlight: Gather under the stars for a screening of Cool Runnings, the true story of four Jamaican bobsledders who dream of competing in the Winter Olympics despite never seeing snow. With the help of a disgraced former champion desperate to redeem himself, the Jamaicans set out to become worthy of Olympic selection and go all out for glory. Free. Showtime, 8:00 p.m.