In Nassau Paradise Island, there’s never a dull moment! Foodie festivals, celebrations of music and dancing, sporting events where you can watch from the sidelines or be part of the action: no matter what you’re interested in, there’s a special event happening in Nassau Paradise Island in 2018 that you’ll want to add to your calendar! Check out these upcoming events for just a taste of what’s happening in The Bahamas next year.

January 1: New Year’s Junkanoo Parade

One of the most exciting nights of the year on the Bahamian calendar is January 1, when the New Year’s Junkanoo parade takes place. During this festive celebration, the streets of downtown Nassau will be filled with revelers in colorful costumes. It’s the perfect time to immerse yourself in a traditional Bahamian celebration and discover the music, dance, and culture of The Bahamas firsthand! Junkanoo celebrations start late at night and will continue into the early hours of January 2, so make sure you get lots of sleep the night before and enjoy an extra coffee on New Year’s Day to prepare for the party!

If you miss the January 1 parade, that’s OK! Another Junkanoo parade takes place on Boxing Day – December 26 – so you’ll have two chances each year to “jump in da line” and discover the magic of The Bahamas’ biggest holiday celebrations.

January 13-14: Marathon Bahamas

Lace up your running shoes, grab a bottle of water, and get ready to run! Every January, Marathon Bahamas welcomes participants from all over the world to compete in a variety of distances, from 5K to a full marathon. We can’t think of a better way to reward yourself for training and completing a race: a vacation in Paradise! The oceanfront route is full of stunning scenery, and the warm January weather is perfect for running. Sign up here and we’ll see you at the starting line!

January 26-29: Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic

This year, the gorgeous Ocean Club Golf Course will once again host the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic, an LPGA Tour event. This is the fifth year for the annual tournament, which brings some of the world’s top female golfers to Nassau Paradise Island to compete for $1.4 million in prize money. After the tournament wraps up, why not stick around to work on your own golf game? In addition to Ocean Club Golf Course, the new Royal Blue Golf Course at Baha Mar also provides a challenging golf game with picture-perfect ocean views. Sign up for lessons to improve your swing, or simply enjoy a round or two with friends as you soak up the warm Bahamian sunshine.

November 21-23: Battle 4 Atlantis

See some of the top collegiate basketball teams in the country competing for the coveted Battle 4 Atlantis title over Thanksgiving weekend at Atlantis, Paradise Island! The 2018 lineup includes Wisconsin, Florida, Virginia, Butler, Dayton, Stanford, Oklahoma, and Middle Tennessee State. This 12-game, three-day tournament is regarded as one of the toughest early-season tournaments in college basketball. Why not trade turkey for conch this Thanksgiving and snag your tickets for Battle 4 Atlantis instead?

Every Monday and Wednesday: Living History at Fort Charlotte

Dating back to the late 1700s, Fort Charlotte is one of three forts in Nassau that are still standing today, a memento from The Bahamas’ exciting past. Every Monday and Wednesday morning at 11:30, visitors can see the Royal Bahamas Defense Force – fully outfitted in West India Regiment uniforms – perform military drills, play music, and fire the cannon during Living History at Fort Charlotte. Staff from the Antiquities, Museums, and Monuments Corporation will also be onsite, dressed in period costumes to offer a glimpse at life in Nassau in the late 1700s. It’s a great opportunity to see Bahamian history come to life! Learn more about the forts of Nassau.

Every Wednesday and Friday: Creative Nassau Market

Twice a week, head to downtown Nassau to shop for handmade Bahamian goods, including straw items, jewelry, paintings, ceramics, clothing, pet products, and much more! The biweekly Creative Nassau Market is set up in Pompey Square on Bay Street from 9-5 every Wednesday and Friday. It’s the perfect place to shop for one-of-a-kind, authentic souvenirs and gifts and chat with the artists and artisans about their work. For even more shopping suggestions, check out our insider’s guide to shopping in Nassau Paradise Island.

Every Saturday and Sunday: Authentically Bahamian Marketplace

If you’re spending the weekend in Nassau Paradise Island, add the Authentically Bahamian Marketplace in Pompey Square to your list! From 8-6 on Saturdays and Sundays, the square comes alive with local craftspeople selling handmade crafts and souvenirs. Make room in your suitcase, because you’ll want to bring home treasures for your family and friends as well as for yourself!

With so much happening all year round, every day in The Bahamas promises to be a brand-new adventure. Discover even more things to do in Nassau Paradise Island and start filling your 2018 calendar with fun things to do in Paradise!

Every Other Saturday: Marina Village at Atlantis Art Walk

Enjoy art, crafts and music by Bahamian artisans. Sample locally grown and made products. Between 2pm – 10pm at the Marina Village at Atlantis.

Every Friday: Junkanoo Bahamian Fest + Feast

Celebrate, dine + dance, Bahamas style! Experience the 500+ year old tradition, junkanoo, the soul of Bahamian culture. Enjoy authentic Bahamian entertainment, food, arts & crafts, face painting, costume creation and dance lessons! A true Bahamian fest + feast, all ages welcome! Between 7pm - 9pm at The Royal Lobby at Atlantis, Paradise Island.