National Caribbean American Heritage Month was officially recognized in the United States in 2006. George W. Bush, who after years of advocacy by community leaders and organizations, signed a presidential proclamation making the month of June a time to showcase cultural traditions.
Now in its 20th year, the 2026 vibrant, colorful calendar of events are being held under the theme, “Independence, Identity, and Unity,” and will include cultural festivals, live musical showcases, and historical exhibitions honoring Caribbean culture and achievements. In New York, events open with Caribbean Week in New York from June 1–5, hosted by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO).
The week will feature business forums, networking, and vibrant cultural showcases in Manhattan.
A Caribbean Watercolor Painting event will be held on June 3, at the Macomb’s Bridge Public Library, 633 Adam Clayton Powel Jr. Blvd, from 2:00pm.
A Teen Paint Program: Caribbean Heritage Month event will bring youth ages 13-18 together on June 3, at the East Chester Library, for a day of fun activities. Start time is 3:30pm.
A digital (online) and in-person federal legislative engagement advocating for Caribbean interests, from June 8-11 will mark legislative week and Caribbean day on Capitol Hill.
The New York Public Library is celebrating Caribbean American Heritage Month throughout June, with programming, including a Movie Night: ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ on June 1 from 4:00pm – 6:00 pm, at the Mott Haven Bronx Library (fully accessible to wheelchair). Children ages 18 to 18 are invited.
For more information, visit nypl.org/events/caribbean-american-heritage-month.
According to New York Metro Events, the month-long festivities will kick-off with a Caribbean Fete in Times Square on June 2. The pop-up will celebrate with vibrant music and special guests, including Walshy Fire in the heart of Manhattan, entitled, A Caribbean Fete in Times Square, presented by I AM CARIBBEING. Learn more at Eventbrite.com.
Tropical Fete Inc. Authors Connecting Cultural Reading Program in celebration of CAHM will present Award-Winning Author Keisha Martin, who will be interviewed by Jeanine Ruiz, on June 4, at 7:00pm.
The event will be held at Tropical Fete Cultural Landmark, 850 New York Avenue, in Brooklyn.
Additionally, a Caribeando Community Workshop will be held on June 6, with free music and dance workshops led by Juan Usera at the Enslaved African & Kingsbridge Burial Ground in the Bronx. Visit nycgovparks.org for more information.
Mind Menders: a Caribbean American Heritage Month Edition offers an afternoon of screen-free brain exercises related to the month’s reading themes. Puzzle over word searches will be held in the Teen Center, at the Hunts Point Library in the Bronx on June 10. The session will run from 3:00 – 4:00 pm, for teens ages 13 – 18 years.
Other events being hosted by the New York Public Library are listed by logging on to nypl.org/events.
Kamla K Millwood, founder and president of Palatial Publishing LLC will host a Juneteenth Caribbean American Heritage Month Small business Expo on June 19, from 12:00pm – 5:00pm.
The Premier Business Expo is designed to bring together industry leaders, innovators, vendors, elected officials entrepreneurs and community resources for the biggest Black Woman-owned Expo in NYC. The event will be held at the Major Owens Center, 1561 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn. Admission is free.
Hempstead Town Board Supervisor John Ferretti will welcome nationals and friends to a Caribbean Heritage Month Celebration at the municipal building’s One Washington Street, Hampstead location, on June 4, from 5:30pm. The festivities will include an exhibition, a cultural presentation, live music, a fashion parade, and a light taste of Caribbean cuisine. This event is open to the public.
Sesame Carnival Band Launch will launch its masquerade event at the Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Avenue, Brooklyn, featuring vibrant costumes, soca music, and dance, on June 20. Doors open at 6:00pm, Show time is 7:00pm
Tropicalfete Carnival Festival will come alive on June 28, at 10 Grand Army Plaza. The full-day festival will feature live steel pan bands, stilt walkers, fire eating, and Ole Mas traditional dancing.
