One of the Caribbean’s biggest culinary celebrations is about to take over Atlantis Paradise Island.
The Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival is returning March 11–15, 2026, bringing five days of chef-hosted events, tastings, concerts and culinary experiences to The Bahamas. The festival is set across the Atlantis resort and will feature more than 30 events and over 100 international foods, wines and spirits.
It’s quickly becoming one of the region’s most anticipated food festivals — a mix of celebrity chefs, beachside tastings and large-scale culinary events set in one of the Caribbean’s most famous resorts.
And it shines the spotlight on a resort that has become one of the world’s top foodie destinations, in our view.
A Major Lineup of Celebrity Chefs
The festival draws an impressive lineup of chefs and culinary personalities each year, and the 2026 edition is no exception.
This year’s lineup includes José Andrés, Tom Colicchio, Rachael Ray, Michael Symon, Antonia Lofaso, Aaron Sanchez, JJ Johnson, Glenn Rolnick, Ian Kittichai and Michael White.
Throughout the week, these chefs will host everything from tasting events and cooking demonstrations to curated dinners and late-night parties. The programming blends international cuisine with Caribbean flavors, giving visitors a chance to sample dishes from a wide range of culinary traditions.
Signature Events at Atlantis
The five-day festival includes several headline experiences taking place across the Atlantis property.
One of the biggest events is Taste of Paradise, hosted by Tom Colicchio. The evening features beachside tasting stations from chefs across the islands paired with wine and cocktails, along with a live performance by Bahamian music star K.B.
Another major event is Jerk Jam, hosted by JJ Johnson and Antonia Lofaso. The celebration of Caribbean grilling will spotlight jerk-seasoned meats and seafood along with beer, wine and cocktails. The night also includes a live performance from Sugar Ray.
Late-night energy arrives with Tacos & Tequila, hosted by Michael Symon and Aaron Sanchez. Guests can sample creative taco dishes and tequila cocktails while DJ Pauly D takes over the music.
The festival wraps up with R&B Brunch, where JJ Johnson will present a brunch menu paired with cocktails and a performance from R&B singer Carl Thomas.
Five Days of Culinary Experiences
In total, the Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival will deliver five days of events, ranging from intimate dining experiences to large outdoor tasting gatherings.
Events take place across Atlantis’ restaurants, beachfront spaces and entertainment venues, giving guests a chance to explore different parts of the resort while sampling food and drinks from chefs and producers around the world.
Visitors can attend individual events or purchase packages that combine festival access with a stay at Atlantis.
Supporting Ocean Conservation
The festival also supports a conservation effort in The Bahamas.
Proceeds from the Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival benefit the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports marine conservation and environmental research across the islands.
The foundation funds initiatives focused on protecting coral reefs, sea turtles, sharks, manatees and other marine species in Bahamian waters.
A Culinary Celebration in The Bahamas
With its mix of celebrity chefs, beachside events and live entertainment, the Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival is quickly becoming one of the Caribbean’s standout culinary gatherings.
And with the 2026 festival happening this month, Atlantis is once again preparing to turn Paradise Island into a hub for food lovers from across the region and beyond.
Caribbean Journal Staff
2026-03-08 19:33:00