2026
April 2026
Saturday 11 April 2026
Sat 11 Apr, 12-6 pm. 6419 W Newberry Road, Gainesville, 32605-4362. Free. Public - [facebook][events]
5:00 pm Doors open
8:30 pm sharp Show time
Get ready to island-hop without leaving Florida.
Saturday Shoppes presents Taste of the Islands: Caribbean Fest — where jerk chicken meets steel drums, and every bite tells a story from Jamaica to Trinidad, Barbados to Haiti.
This is not just another market — it is a full-blown Caribbean takeover. We are bringing the heat with food trucks serving up authentic island flavors: jerk everything, curry goat, doubles, plantains fried to perfection, rum cake that'll make you weak, and tropical drinks that taste like vacation in a cup.
Live music? We got that steel pan groove, reggae vibes, and Afrobeats bumping while you shop from local vendors slinging everything from handmade jewelry to island-inspired art. Think Florida sunshine meets Caribbean soul — all the flavor, all the vibes, zero passport required.
What to expect
Authentic Caribbean cuisine from multiple islands
Live steel drum and Caribbean music performances
Local vendors with island-inspired goods
Outdoor festival atmosphere under the Florida sun
Free admission — bring your appetite and dancing shoes
Vendors: Ready to bring your island flavors or Caribbean-inspired products to the masses?
Register now at
www.saturdayshoppes.com/events and claim your spot at Gainesville's biggest Caribbean celebration.