Following the record-breaking success of last year’s event, Baha Mar is excited to announce the return of The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival, scheduled for October 22-27, 2024. This festival will celebrate the finest in culinary and artistic expression, featuring world-renowned chefs such as Marcus Samuelsson of Marcus at Baha Mar Fish + Chop House, Katsuya Uechi of Katsuya, and Dario Cecchini of Carna. Joining them will be Bahamian celebrity chef Simeon Hall Jr., along with Food Network stars Amanda Freitag, Carla Hall, Maneet Chauhan, Geoffrey Zakarian, and Scott Conant. Attendees can also look forward to the presence of the US’ leading spirits expert and author Noah Rothbaum, sommelier Amanda McCossin, mixology master Karl Williams, and Bahamian mixologist Marv the Mixologist.
Additionally, the festival will feature the return of the FUZE Art Expo, the Caribbean’s premier gallery showcase for regional art, facilitated by John Cox, Executive Director of Art & Culture at Baha Mar. Stay tuned for announcements on the musical performances, which promise to be show-stopping events. “Going into our third year, our goal is clear – to continue to uplift our culinary and arts artisans, furthering Baha Mar’s commitment to enrich our Bahamian community and provide world-class offerings for our guests and residents,” says Graeme Davis, President of Baha Mar. “The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival is the ultimate platform to do just that, and this year’s programming will be truly spectacular.”
The festival kicks off on Tuesday, October 22, with the annual Truffle Dinner by Daniel Boulud at Cafe Boulud. This event sets the stage for five days of unforgettable experiences, including the Beach Party Powered by SLS Baha Mar, an entertainment and culinary celebration showcasing the best of SLS Baha Mar’s chefs for an authentic epicurean adventure. Held at the award-winning Baha Bay Waterpark, the Welcome Beach Party will feature a special musical performance and a decadent evening of culinary delights from fan favorites like Katsuya, Cleo, Carna, and more. The festivities continue with Marcus Samuelsson welcoming weekend pass holders to Marcus After Dark, a late-night event at Marcus Gardens featuring an exclusive concert after-party with delicious tropical beverages and bites, celebrating The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival.
The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival will also feature the two-day Culinary Expo from October 26-27, offering live entertainment and Bahamian hospitality, with mainstage celebrity chef demos by Carla Hall, Geoffrey Zakarian, Maneet Chauhan, and others. Returning to The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival is the FUZE Art Expo from October 23-27. Facilitated by John Cox, Executive Director of Art & Culture at Baha Mar, FUZE aims to decentralize the art market and create a hub for Bahamian and regional art. FUZE will showcase a vast collection of artwork from seven Caribbean nations and feature multidisciplinary creative programming, including artist-led panel discussions, guided tours, live printmaking demonstrations, and a curated film series. Renowned artists and galleries, including Shacqueel Coleby, John Paul Saddleton, June Collie, and The Bahamas Music Society, will be proudly featured at FUZE. “I participate in a number of festivals and events throughout the year, and The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival is one of my favorites,” says Marcus Samuelsson. “There really is no other event that brings such an incredible group of culinary and beverage talent together with renowned artists for an immersive opportunity to experience the flavors, culture, and soul of the island.”
This year’s festival introduces exciting new programming, including a Rosé Soirée Pickleball Tournament, Flamingos & Flocktails, the Baha Mar Young Chefs Competition, and a Straw Craft Workshop. Attendees will also have the chance to sharpen their culinary skills with leading chefs during special master class sessions such as a Pizza Masterclass and a Signature Chef Hosted Lunch with Scott Conant. The week will feature a series of intimate Signature Chef Dinners hosted by the festival’s headlining and guest chefs. Each duo will take guests on a culinary journey with specially curated menus, including “A Tale of Two Curries” with Maneet Chauhan and Simeon Hall Jr. Additionally, the festival will offer bespoke spirits and wine tastings, cocktail seminars, and happy hour mixers led by industry experts Noah Rothbaum, Karl Williams, Marv the Mixologist, and Amanda McCossin.
Early bird weekend pass tickets are now available at www.festival.bahamar.com/weekend-pass-tickets/ and range from $599++ for the Gold Weekend Pass to $799++ for the Platinum Weekend Pass. The all-inclusive Festival Gold Weekend Pass includes access to flagship events and experiences, early access to exclusive chef experiences, admission to the Beach Party with Gold Access, Marcus After Dark, unlimited access to The Bahamas Culinary Expo and FUZE Arts Expo on Saturday and Sunday, a seat at a Signature Chef Hosted Dinner, and a welcome gift bag upon check-in. For those seeking a VIP experience, the Platinum Weekend Pass offers all Gold Weekend Pass activities plus premium access to the Beach Party with Platinum Access, early entry to The Bahamas Culinary Expo and FUZE Arts Expo, all-day spectator access to the Rosé Soirée Pickleball Tournament, and a premium welcome gift bag upon check-in. Enjoy The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival at Baha Mar in spectacular fashion with these exclusive weekend passes.
