Caribbean Night returning to Long Island after 10-year hiatus

Caribbean culture is set to take center stage at Eisenhower Park this summer as Caribbean Night Long Island returns for the first time in more than a decade, bringing music, food, family and community energy back to one of Nassau County’s largest public spaces.

The free event, scheduled for July 17, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., is being produced by Jennifer Rampersaud, Hanif Russell, and Ray Thomas in partnership with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Caribbean Connections Media.

Rampersaud said the revival of Caribbean Night LI is meant to reflect the growing Caribbean population on Long Island while creating a large-scale cultural experience accessible to all residents.

“It’s not just a concert,” Rampersaud said. “It’s about culture, food, family, and making people feel at home.”

Headlining the event is Grammy Award-winning reggae artist Keznamdi, joined by dancehall hitmaker Charly Black, Guyanese favorite Terry Gajraj, affectionately known as the “Guyanese Babu,” as well as SpinCityChris, Ziondelion, Noah Powa, and DJs Roy and Noirie, promising an evening of Caribbean music and entertainment.

The festival will also feature Caribbean food vendors representing multiple islands, along with a planned curry cook-off, children’s activities, and cultural showcases to highlight the region’s diversity.

Rampersaud added that the event was built through collaboration and shared community connections. The concept developed after conversations between artists and local organizers who saw a gap in large Caribbean cultural programming in Nassau County during the summer season.

Eisenhower Park’s open layout is expected to accommodate large crowds, with organizers estimating attendance could surpass 10,000 people. The park’s amphitheater-style design will allow performances to be seen across the grounds while maintaining a festival-like atmosphere.

The event is free to attend, though food and vendor purchases will be available throughout the evening. Sponsors and vendors are currently being accepted, and all food vendors must meet county permitting and health regulations.

Organizers also emphasized the family-friendly nature of the event, noting that programming will be designed for all ages, from children to seniors.

Caribbean Night is expected to highlight the cultural footprint of Caribbean communities across Long Island and serve as a potential annual tradition moving forward.

“This is something we don’t want to see disappear again,” Rampersad said. “We want it to grow, year after year.”