The countdown to the 26th World Creole Music Festival officially begins on Saturday, July 11, as the Government of Dominica, through the Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), unveils this year’s festival, including the highly anticipated artist lineup.
The details of the launch event were outlined in a press release from the Discover Dominica Authority as beginning ar at 7:00 PM at the Ocean Oasis Hotel and will be streamed live on the Dominica Festivals Facebook page as well as participating media houses.
The event will provide the first official look at this year’s festival, including the performing artistes, ticket information and other updates ahead of the festival, which is scheduled to take place from October 23 to 25, 2026, at Windsor Park Sports Stadium.
The launch comes on the heels of what organizers describe as the most successful edition of the World Creole Music Festival to date. According to the DDA, last year’s 25th anniversary event attracted more than 42,000 patrons over its three nights, while 10,540 visitors arrived in Dominica during the nine days leading up to the festival, making it the highest pre-festival visitor total on record.
The Authority also reported that the event generated an estimated EC$15 million in direct visitor spending, providing a boost to hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, bars, taxi operators, tour guides, vendors, event service providers and other businesses connected to the tourism industry.
Saturday’s launch marks the beginning of the promotional campaign for the 2026 festival as organizers begin engaging audiences locally, regionally and internationally in the lead-up to October.
Minister for Tourism, Hon. Denise Charles Pemberton, said last year’s results demonstrated the value of investing in events that support the country’s tourism industry.
“The success of last year’s World Creole Music Festival reaffirmed the value of investing in events that strengthen Dominica’s tourism industry. The festival continues to create opportunities for Dominican businesses, increase visitor spending and showcase our destination to regional and international audiences. Government remains committed to supporting initiatives that expand our tourism product, drive economic activity and create lasting benefits for our people. I invite everyone to join us online on Saturday as we officially launch the 26th edition of the World Creole Music Festival,” she said.
Chief Executive Officer and Director of Tourism at the Discover Dominica Authority, Marva Williams, said the launch is the first opportunity to formally introduce this year’s festival to audiences at home and overseas.
“The launch sets the stage for this year’s World Creole Music Festival and begins our engagement with patrons, partners and visitors in our key markets. It is an opportunity to reveal the artist lineup, share important festival information and encourage early planning for October. We look forward to welcoming audiences to another memorable edition of the festival,” Williams said.
Organizers said that members of the public will be able to watch the launch live from 7:00 PM on Saturday, July 11, via the Dominica Festivals Facebook page and participating media outlets.
