The first set of artists for the 72nd Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival was released on Monday, April 6 and Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Photo: VIF&FC

The 72nd Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival will take place from July 25 to August 11, 2026. Photo: VIF&FC

The festival, organised by the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee (VIF&FC), will take place from July 25 to August 11, 2026. 

Among the performers who will hit the festival village stage are Beres Hammond, Nadia Batson, 450, Popcaan, Sizzla, R. City, and Problem Child.

In a social media post announcement, the VIF7FC wrote, “The first wave of artists [has] landed! From dancehall to soca, to timeless reggae…the vibes are already set!”

The festivities include musical performances, local food fairs, and community parades. 

A slight change to the festival’s calendar

This year, the festival will see a change as the Emancipation Parade, which normally concludes the festivities, will be held on the Saturday after August Monday. 

Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture, Hon Luce D. Hodge-Smith, in February 2026, revealed the change, explaining that the Rise and Shine Tramp clashes with the parade. 

The parade’s success, she defended, is a key factor in determining the overall success of the Emancipation Festival. 

"So we are going to change the parade date, from the August Monday, because we cannot change the tramp from August Monday because of the significance of it,” Hon Hodge-Smith said.