Caribbean Carnival
at BSP!
A Day of Fun and Island Vibes
3 - 9PMOn the Allen & Company Family Lawn
Get Ready To Party Caribbean Style
At Bonnet Springs Park!
Caribbean Carnival at BSP returns on Saturday, February 21, 2026! Join us for a free family-friendly evening of fun and island vibes. In addition to vibrant cultural showcases, a Black & Caribbean-owned pop-up market, an expanded food vendor lineup, and kids’ activities, this year’s event will be headlined by the Grammy winning Jamaican Reggae band, Kabaka Pyramid & The Bebble Rockers!
Kabaka Pyramid & The Bebble Rockers
Kabaka Pyramid (born Keron Salmon in Kingston, Jamaica) is a Grammy-winning reggae artist known for fusing reggae, hip-hop and dancehall with conscious, Rastafarian-inspired lyrics, emerging as a key figure in the reggae revival movement and earning international acclaim with his 2022 album The Kalling, which won the Grammy for Best Reggae Album and features collaborations with major artists like Buju Banton, Protoje and members of the Marley family.
The Junkanoo Parade
Experience the vibrant expression of Bahamian Culture with the Junkanoo Parade! The high-energy performance, with elaborate costumes and a powerful sound produced by traditional instruments, will parade through the Caribbean Carnival crowd and is sure to get the whole family dancing!
Melo Groove Steel Orchestra
From birth, the rhythm of the heart is ever present. In music, rhythm forms the core, and similarly, rhythm is the nucleus of the Melo Groove Steel Pan Orchestra. In 2016, Melo Groove Steel Pan Orchestra was founded in honor of Melville “Melo” Esdelle of Trinidad and Tobago to create a safe, inclusive place for youth to enhance their artistic talent through commitment, integrity and respect. Now they have formed an incredible group of people from all over the world representing the twin island of Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts, U.S. Virgin Islands, Haiti, Grenada and Japan. Melo Groove Steel Orchestra strives for musical excellence to expand the rich tradition of steel pan music in all genres, creating a truly enjoyable musical experience.
DJ Lady Shay
Caribbean Carnival BSP will feature DJ Lady Shay! The Tampa-based DJ and MC brings a vibrant energy and a music selection skill that’s deeply rooted in her Jamaican heritage. DJ Lady Shay understands the true art of mixing and is incredible to watch and hear. Her music repertoire spans from electronic to current pop, hip hop, old school, dancehall, calypso and soca music. She also brings a vibrant energy to the microphone as a professional MC!
Irie Souljah
Known for his soulful voice, uplifting lyrics, and global sound, Irie Souljah continues to carve out a unique lane at the intersection of roots reggae and cross-cultural storytelling. A lifelong student of the genre, Irie first connected with reggae as a teenager in Spain, forming his first band at 18 before relocating to Jamaica to fully immerse himself in the culture. His music quickly gained support from both rising and veteran artists in Kingston’s vibrant music scene. With singles like “Learn and Grow,” “Helping Hand” with Anthony B & Iya Terra, and “Thankful” with Chronic Law, Irie has earned a reputation for combining righteous messages with rich melodies and timeless grooves.
Schedule
TIME
Activity
3 - 9PM
Market & Food Vendors
3 - 7PM
Family Activities
Talent Schedule
3 - 5PM
DJ Lady Shay
5 - 5:20PM
Junkanoo Parade
5:20 - 6:05PM
Melo Groove Steel Orchestra
6:05 - 6:20PM
Junkanoo Parade
6:20 - 6:50PM
DJ Lady Shay
6:50 - 7:35PM
Irie Souljah
7:45 - 9PM
Kabaka Pyramid & the Bebble Rockers
Vendors
Food
Family Activities
HCHS Caribbean Fusion Association (CFA)
Our Kids Station is designed to make the little ones feel like they’ve stepped into a mini-island festival — creative, colorful, and full of joy. As soon as children walk up, they’re greeted by bright decorations and friendly student volunteers ready to help them explore, play, and learn with a flag coloring zone and sticker treasure chest.
Craf-Tea
At the Craf-Tea booth, guests—especially young creators—will enjoy a fun and engaging hands-on crafting experience. Children can participate in our straw basket weaving activity, where they’ll learn simple weaving techniques using colorful, kid-friendly materials. This activity is designed to be easy, creative, and confidence-building, giving each child a charming keepsake to take home. In addition to weaving, the booth will offer Bahamian- inspired coloring sheets, giving kids a relaxing way to get creative while exploring vibrant themes.
Florida Children's Museum
Create a colorful eye mask with feathers and sparkles to celebrate Carnival in style!
Color Splat Studios
Enjoy colorful face painting and hand henna tattoos!
BSP Ocean Sensory Bins
A “hands-on, thematic activity designed for imaginative play and discovering ocean creatures”
Market Sponsored By:
FAQs
When and where is the Caribbean Carnival event taking place at Bonnet Springs Park?
Saturday, February 21 | 3 – 9PM
Caribbean Carnival will be located at the Allen & Company Family Lawn.
BSP’s Ride with Regal trams will be available for complimentary rides from the on-site parking lots to the event entrance.
Is there an admission fee to enter the Park or attend the event?
Caribbean Carnival offers free admission! Preferred and prepaid parking inside the park gates will be available, with preferred parking at $15 per car starting on Saturday, February 21, and prepaid options available for sale now.
Pre-Paid Parking
- All pre-paid parking will be in the New Parking Lot across from the Welcome Center.
- Pre-Paid parking is $15 plus a tech fee. (Total of $17.25)
- Pre-paid spaces are limited, so act fast
- You will receive a QR Code after purchase that you will present at the Park’s front gate on the day of the event
- Purchase Your Pre-Paid Parking Spot – https://eventpass.justpark.com/bonnet-springs-parking/listings/events
Day Of Parking
-
Regular day-of paid parking will be $15 for any parking inside the park.
- Card ONLY (No Cash Accepted)
- Free parking available outside the gates (Tree Lot and across the street)
- Trams will transport guests from the front entrance to the Children’s Museum & from the Kirby Center to the Depot.
- Free Park and Ride available off-site at 3 lots off of Main St, and the Main St parking garage in Downtown Lakeland. Click here to view the shuttle route.
- Free parking will be available in the grass lots just outside the park, on a first come, first serve basis. Complimentary tram rides will be available, with pick up outside of the BSP gates and drop off at The Depot. As always, we encourage carpooling or ride share.
Funds raised through this initiative will be used to support the park’s mission to enrich the community through nature, culture, recreation, and education.
Who is this event for?
All ages are welcome to enjoy Caribbean Carnival.
Where do I park?
Preferred and prepaid parking inside the park gates will be available, with preferred parking at $15 per car starting on Saturday, February 21, and prepaid options available for sale now.
Pre-Paid Parking
- All pre-paid parking will be in the New Parking Lot across from the Welcome Center.
- Pre-Paid parking is $15 plus a tech fee. (Total of $17.25)
- Pre-paid spaces are limited, so act fast
- You will receive a QR Code after purchase that you will present at the Park’s front gate on the day of the event
- Purchase Your Pre-Paid Parking Spot – https://eventpass.justpark.com/bonnet-springs-parking/listings/events
Day Of Parking
-
Regular day-of paid parking will be $15 for any parking inside the park.
- Card ONLY (No Cash Accepted)
- Free parking available outside the gates (Tree Lot and across the street)
- Trams will transport guests from the front entrance to the Children’s Museum & from the Kirby Center to the Depot.
- Free Park and Ride available off-site at 3 lots off of Main St, and the Main St parking garage in Downtown Lakeland. Click here to view the shuttle route.
- Free parking will be available in the grass lots just outside the park, on a first come, first serve basis. Complimentary tram rides will be available, with pick up outside of the BSP gates and drop off at The Depot. As always, we encourage carpooling or ride share.
Funds raised through this initiative will be used to support the park’s mission to enrich the community through nature, culture, recreation, and education.
How to get here via shuttle, rideshare, etc.?
We suggest that you plan ahead to determine the best route for you and your family. We encourage you to carpool and utilize ride share services. Free Park and Ride available off-site at 3 lots off of Main St, and the Main St parking garage in Downtown Lakeland.
What forms of payment are accepted at the Park?
BSP accepts all major credit cards and contactless payments (tap to pay). There are two reverse ATMs or “cash to card” machines also available for guests, at the Hollis Family Welcome Center and The Depot Cafe, located near the Florida Children’s Museum.