U.S. Virgin Islands Announces Performance Lineup for the 2026 St. John Celebration Village Featuring Ashanti, Kes the Band, Pumpa, Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons, Tarrus Riley and More
St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands (June 10, 2026) — The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, in partnership with the Division of Festivals, is pleased to announce the performance lineup for the 2026 St. John Celebration Village, taking place June 28 through July 4 in Knight’s Ville under the theme, “History and Collaboration with a Musical Mix.”
Bringing together an exciting blend of internationally acclaimed artists, regional favorites, and beloved native U.S. Virgin Islands performers, this year’s Village lineup reflects the rich cultural heritage and musical diversity that have made St. John Celebration one of the territory’s most important cultural traditions.
Headlining the week-long festivities are Grammy Award-winning R&B superstar Ashanti, Caribbean Soca powerhouse Kes the Band, Soca sensation Pumpa, dancehall and reggae favorites Pressure, Tarrus Riley and Baby Cham, along with Soca royalty Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons. Fans can also look forward to performances from Caribbean music stars including Mr. Killa, Lyrikal, Erphaan Alves and Dominica’s legendary WCK.
“This year’s St. John Celebration truly embodies the spirit of collaboration highlighted in our theme,” said Commissioner of Tourism Jennifer Matarangas-King. “We are proud to welcome world-class talent to St. John while continuing to showcase the incredible performers from across the Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean.”
The Village stage will also spotlight an impressive roster of Virgin Islands talent, including Spectrum featuring Lorna Freeman, Temisha, Th3rd, Wire to Wire, and Quelbe Resurrection, and others, ensuring the sounds and traditions of the Virgin Islands remain at the heart of the celebration. The festival will also recognize Village Honoree Tishelle Knight, lead vocalist of the beloved Virgin Islands group Klimaxx Band, for her longstanding contributions to the territory’s music and cultural landscape.
“This year’s line-up offers something for every music lover while honoring the history, creativity and cultural connections that make St. John Celebration special,” said Ian Turnbull, Director of Festivals. “Our annual festivals will continue to serve as a vibrant showcase of Caribbean culture and Virgin Islands pride.”
The festivities kick off on Sunday, June 28, with performances by Pumpa and other fan favorites and culminate with an electrifying Independence Day finale featuring Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons, Quelbe Resurrection and Th3rd.
For more information about the 2026 St. John Celebration and a complete schedule of events, follow the Division of Festivals on Instagram at @usvifestivals or visit https://www.visitusvi.com/experience/experience-st-john-celebration/
2026 St. John Celebration Village Highlights:
- Sunday, June 28: Pumpa, Xtreme Band, Klimaxx, Big Shaw
- Monday, June 29: WCK, Lyrikal, Erphaan Alves, Jam Band
- Tuesday, June 30: Kes the Band, Jougo, Reo
- Wednesday, July 1: Ashanti, Lady Lava, Spectrum ft. Lorna, Monea
- Thursday, July 2: Tarrus Riley, Baby Cham, Pressure, Revalation
- Friday, July 3: Mr. Killa, Krosfyah, RVP, Hunter
- Saturday, July 4: Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons, Quelbe Resurrection, Wire to Wire, Th3rd, YFB
For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands and its offerings, please visit https://www.visitusvi.com/.
About the U.S. Virgin Islands
About 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands comprise a United States territory located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The three islands are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, where the capital of Charlotte Amalie is located. Perfect for leisure or business travel, the U.S. Virgin Islands features breathtaking, world-renowned beaches, an international marine industry, European architecture, and a burgeoning restaurant industry. No passports are required from U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are equivalent to entering the United States from any international country. Upon departure, a passport is required for non-U.S. citizens. For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to www.VisitUSVI.com, follow us on Instagram (@visitusvi) and Twitter (@usvitourism), and become a fan on Facebook (www.facebook.com/VisitUSVI).
Media Contacts:
Efrain Rivera
Development Counsellors International
[email protected]
Alani Henneman
U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism
[email protected]