Caribbean Night Long Island stages comeback at Eisenhower Park after ten-year break

After more than ten years off the calendar, Caribbean Night Long Island will return to Eisenhower Park this summer, filling one of Nassau County’s biggest public venues with music, island food, family activities and community spirit.

The admission-free gathering runs on July 17, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Jennifer Rampersaud, Hanif Russell and Ray Thomas are producing the event alongside Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Caribbean Connections Media.

Rampersaud said bringing back Caribbean Night LI responds to the expanding Caribbean community on Long Island and aims to offer a major cultural outing open to every resident. “It’s not just a concert,” Rampersaud said. “It’s about culture, food, family, and making people feel at home.”

Grammy Award-winning reggae singer Keznamdi tops the bill, with dancehall artist Charly Black, Guyanese performer Terry Gajraj — widely called the “Guyanese Babu” — SpinCityChris, Ziondelion, Noah Powa, and DJs Roy and Noirie also on the lineup for a night of Caribbean sound and stage entertainment.

Vendors will serve food linked to several islands, while a curry cook-off, youth programming and cultural displays are planned to show the breadth of regional traditions.

Rampersaud noted the festival grew out of teamwork across the community. The idea took shape when artists and local planners spoke about the lack of sizable Caribbean cultural events in Nassau County during the summer months.

With its wide open grounds, Eisenhower Park can hold sizable audiences; planners believe turnout may exceed 10,000 people. The amphitheater-style setup should let patrons catch performances from different parts of the park while keeping a true festival feel.

Attendance carries no ticket cost, though patrons can buy from vendors on site. Organisers are still signing sponsors and vendors, and every food seller must comply with county health and permitting rules.

Programming is being shaped for every age group, from young children to seniors, underscoring the family-oriented approach.

Caribbean Night is expected to showcase how deeply Caribbean communities have shaped Long Island and could become a recurring fixture on the summer calendar. “This is something we don’t want to see disappear again,” Rampersaud said. “We want it to grow, year after year.”