With a full schedule of cultural festivities and musical performances now released, the 2025 St. John Celebration is officially set to begin, promising a vibrant showcase of Virgin Islands heritage. Anchored by six nights of live entertainment in the St. John Celebration Village, this year’s event will also feature community staples like the Food Fair, Boat Race, and a dazzling July 4th fireworks finale.
The festivities begin on June 21 with the Princess & Queen Pageant from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Celebration Village. On June 28, the spotlight turns to culinary and maritime traditions with the Food Fair and Boat Race, taking place at Frank Powell Park from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Later that evening, the air will fill with steel pan melodies during the Pan-O-Rama, starting at 5:30 p.m. and running until late at the Celebration Village.
From June 29 to July 4, the Celebration Village becomes the rhythmic heart of the festival, with six themed nights of music and cultural entertainment. These Village Nights, held nightly from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., are free to the public and feature both international stars and beloved local acts.
The Village opens on Sunday, June 29 with “Fete 'n Arts Alive Night”, headlined by Cool Session Brass, Rudy Live & Nikki Brooks, Patrice Roberts, Nessa Preppy, Natty & Thunda, and Klimaxx Band, alongside DJs D. Lips Intl and Ovadoese.
Monday, June 30, is “Pump Me Up Night”, showcasing RVP Band, Spectrum Band, Nailah Blackman, GBM Nutron, Hunter, Adam O with Blind Earz, and B-Squad featuring Quan and Sisa, hosted by King Juda.
On Tuesday, July 1, “Who Run the Route? Night” brings an energetic blend of styles from VIO Int’l, Jam Band, Krosfyah, Jougo & Teejay, and Unkle Sasso, with DJs Rama and Avalanche at the helm.
Wednesday, July 2, celebrates “Da Vinci Di Mas Night”, featuring Wire to Wire, WCK, Trev Li & Khallion, Asa Bantan, Ridge, and It Is What It Is, with music by DJs J’Shante and Malcom Vex.
Thursday, July 3, is “Gimmie Di Light Night”, with performances from Michondé, Amieyre, Dublab, Sean Paul, and Malie Don, energized by After Dark Sounds and Red Lion on the turntables.
The final Village Night, Friday, July 4, is titled “City Lights in Cruz Bay Night”, closing out the week with a powerhouse lineup including When Band, Gus Bus Deh Band, Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons, Pumpa, R. City, PRDNR, and Verse Simmonds, hosted by the VI Dream Team.
The integration of such notable talent marks this year’s event as one of the most musically diverse and high-profile celebrations to date. Reggae legend Sean Paul—headlining July 3—and Caribbean soca stars like Patrice Roberts, Nailah Blackman, Asa Bantan, Bunji Garlin, and Fay-Ann Lyons, join Virgin Islands hitmakers R. City, Adam O, Jam Band, and more for six unforgettable nights. The Village Nights series reflects the event’s mission to blend international acclaim with local pride, creating a dynamic cultural experience.
Additional highlights include the J’ouvert festivities beginning at sunrise on July 3, followed by the Emancipation Day Program from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Slim Man’s Parking Lot. On July 4, the streets come alive with the St. John Parade starting at 11 a.m. at the National Park, and the celebration concludes with the fireworks display at 9 p.m. over Cruz Bay Harbor.
The event is organized by the Division of Festivals under the V.I. Department of Tourism.
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