There’s a certain moment — when the breeze shifts and the first scent of char hits the air — when you realize this isn’t just another festival. It’s Grill Fest. And in St. Kitts, fire is flavor, and flavor is culture.

Set for Saturday, July 26, 2025, on the Frigate Bay Lawn, the St. Kitts Grill Fest is the signature culinary event of the island’s annual Restaurant Week. It’s a full day of grilling, tasting, music, and connection — a rare blend of serious competition and effortless island joy.

A Day of Smoke, Spice, and Skill

Grill Fest brings together top chefs and backyard grill masters for an open-air showdown across four fiercely contested categories: chicken, fish, pork, and lobster. You’ll taste the work of Kittitian talent like Alexis Decosta and Gavin Williams on chicken, Cleavon Chumney’s fish, Gregory Williams’ legendary pork, and the bold lobster dishes from Amour Ritchen and Romaine Belgrove.

Each plate tells a story — of coastal traditions, family recipes, and the deep pride that fuels Kittitian cuisine. This is barbecue that goes beyond smoke and heat. It’s expression. It’s identity.

More Than a Food Festival

Grill Fest is about more than what’s on the grill. It’s a cultural exchange. Visitors will find pop-up exhibitions from Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands, offering a chance to explore regional foodways, artistry, and island life all in one place.

There’s also a strong focus on community tourism. Local vendors line the event with handmade crafts and small-batch goods, inviting you to take home something truly local. A live entertainment stage keeps the vibesa going, and a kids’ zone makes it a full family affair. There’s even an amateur mixology competition for guests who want to show off their island cocktail game.

And when the grills cool and the sun dips low, the celebration continues the next night at Taste at Twilight, a more refined culinary evening at St. Kitts Eco Park. But Grill Fest is where it all begins — loud, lively, and full of flavor.

What You’ll Find at Grill Fest

Live grilling competitions in chicken, fish, pork, and lobster
Artisan vendors and community tourism showcases
Cultural exhibitions from Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands
Live music, sweet treats, and a full-service bar
Family-friendly zone and mixology contest

This is the taste of St. Kitts in its purest form — unfiltered, unforgettable, and served straight from the flame.

“These events are not only a celebration of food but also of our vibrant community and culture,” said Kelly Fontenelle, CEO of the St Kitts Tourism Authority, in a statement provided to Caribbean Journal. ” “We are thrilled to bring together local chefs, food enthusiasts, and artisans to showcase the richness of our culinary traditions and to foster connections.”