Art@governors - February

This popular annual arts event is normally enjoyed by some 2,000 residents and visitors. Dozens of visual arts stalls and several community group kiosks hold court for one glorious afternoon on the manicured lawns of Government House, the Governor's official residence.

The colourful family event showcases the wealth of creative talent in Cayman. Though none of the artwork is for sale at the venue, the afternoon is a wonderful way for the public to make direct contact with local artisans. Past entertainment has included a local jazz band, reggae musicians, dancers and karate demonstrations.

For more information email assistant.ng@candw.ky

Cayman Arts Festival

Growing in size and popularity, the weeklong annual musical extravaganza showcases a wide selection of offerings at local settings ranging from the majestic Pedro St. James to the District 6 nightclub. 2008's packed schedule includes opera, pop and jazz.

For the first time in the festival's three-year history the event line-up also included a Cayman Brac concert featuring an overseas string quartet.

Local talent such as Cayman National Choir and Cayman National were joined by orchestra overseas talent including The Garden Opera touring company, String Fever and UK based pop and an a cappella group, The Magnets.

For 2009 information visit www.caymanartsfestival.com

Cayfest (The Cayman Islands National Festival of the Arts) - April - May

This is a major production by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation. Held annually in April, with events in Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac, Cayfest is the islands' premier cultural showcase, encompassing the performing, culinary, literary and visual arts. Competitions, outdoor expositions, literary readings, exhibitions and symposia create an unforgettable experience for those wanting to soak up a little of what makes Cayman so unique and culturally rich.

For a full schedule of Cayfest 949 5477, email cayfest@candw.ky or visit www.artscayman.org

Batabano Junior Carnival

A family-centred offshoot of the home-grown May carnival, the Batabano Junior Carnival is a colourful children's street parade with elaborately decked out floats. Youngsters in vividly hued costumes dance, walk and sashay accompanied by energetic Caribbean rhythms created by local sound systems and junior steel pan bands.

For details of the Batabano Junior Carnival visit www.caymancarnival.com

Batabano - May

Batabano, Cayman's carnival, is a lively annual event and the sizzling soca sensations really turn up the heat. With the intoxicating beat of the music you won't be able to stop yourself from "jumping up". There is a colourful parade with floats from all over the island vying for the best-adorned truck. Fun for all the family includes junior carnival, a street dance and a masquerade fete at Pedro St. James.

For details on Batabano 2007 check www.caymancarnival.com

16th Annual Flowers Sea Swim - June

The 16th Annual Flowers Mile Swim, which regularly attracts a huge contingent of local and overseas competitors and fun swimmers, will take place on Saturday, 14 June along Grand Cayman's pristine Seven-Mile Beach. Swimmers of all ages and skill levels are welcome. For more information, visit www.flowersseaswim.com or contact Dara Flowers at 949 5299, toll free on 1 866 978 5914 or email cflowers@candw.ky.

Pirates Week - November

Pirates in costume, heritage days, street dances, and sport events are all over the Cayman Islands calendar in early November annually when the country's biggest Festival - Pirates Week - comes to town.

Now a major tourist attraction Pirates Week draws large crowds of visitors to its 11 days of events. After an introductory Kick Off Party at the Wharf Restaurant, the festival goes into high year on the first weekend with a thrilling fireworks show, two costume competitions, a song contest, food court, and open-air street dancing downtown. A highlight of the first weekend is the mock Pirate Landing Pageant, where thousands turn out to see the invasion spectacle. When the pirates come ashore at Hog Sty Bay in George Town they take the Governor "hostage". There is then an exotic float parade through town where floats outdo each other with their imaginative creations.

The week after each of the six districts celebrate with a Heritage Day where the best in local cuisine, arts and entertainment is found.

Other popular activities include swimming; golf; cardboard boat racing; underwater treasure hunt; darts; a Kids' Fun Day and Teenage Dance nights. To close out the festival, the pirates are "put on trial", banished from the island for a year, and one final street dance closes off the party.

For further information log onto www.piratesweekfestival.com. Tel: 949 5859.

Cayman JazzFest - December

This smooth jazz event has celebrated its fifth successful year. Growing in popularity, the three-night festival features international artists who are joined by local musicians for jazz with an island flavour. Past international performers include the legendary Chaka Khan, Brian McKnight, Natalie Cole, Boney James and Al Jarreau. The event is organised by the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism. For dates and an event line-up visit www.caymanislands.ky