December 5 - 7
2025 Caribbean Winterfest
Feel the Heat of the Holidays
Trade in winter blues for island hues! From December 5 - 7, Caribbean WinterFest brings the rhythms, colours, and flavour of the Caribbean to the snowy streets of the Village. This vibrant weekend promises music, energy, and non-stop celebration — all set against a backdrop of holiday lights.
2024 Highlights
2025 Performer Lineup
More information to come.
Hummingbird Tassa Band
Founded in Trinidad in 1954, the Hummingbird Tassa Band carries a rich family legacy of traditional Tassa drumming passed down through generations. Led first by founder Deo Doon and later by his son Vijay—who re-established the group in Toronto in 1989—the band has long been celebrated for its mastery of intricate Tassa rhythms and its role in preserving this vibrant cultural art form. Today, under the leadership of Vijay’s eldest son, Vic, Hummingbird Tassa continues to share its powerful music with communities across Canada, earning recognition as the country’s premier Tassa band and a proud ambassador of Caribbean and South Asian heritage.
E-Man
Earl La Pierre Jr., widely known as ESP (Extraordinary Steel Panist), began his musical journey with Afropan Steelband in 1987 and quickly rose to become one of Toronto’s premier steel pannists. Performing as a soloist since 1991, he has shared the art of steel pan across the Caribbean, Asia, North America, Dubai, and Africa, championing international collaboration and celebrating soca music and Caribbean culture. Earl now manages Canada’s top steelband, Afropan, and is a founding member of the Pan Arts Network, an organization dedicated to showcasing steel pan on major concert stages. His newest venture, Steelpan Music Radio, continues his mission to elevate and preserve the sound of this iconic instrument.
Subaru Stage | 9-10PM
HEADLINER: Anika Berry
Anika Berry is a rising Trinidadian-American soca artist whose vibrant blend of soca and R&B has earned her international attention. She first broke through with her 2022 hit “Jammin,” which led to a Best New Soca Artiste nomination and membership in the Recording Academy, followed by a 2025 finalist spot in the Ultimate Soca Champion competition with her track “Saddle.” Raised in a Trinidadian household steeped in calypso and soca, Anika brings soulful vocals and cultural authenticity to every performance. She has charted in the top ten across American, Canadian, and European reggae charts, received major radio play, and was named a Breakthrough Artist by Caribbean Elite Magazine. In 2025, she is nominated for Female Caribbean Soca Artist of the Year and the Soca Impact Award, solidifying her place as one of soca’s most exciting new voices.
Saturday December 6
DeFrost Party at Rusty's
On Saturday, December 6, the celebration continues under the stars and holiday lights, with the Blue Mountain DeFrost Party
This high-energy event fuses soca, reggae, and dancehall beats with a snowy dancefloor under the stars. With surprise performances, light shows, and that unmistakable Carnival energy, it’s the hottest winter party in the North.
Tickets are available for pre-purchase online and at the door.
Menace the DJ
Menace The DJ is an international DJ, MC, and entertainer known for electrifying Caribbean-inspired sets powered by soca, dancehall, and high-energy genre blends. Renowned for his seamless mixes and unmatched crowd control, he has become a sought-after talent across Toronto, the U.S., the Caribbean, and beyond. Menace has performed at major events like Soca Or Die, Soca Brainwash, and Summer of Sound Festival, sharing stages with artists including Machel Montano, Shenseea, Kes the Band, Bunji Garlin, and Sean Paul. His dynamic sets fuse soca, afrobeat, dancehall, hip hop, Latin, and top 40, creating an unforgettable experience for any audience. Wherever he goes, Menace delivers a signature vibe that keeps the energy high and the dancefloor moving.
Macomere Fifi
Macomere Fifi began her singing career with La Petite Musicale of Toronto. In her first attempt at singing Calypso, she won the Canadian Calypso competition in 1998 and has not stopped singing Calypso since then. Having won this competition on seven occasions, she did not defend her title in 2024. The consummate crowd favourite, Fifi consistently wins the People’s Choice and has gone on to capture Calypso Monarch titles in Miami, Calypso Queen and the Pan Calypso Monarch in Toronto as well. She has represented Canada’s Caribbean culture in China, Atlanta, Vancouver Winter Olympics and CARIFESTA in Barbados. Performed in England, St kitts/ Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago where she was a semifinalist in the Calypso Monarch competition and a Reserve in the Calypso DiMarche Gras competition.
Maestre and Friends
With an aim to preserve and present the traditional origins of parranda to delighted audiences on many stages and private homes throughout the GTA, Maestre and Friends has grown in strength, incorporating soca parang, chutney parang as well as latin, calypso and soca music into its repertoire, to give a full and well rounded presentation in every one of their appearances.
Currently managed by Miguel Maestre, the band is forging ahead into a season in remembrance of two of its fallen members, Ronnie Des Vignes and Gerry Williams, to whom this season is dedicated.
JFiyre
10 year old Soca sensation JFiyre will be at the Blue Mountain Winter Festival. Last year he released his hit “Jouvert Morning”. This year he came to Make a statement with “MAS” and bring the heat with “More Fiyre”. During this festive season, he hopes to bring joy, positive vibes and good energy to all those who love soca music.
Pan Fantasy
Pan Fantasy brings the vibrant sound of Caribbean steelpan to every stage, delivering high-energy performances that showcase the talent and spirit of Toronto’s celebrated steelband community. With a dedicated ensemble of skilled musicians, the band is known for its dynamic live shows and long history of excellence, including an incredible eleven consecutive wins at Pan Alive and performances at major cultural festivals across the city. From Harbourfront’s Hot & Spicy Festival to the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, Pan Fantasy has thrilled audiences for decades with its rich rhythms and infectious energy. At each event, they bring the unmistakable joy of steelpan music—uniting crowds, lifting spirits, and celebrating Caribbean culture with every note.
Dance Caribe
Dance Caribe Performing Company brings the vibrant spirit of the Caribbean to the stage with high-energy performances that blend traditional movement with contemporary flair. Founded in 1989 by Martin Scott-Pascall, the company has spent more than three decades showcasing the cultural richness and rhythm of the Caribbean at major festivals and international events across Canada and around the world. Known for their captivating choreography, colourful presentations, and award-winning artistry, Dance Caribe creates performances that celebrate community, heritage, and the joy of Caribbean dance. Wherever they perform, they ignite the stage with authentic storytelling, dynamic movement, and the unmistakable heartbeat of Caribbean culture.
Bamtastic Drumming
Feel the rhythm at our Interactive Drumming Circle, hosted by Bambalamb! Blessed to share his love of the beat, Bambalamb’s journey began with one of the greatest bands ever—the iconic Funk Brothers. Join us as he leads this vibrant and energetic session, where you can tap into the power of rhythm, connect with others, and let the music move you. We’ll provide the drums and drumsticks—just bring your energy to the circle!
2025 Schedule
Dancing, live music, and more!
Schedule
Friday, December 5
- 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Snowdome Garden Coffee Bar – Royal Majesty
- 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Snowdome Cocktail Garden – Jozo's
Caribbean Winterfest Opening Night (5:00 PM – 10:00 PM) | Subaru Stage
- Signature Winterfest Snow & Glow Sticks Moment
- Drumming Circle: Keith Scott Pascal
- Soca Artist & Young Talent Showcase: Jfiyre
- Traditional Tassa Drumming: Hummingbird Tassa
- Calypso Performing Artist: Macomere Fifi
- Calypso Performing Artist: King Cosmos
- Steelpan Orchestra Performance: Pan Fantasy
- 3X Chutney Monarch King Performance: GI
- DJ Set: Greenz Connection & Dr Jay
Friday - Sunday
Snowdome Cocktail Garden
Whether you're visiting for drinks, dining, or a mid-day coffee, the Snowdome Garden is your invitation to slow down and celebrate the season in style.
Morning Schedule
Saturday, December 6
- 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Snowdome Garden Coffee Bar – Royal Majesty
- 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Snowdome Garden | Retail Pop-Up – iwa Spa
- 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Snowdome Cocktail Garden – Magnones (Village Plaza)
Kids Carnival Afternoon (11:00 AM – 5:00 PM) | Subaru Stage
- DJ Set: Greenz Connection – DJ Booth
- Santa Sightings on Horse & Carriage – Roaming Village (12 - 3 PM)
- Young Talent Showcase: LK on Sax | Lucas Sheopaul
- Soca Artist & Young Talent Showcase: Dorielle Grant
- Indo-Caribbean Dance & Young Talent Showcase: Sara Sheopaul
- Steelpan Performance: Earl La Pierre Jr. PanManOnDuty
- Soca Artist & Young Talent Showcase: Jfiyre
- Traditional Tassa Drumming: Hummingbird Tassa
- Traditional Caribbean Dancing – Young Talent Showcase: Edify Dance
- Drumming Call & Answer: Keith Scott Pascal
- Bamtastic Drumming – Welcome Centre (3 - 4 PM)
- Costume Mask Making - Reflections Room, Village Conference Centre
- Young Talent Showcase: DJ Lucas Sheopaul
- DJ Set: Greenz Connection
Evening Schedule
Saturday, December 6
Evening Performances (5:00 PM – 10:00 PM) | Subaru Stage
- Calypso Performing Artist: Macomere Fifi
- Calypso Performing Artist: King Cosmos
- Traditional Caribbean Dance: Dance Caribe Performing Company
- Steelpan Performance: Earl La Pierre Jr. PanManOnDuty
- Traditional Tassa Drumming: Hummingbird Tassa
- Soca Artist & Young Talent Showcase: Jfiyre
- Parang Band: Maestre & Friends
- Live Calypso & Soca Band: Ossie Gurley & The Truth
- Steelpan Orchestra Performance: Pan Fantasy
- Headliner: Anika Berry
- DJ Menace & DJ Greenz Connection
- SPECIAL EVENT: DEFROST Party @ Rusty’s at Blue
Nightly from Dusk to 10pm
Holiday Magic Light Trail
Step into a glowing winter dream as you stroll along this one-kilometre illuminated pathway winds through snow-dusted trees, twinkling archways, and festive displays designed to enchant visitors of all ages.
Schedule
Sunday, December 7, 2025
- 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Snowdome Garden Coffee Bar – Royal Majesty
Sunday Soca & Calypso Cooldown (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM) | Subaru Stage
- DJ Menace
- DJ Greenz
- Traditional Tassa Drumming: Hummingbird Tassa
- Steelpan Performance: Earl La Pierre Jr. PanManOnDuty
- Soca Artist & Young Talent Showcase: Jfiyre
- Calypso Performing Artist: Macomere Fifi
- Closing Remarks
Why not make it a trip!
