Santiago de Cuba
This comparsa (carnival music and dance group) represents the Tivoli neighborhood in Santiago’s July carnival. The tradition is derived from 19th-century…
Must-see entertainment in Caribbean
Vedado
The first date (and first kiss) of many an enamored cubano has taken place at this classic modernist cinema on Vedado's main crossroads. It's also a major…
Camagüey
Some say it's the best cabaret outside Havana, and at this price, who's arguing? Book your seat (from the box office on the same day) and pull up a pew…
Vedado
If you understand Spanish, it's well worth attending the cutting-edge contemporary theater, a staple of Grupo Teatro Rita Montaner, here at this small…
Havana
A boxing club directly opposite the Capitolio that usually hosts matches on Friday at 7pm. There have long been rumors of a refurb, but for the time being…
Havana
This walled outdoor garden complex serves traditional Cuban food and keeps tour groups hydrated with mojitos, but it's best known for its big-band salsa…
Granma Province
In the spiritual home of nueva trova (traditional singing), a renovation of the local trova house was long overdue. Pay a visit to this hallowed musical…
Casa de la Trova Miguel Ángel Luna
Ciego de Ávila Province
In the dice-roll of traditional musical entertainment, Ciego's trova (national poetic singing) house scores a magic six with polished Thursday night…
Out Islands
Slot-machines, acres of live gaming tables, sports-betting, on-site bars and restaurants and floor-to-ceiling windows to take in the view of the Mega…
Fort-de-France
This spacious restaurant and bar has a live band on Friday and Saturday evenings, and sometimes during the week when there are cruise ships in town. It’s…
San Juan
Across the street from the Hato Rey Tren Urbano station, this 18,500-capacity arena books musical superstars, from Metallica to Justin Bieber. Tickets can…
Santo Domingo
Concealed in the back of Mamey Librería, past the courtyard cafe is this art-house Spanish-language cinema with two nightly showings (7pm and 9pm) from…
Habana Vieja
Check for cultural events at this baroque former palace of the Condesa de la Reunión (from the 1820s), where Carpentier set his famous novel El Siglo de…
Ciego de Ávila Province
Dodge the slumbering receptionist, and all sorts of capers take place here, including a Wednesday danzón (ballroom dance) club and weekly folklórico …
Camagüey
Baseball games are held at this stadium alongside Casino Campestre. Team Camagüey, known as the Alfareros (the Ceramicists), have long been underdogs, but…
Varadero
Aping its two popular Havana namesakes, this place has some quality live acts and a definitive Cuban feel. It's in town and attracts a local crowd who pay…
Santiago de Cuba
Art lines the walls of this shop-and-club combo that hosts live music both day and night in the front room or quaint inner courtyard; a good bet if the…
Negril
This is essentially a party lawn with speakers, where occasional music performances are held, such as the Bob Marley Birthday Bash in February. Call Kubba…
St-Martin & Sint Maarten
If it's too hot or too rainy for the beach, head to this seven-screen cinema, which shows blockbuster new releases and cult classics. The air conditioning…
Matanzas
From October to April, baseball games take place at this stadium, home of beloved local team the Cocodrilos. It's 1km southwest of the market.
Holguín
Jams start around 8pm at this jazz venue, weaving their magic for a few hours, and then there's piped music until 2am. There's a sporadically functioning…
Caribbean Cinemas Fine Arts Popular
San Juan
One of the island’s few art-house cinemas, this place shows a good selection of independent films from around the world. It’s a block from the Hato Rey…
Santa Clara
There are no fixed schedules inside this beautiful classical library in Parque Vidal, but it regularly hosts classical-music concerts. Check the printed…
Santa Clara
This slightly-out-of-town cabaret venue has a late-night disco preceded by a Cuban-style singing and dancing 'show' at weekends. It's one of Santa Cara's…
Sancti Spíritus
Numerous cultural events that at weekends spill out into the street and render the pavement impassable. It's situated on the southwest corner of Parque…
Kingston
Big-name concerts, track-and-field events such as the Boys & Girls Championships, and matches featuring the Reggae Boyz, Jamaica’s national football …
Havana
A multiplex cinema that's plush by Cuban standards, Infanta is an important venue during December's international film festival.
San Juan
Located in a huge shopping mall, this 13-screen multiplex screens first-run Hollywood blockbusters and international films.
Guantánamo Province
A new venue for old music, this casa shares lovingly restored digs with the Casa del Changüí in Calle Serafin Sánchez, the city's boisterous 'music street…
Caribbean Cinemas Fine Arts Miramar
San Juan
This art-house cinema was once a sanctuary for adult-only movies. These days it shows indie films from around the globe, as well as Hollywood blockbusters.
Port of Spain
Home-base of the 3-Canal rapso band, Big Black Box hosts everything from film screenings to live music and theatre – plus the occasional club night.
Las Tunas Province
In sleepy Puerto Padre, your best bet for catching musical performances or other nighttime cultural activities is at the municipal culture house.
Santiago de Cuba
First stop for art fiends seeking intellectual solace in talks, workshops, encounters and performances – all in a gorgeous colonial courtyard.
Holguín
Situated on quieter Parque San José, this paint-peeled place frequently hosts peñas (musical performances) and cultural activities.
San Juan
Built in 1939, this beautifully restored art-moderne cinema is the last one standing in Santurce, and shows a mix of popular and arty films.
Las Tunas
The best place for the traditional cultural events with concerts, poetry and dance. The action spills out into the street on weekend nights.
Casa de la Música 'La Sitiera'
Pinar del Río Province
After warming up at nearby Café Pinar, many revelers cross the street for more live music here.
Vedado
Ken Loach movies, French classics, Cuban film festivals – catch them all at this Vedado staple, which houses the Cuban film archive.
Kingston
A leading light of Jamaica's thriving theater scene. Strong on local comedies, dramas and musicals, performed in patois and English.
Villa Clara Province
Under the shady arcades in the main square, 'Legends' is an ARTex cultural center with music till 1am from Wednesday to Saturday.
