July in Grand Bahama is its own kind of celebration. Two cultural events per week, the most awarded restaurant in Bahamian history, and a chocolate shop that people plan return trips around. If you are serious about things to do in Bahamas this July, Freeport is exactly where you need to be.
Goombay Summer Festival at Taino Beach
The Goombay Summer Festival runs every Thursday in July at Taino Beach, organized by the Bahamian Ministry of Tourism. Junkanoo rush-outs, rake and scrape music, quadrille dancing, bush tea tastings, local crafts and Bahamian cuisine fill the evening. The remaining July dates are the 17th and 24th, both free with no tickets required. It is one of the most authentic cultural experiences the country offers, a full evening of Bahamian tradition on a beach that fills up fast. The full calendar of July events across the islands is at bahamas.com.
Flying Fish GastroBar
Flying Fish GastroBar at 1 Seahorse Road in Port Lucaya is the most decorated restaurant in Bahamian history. AAA 4 Diamond rated, Top 10 Restaurant in the Caribbean by Caribbean Journal for multiple consecutive years, and home to the only female Certified Sommelier in the Bahamas. Chef Tim Tibbitts focuses on local seafood and indigenous ingredients. Blackened grouper, coconut curry and rotating local seafood specials define the menu. It is the nassau travel guide equivalent of a hidden gem, except it is in Freeport and it has been winning awards for a decade. Shorts and t-shirts are welcome. For visitors combining both islands on one trip, see our Nassau and Grand Bahama two islands guide.
Smith's Point Fish Fry
Smith's Point Fish Fry happens every Wednesday night on the beach east of Port Lucaya. Fresh fried snapper, lobster, conch salad, sweet potato bread and Bahamian peas and rice all cooked outdoors at the water's edge. No menus, no reservations, no tourist pricing. This is the nassau excursions equivalent for Grand Bahama and the best things to do in nassau's neighboring island if you want to experience Bahamian food culture in a different setting. The nassau attractions scene is world class, and so is this. For the full picture of what Grand Bahama offers, the Freeport nightlife and dining guide covers every option on the island.
Bootleg Chocolates
Bootleg Chocolates in Port Lucaya Marketplace is the one stop in Freeport that everyone who finds it returns to. The shop makes gourmet chocolate on the premises using European chocolate blended with Bahamian ingredients. The signature drink is the Conchaccino, made with fresh-roasted organic coffee. Handmade ice creams, artisan espresso drinks and chocolate bars with island-inspired flavors complete the menu. Open Monday to Sunday 8 AM to 6 PM. For planning what to do in nassau versus Freeport on a multi-island trip, our Nassau first-timer route covers the Nassau side in full.
Your July in Freeport
July in Freeport means two guaranteed cultural events per week. Goombay Summer Festival every Thursday at Taino Beach and Smith's Point Fish Fry every Wednesday night on the beach. Add Flying Fish for a fine dining evening and Bootleg Chocolates for the morning after. Things to do near nassau cruise port are well documented, and Grand Bahama adds another layer to any Bahamian itinerary. The bahamas travel guide consistently points toward both islands for a reason. The full Grand Bahama resource is at grandbahamavacations.com.
FAQ
What is the Goombay Summer Festival in Freeport?
The Goombay Summer Festival runs every Thursday in July at Taino Beach. Junkanoo rush-outs, rake and scrape music, quadrille dancing, bush tea tastings and Bahamian cuisine. Free. Remaining dates: July 17 and 24.
What is Smith's Point Fish Fry?
A weekly outdoor cookout on the beach east of Port Lucaya, every Wednesday night. Fresh fried fish, conch salad, lobster and sweet potato bread at the water's edge. No reservations required.
Is Flying Fish in Freeport worth visiting?
Yes. AAA 4 Diamond rated and ranked Top 10 in the Caribbean by Caribbean Journal for multiple consecutive years. Casual dress welcome.
What is Bootleg Chocolates in Freeport?
A gourmet chocolate and coffee shop in Port Lucaya Marketplace, open daily 8 AM to 6 PM. Handcrafted chocolates with Bahamian ingredients and their signature Conchaccino made on the premises.
What is the best time to visit Freeport Grand Bahama?
July is one of the best months, with the Goombay Summer Festival every Thursday and Smith's Point Fish Fry every Wednesday night throughout the month.
