Soul Beach Music Festival Finds a New Home in Curaçao for 2026
The Memorial Day weekend event brings Babyface, Jodeci, and top comedians to the Dutch Caribbean island, with expanded flights making it easier to reach.
Music lovers looking for a tropical escape this Memorial Day weekend have a new destination to consider. The Soul Beach Music Festival is relocating to Curaçao for its 2026 edition, running May 20–25, and organizers have announced a lineup that includes R&B icons Babyface and Jodeci, comedian Deon Cole, and veteran DJs Jazzy Jeff and Spinderella.
The festival, which previously took place in other Caribbean locations, moves this year to the island nation off the coast of Venezuela. Organizers say the change reflects a cultural alignment between the event’s soulful, high-energy vibe and Curaçao’s growing reputation as a creative and luxury travel destination.
A Lineup Built for Nostalgia and Laughs
Babyface, the 13-time Grammy winner and producer behind hits for Usher, Toni Braxton, TLC, and Outkast, headlines the music portion of the festival. He holds the record for most Producer of the Year wins at the Grammys, with four trophies including three consecutive from 1995 to 1997.
Joining him is Jodeci, the quartet known for blending gospel harmonies with hip-hop edge. With more than 20 million records sold and three straight No. 1 albums on the Billboard R&B charts, the group’s hits include “Forever My Lady,” “Come and Talk to Me,” and “Stay.” The band has recently completed sold-out reunion tours and a Las Vegas residency.
Comedy night features Deon Cole, a two-time Primetime Emmy nominee known for his work on “Black-ish” and “Grown-ish.” Cole’s latest Netflix special, “OK, Mister,” premiered to strong reviews.
The festival also names its “vibe architects” for 2026: DJ Jazzy Jeff and Spinderella, both hip-hop legends from the golden era, will handle turntable duties. Atlanta’s DJ E-Clazz is also on the lineup.
Why Curaçao Now
Curaçao has been steadily building its profile as a Caribbean cultural hub. Its capital, Willemstad, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its pastel-colored colonial architecture and vibrant street art. The island offers a mix of diving, beaches, and a culinary scene that ranges from local Truk’i Pan food trucks to fine dining.
“There is a natural synergy between this celebration and the spirit of our island, where rhythm, culture, and connection are part of everyday life,” said Muryad de Bruin, managing director of the Curaçao Tourist Board. He noted that expanded airlift from North America and Canada has made the island more accessible than ever.
Mark Adkins, CEO and executive producer of Soul Beach Festival, said the move to Curaçao represents more than a change of scenery. “This isn’t just a change of scenery; it’s a cultural alignment,” he said. “We are proud to launch this new chapter, offering our guests a sophisticated sanctuary where the pulse of the soul meets the heart of the Caribbean.”
What Travelers Can Expect
Beyond the main stage concerts, the festival includes catamaran excursions, beach parties, and after-parties. The event is positioned as a “cultural collective” rather than a traditional music festival, with an emphasis on connection and curated experiences.
Several resorts are listed as partners, including Renaissance Wind Creek Curaçao, Papagayo, Dreams Curaçao, Marriott Beach Resort, Zoetry, and ACOYA. Car rental and transportation sponsors are also on board.
Tickets and accommodation packages are available through the festival’s website, soulbeach.com. Travelers can sign up for Club Soul Beach for updates.
For those considering a Memorial Day weekend getaway that combines live music, comedy, and Caribbean sun, Curaçao’s latest festival offering provides a new reason to book a flight.
In Kanazawa, a Samurai-Era Festival Brings History to the Streets Each June
The Hyakumangoku Festival’s grand procession, now in its 75th year, will feature actors from Japan’s 2026 NHK Taiga drama portraying the feudal lord who founded the city.
KANAZAWA, Japan – Every June, the center of this historic city on Japan’s western coast transforms into a living stage. The Hyakumangoku Festival, held to commemorate Lord Maeda Toshiie’s entry into Kanazawa Castle in 1583, is one of the country’s most spectacular civic celebrations. And this year, the three‑day event carries an extra draw: the actors currently starring as Lord Toshiie and his consort in Japan’s premier historical television drama will lead the procession.
The 75th edition of the festival runs from Friday, June 5 to Sunday, June 7, 2026. Its centerpiece, the Hyakumangoku Gyōretsu, takes place on Saturday, June 6 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. The parade departs from the iconic Tsuzumimon Gate at Kanazawa Station and winds through the city before ending at Kanazawa Castle Park.
A Procession Rooted in History
The festival commemorates June 14, 1583, when Lord Maeda Toshiie entered the castle and established the Kaga Domain, laying the foundation for modern‑day Kanazawa. Over the decades, the event has grown into a sprawling celebration of the city’s samurai‑era culture.
This year, the roles of Lord Maeda Toshiie and his consort Omatsu‑no‑Kata will be played by Daito Shunsuke and Sugai Yuka – the same actors portraying those historical figures in “Toyotomi Kyodai!,” the 2026 NHK Taiga drama. The Taiga dramas are Japan’s most prestigious annual historical series, broadcast nationally since 1963. For Japanese audiences, seeing the actors step from the screen into the streets of Kanazawa adds a rare layer of immediacy to the pageantry.
More Than a Parade
The Gyōretsu is not merely a costume march. Music corps perform at three points along the route. The Kaga Tobi – firefighters from the Edo period – demonstrate acrobatic ladder techniques that draw cheers from the crowd. The Kaga Shishi lion dance, a designated cultural property of Kanazawa, moves through the streets with an energy that feels both ancient and electric.
This year’s procession will also incorporate the Kiriko float parade from Noto, a gesture of solidarity with the region still recovering from the 2024 earthquake. The sight of Noto’s towering lantern floats in central Kanazawa carries a quiet, powerful message of resilience.
Three Days of Living Culture
The festival extends well beyond the main parade. Across three days, visitors can experience:
- Hyakumangoku Takigi Nō – Noh theater performed outdoors by firelight in Kanazawa Castle Park, a hauntingly beautiful tradition.
- Hyakumangoku Chakai – A tea ceremony offering a window into Kaga’s refined tea culture.
- Hyakumangoku Odori Nagashi – An evening street dance open to everyone, no experience required.
Kanazawa is easily reached via the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo (about 2.5 hours) or from Osaka/Kyoto via limited express trains. The city is known for its well‑preserved samurai and geisha districts, Kenrokuen Garden (one of Japan’s “three great gardens”), and contemporary art at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
During the festival, central Kanazawa becomes pedestrian‑heavy, and accommodations fill quickly. Travelers are advised to book early.
For more information, visit Kanazawa Biyori’s website or follow local tourism updates. The festival is free to watch, and no tickets are required for the main procession.
The 75th Hyakumangoku Festival runs June 5–7, 2026, with the grand procession on June 6 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Departure point: Tsuzumimon Gate, Kanazawa Station.
Las Vegas Grand Prix 2026: Ticket Prices, Dates, and What Travelers Need to Know
Single-day general admission starts at $50; three-day passes begin at $492. A deposit secures priority access and waived fees through April 30.
LAS VEGAS – The Formula 1 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix will return for its third year on November 19–21, 2026, and organizers have released ticket details for the race weekend. Following a sold‑out 2025 event, the 2026 edition aims to build on its momentum with a range of viewing options, from budget‑friendly general admission to six‑figure luxury hospitality.
For travelers planning a trip to Las Vegas around the race, here is a practical breakdown of dates, ticket access, pricing, and what to expect on and off the track.
Ticket Timeline and Access
Fans can secure priority access and have ticket fees waived by placing a deposit through April 30 on the official race website, F1LasVegasGP.com.
After the deposit window, ticket sales follow this schedule:
- American Express Card Member Presale: Tuesday, May 5 at 8 a.m. PDT (48‑hour window for three‑day tickets, while supplies last)
- Public On‑Sale: Thursday, May 7 at 10 a.m. PDT
- Flexible payment plans are available through September 15.
Ticket Options and Pricing
All prices listed include taxes and fees.
General Admission (standing‑room only)
- Flamingo Zone – Three‑day: starting at $492
- Flamingo Zone – Single‑day practice (Thursday, Nov. 19): $50
- Flamingo Zone – Single‑day qualifying (Friday, Nov. 20): $99
- Flamingo Zone – Single‑day race (Saturday, Nov. 21): $393
- T‑Mobile General Admission – Three‑day: starting at $809
Grandstands (assigned seating, three‑day)
- Heineken® Silver Main Grandstand: starting at $2,051
- T‑Mobile Grandstands: starting at $1,445
- Turn 3 Grandstand: starting at $1,329
- West Harmon Grandstand: starting at $1,012
- Heineken® Grandstands: starting at $925
Hospitality (three‑day, all‑inclusive food and beverage)
- Club Paris: starting at $2,542
- HGV Clubhouse: starting at $3,728
Turn 3 Club: starting at $5,489
- Skybox with Heineken® Silver Main Grandstand: starting at $8,377
- Bellagio Fountain Club: starting at $8,400
- Trackside Tavern at Paddock Club™ Rooftop: starting at $10,902
- Wynn Grid Club: starting at $25,997
- Gordon Ramsay at F1® Garage: starting at $28,885
- Grand Prix™ Trio (three different viewpoints across the weekend) Starting at $3,178
Private suites for groups of 50 or more are available upon request.
On the Track
The Las Vegas Strip Circuit® has become known as one of the most competitive tracks on the F1 calendar, with top speeds exceeding 225 miles per hour. The 2026 race will again feature F1 ACADEMY™, the all‑female single‑seater series, as a support race – the first such series to compete on the streets of Las Vegas.
Organizers promise A‑list musical performances, interactive fan activations, and expanded food and beverage options, though specific acts and vendors have not yet been announced. The race weekend also coincides with Las Vegas’ peak tourism season, so travelers should book accommodations and flights well in advance.
Travel Tips
Accommodations: Hotels along the Strip sell out months ahead of the Grand Prix. Consider booking refundable rates early.
Getting Around: The circuit uses public roads, meaning significant closures on the Strip and surrounding areas. Plan to walk, use ride‑shares from designated zones, or rely on the Las Vegas Monorail.
Weather: Late November in Las Vegas brings cool evenings (lows around 45°F / 7°C) and mild daytime temperatures. Dress in layers.
Tickets: Only purchase from the official website (F1LasVegasGP.com) to avoid scams.
Napa Valley’s Arts Festival Turns 20: A Summer Celebration of Music, Wine, and Opera
The 20th anniversary season runs July 4–19, 2026, with Renée Fleming, Wynton Marsalis, a new opera about wine, and a budget-friendly ticket option starting at $5.
NAPA VALLEY, Calif. – For two decades, Festival Napa Valley has brought world-class performances to the vineyards and estates of this renowned wine region. This summer, the festival marks its 20th anniversary with 16 days of music, dance, opera, and food, running from July 4 to July 19, 2026.
Organizers have lined up an eclectic roster of artists, including soprano Renée Fleming, trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, violinist Ray Chen, pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, and the genre-defying trio Time for Three. The season also features the world premiere of an opera inspired by Napa Valley’s own history: “The Judgment of Paris,” by composer Jake Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer, tells the story of the 1976 wine tasting that put California on the global wine map.
For travelers considering a summer trip to Napa Valley, the festival offers a practical blend of high art and laid‑back wine country hospitality. Performances take place at more than 20 venues, from historic wineries like Charles Krug and Beringer to the Culinary Institute of America at Copia in Napa. Many events are admission‑free, and even ticketed concerts use a “Choose Your Price” model with suggested prices starting at $5.
What’s New This Year
The festival introduces the Allegro Pass, a $1,200 package ($800 tax‑deductible) aimed at younger culturally engaged patrons. It includes Patron‑level concert access, private gatherings, after‑parties, and hospitality events. For those seeking a more immersive experience, the Patron Experience (July 10–19) offers vintner luncheons, patron dinners at premier wineries and resorts, and access to the Arts for All Gala.
The Arts for All Gala on July 11 at Nickel & Nickel Winery features Wynton Marsalis, a dinner by chef Dustin Valette, and wines from Far Niente Estates. Proceeds support education, wellness, and the arts.
True to its mission of accessibility, the festival presents daily admission‑free concerts under the banner Festival Live! These feature participants from the Frost School of Music’s Blackburn Music Academy and the Manetti Shrem Opera Program. There are also Bouchaine Young Artist Concerts and Novack Concerts for Kids, making the festival welcoming to families.
The Family Zone at Charles Krug offers interactive activities before and after performances, alongside the Festival Napa Valley Culinary Garden with fare from local restaurants.
Star Performances Not to Miss
- Renée Fleming appears in “Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene” and serves as keynote speaker for the Music & Wellness Summit (July 18–19).
- Wynton Marsalis headlines the Arts for All Gala (July 11).
- Time for Three opens the festival on July 10 with a world premiere by Michael Thurber, joined by the Young People’s Chorus of New York City and Festival Orchestra Napa.
- Ray Chen and Jean-Yves Thibaudet make their duo recital debut as part of the Olivia Decker Power of Music series. Thibaudet also performs the complete Debussy Préludes.
- The Judgment of Paris opera (July 17 & 19) stars Danielle De Niese, Quinn Kelsey, Nicholas Phan, and Brenda Rae, conducted by Kent Nagano.
- A Night at the Ballet (July 12) features new choreography by Live Arts Global’s Melanie Hamrick set to music by Gordon Getty and the Rolling Stones.
- Symphonic Finale (July 19) celebrates America’s 250th anniversary, conducted by JoAnn Falletta.
Practical Information for Travelers
Dates: July 4–19, 2026
Locations: Various venues across Napa Valley, including Charles Krug (St. Helena), The CIA at Copia (Napa), Nickel & Nickel (Oakville), Uptown Theatre (Napa), and many wineries.
Tickets: Daytime concerts and evening shows at Charles Krug and Uptown Theatre use a Choose Your Price model (suggested $5+). Taste of Napa (July 18) ranges $175–$295.
Accommodations: Napa Valley fills quickly during festival season. Book well in advance. Many partner hotels and resorts offer packages.
Getting around: Napa Valley is about 1.5 hours north of San Francisco by car. Rideshares, shuttles, and designated driver services are recommended for wine touring.
Weather: July in Napa Valley is warm and dry, with daytime highs in the 80s–90s°F (27–35°C) and cool evenings. Dress in layers.
For a full schedule, ticket purchases, and Patron Experience inquiries, visit festivalnapavalley.org
Festival Napa Valley’s 20th anniversary season is presented by Bouchaine Vineyards, with support from J.P. Morgan Wealth Management, Kaiser Permanente, The Meritage Resort and Spa, and Frost School of Music at the University of Miami.
