The 27th annual Bordeaux Farmers Rastafari Agriculture and Culture Vegan Food Fair will return to the western hills of St. Thomas on Saturday and Sunday, continuing a decades-long tradition centered on local agriculture, cultural preservation, and food sovereignty in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The two-day event will take place at Estate Bordeaux, running from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday. Hosted by We Grow Food, Inc., the fair is held annually on the weekend preceding the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and serves as the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year.
This year’s theme, “In Agriculture, Many Problems to Fix – Support VI Farmers in 2026,” emphasizes education, sustainable farming practices, and community-based solutions tailored to the Virgin Islands’ mountainous terrain and Caribbean climate. The fair highlights what is possible when farmers work with limited resources while adapting to steep slopes, variable rainfall, and rising production costs.
Participating farmers will showcase naturally organic produce and value-added goods produced through techniques such as terracing, composting, and integrated pest management. While We Grow Food, Inc. hosts Bordeaux Farmers’ Market events throughout the year, the annual fair allows farmers to showcase the full scope of their work to a wider audience.
The fair will feature a wide range of vegan food vendors, local drink makers, farmers, and artisans offering cuisine, baked goods, herbal products, fresh juices, and handmade crafts. Arts and crafts vendors will display soaps, body products, baskets, jewelry, incense, and other cultural items. Visitors can also enjoy an animal petting farm.
Educational programming will take place throughout the weekend. Sessions include “Ask an Expert” consultations with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, a presentation on integrated pest management by Amy Dreves of the University of the Virgin Islands School of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, and a grafting demonstration by Eldridge “Sparks” Thomas.
Featured guest Bonnetta Adeeb of the Ujamaa Cooperative Farming Alliance, a program of the nonprofit STEAM ONWARD, will present on seed security and heirloom seed farming. The program aims to expand participation by historically marginalized growers while promoting agro-biodiversity, conservation through education, and cultural preservation.
Representatives from Black Sustainability, Inc. will also take part, showcasing AfroEcology programming and an AfroIndigenous seed banking initiative. Educational materials and farmer-support resources will be available at their booth, and attendees may take part in an AfroEcology survey for a chance to win $100.
Youth and family programming will run throughout both days at the Youth and Family Activity Center, led by Maria “Irieah” Stiles. Activities include planting, clay play, beading, basket weaving, and games designed to connect agriculture, creativity, and cultural identity. A Bamboula workshop will be held Saturday afternoon, with face painting offered both days.
Live entertainment will take place on and in front of the main stage throughout the weekend. Musical and cultural performances will feature reggae, steelpan, Bamboula dancers, fashion shows, poetry, and educational presentations.
Daily admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 11 and under. While some vendors accept digital payments, the event remains primarily cash-only.
A free shuttle service will operate both days from Nisky Center and UVI bus stops to the Bordeaux site. Shuttles depart town at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m., with return trips leaving the fair at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m. Sunday’s last scheduled return trip is at 7 p.m., though musical performances continue until midnight. A ramp has been installed at the market pavilion to accommodate guests with physical disabilities, and roadside parking will be available.
For more information and schedule updates, visit wegrowfoodinc.org, call or text 305-318-5977, or email info@wegrowfoodinc.org. Updates are also shared on Facebook and Instagram at @wegrowfoodinc. Major sponsors for the 2026 fair include the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, Viya, AARP, KISS 96.1 FM, the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture, and the University of the Virgin Islands School of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, among others.
According to a press release from We Grow Food, Inc., visitors to the fair can expect to be “surrounded by breathtaking views, music, and culture,” making the Bordeaux Fair “a creative way to spend the day enjoying good food, art, and community.”
