This three-day celebration brings together top Bahamian performing artists to celebrate national unity. Two nights of concerts offer a variety of musical venues, including the calypso music of Ronnie Butler and Phil Stubbs; the gospel sounds of Harrella; the reggae beat of Don Carlos and Ska and the hip-hop fun of Rupee. If dancing to the music isn't enough exercise, you may want to join in the Saturday fun push/run/walkathon sponsored by the Ministry of Sports.

The Bahamas National Trust is the national organization that looks after the many parks and wildlife retreats found throughout the islands. Its Annual Wine & Art Festival is held at 'The Retreat' (the national headquarters). This 150-year-old house is located in a 11-acre garden filled with the world's rarest palm trees, so naturally the setting is sensational. Come and sample fine wine and see the work of renowned local artists such as Stan Burnside, Jon Beadle, K. Smith and Antonius Roberts. See the website for further details.

This public holiday, celebrated throughout the Bahamas, salutes the discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus in 1492. Since Columbus first landed on San Salvador, the Bahamas has a sense of ownership with this holiday. To celebrate there is a float parade through the streets of Nassau with live Junkanoo and Goombay music, dancing and general merriment. Miss Discovery Day is crowned at the parade and leaves with her court for the festivities on San Salvador. In the late afternoon and evenings there are cookouts and live music on the beaches around town.

Freeport’s monthly Bird Walk takes place at the Rand Nature Center, a 100-acre sanctuary named after Freeport’s renowned philanthropist James H. Rand. Located only minutes from downtown, this nature park also serves as an education center, introducing tourists to the local flora and fauna. Come and see the flamboyant West Indian flamingos - the national bird of the Islands of the Bahamas. Enjoy a nature walk to the bird sanctuary to see Bahama Parrots, Red-legged Thrushes, Antillean Peewee birds and Stripe-headed Tanagers. Walks are held on the first Saturday of every month beginning at 8a.