The beloved Gimistory Storytelling Festival returns this November under the theme Island of Dreams, bringing five nights of storytelling, music, folklore and Caymanian culture to communities across the Cayman Islands.
Supported by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF), the free festival runs from 1 to 6 November, beginning in Cayman Brac before travelling to Central George Town, East End and West Bay, and concluding with the popular Duppy Story Night at Pedro St. James.
This year's international guests include performers from the Royal Irish Academy of Music and acclaimed Jamaican storyteller Dr. Amina Blackwood-Meeks. They will join local performers including Nasaria Suckoo-Chollette, Camille Angel, Giselle Webb, Hylton Grace, Josefa Martinez, Lesley Ann Bernard and Priscilla Pouchie. Musical entertainment will feature Beneil Miller and drummer Randy Chollette, with Zosia McGregor, Pam Norton and Mona Meade returning as hosts.
Local vendors will also have traditional Caymanian food on sale, including favourites such as fried fish and fritters, stew conch, Cayman-style beef, cassava cake and heavy cakes. Menus will vary by location.
“Gimistory reminds us that some of our most treasured traditions begin with something as simple as sharing a story,” said Cassandra Shea, Head of Theatres and Festivals at CNCF. “This year's theme, Island of Dreams, celebrates the imagination, creativity and sense of community that storytelling inspires. We look forward to welcoming audiences across the Islands to enjoy this special oral tradition together.”
As part of its efforts to preserve Cayman's oral storytelling traditions and introduce them to younger generations, storytellers will once again visit local schools, giving students an opportunity to experience storytelling firsthand.
The Gimistory 2026 schedule is as follows:
• Sunday, 1 November: Cayman Brac – Aston Rutty Centre
• Tuesday, 3 November: Central George Town – Cardinall Avenue
• Wednesday, 4 November: East End – [Venue to be confirmed]
• Thursday, 5 November: West Bay – West Bay Heritage Park
• Friday, 6 November: Duppy Story Night – Pedro St. James
All performances begin at 7pm, and admission is free.
For more information and festival updates, visit artscayman.org or follow CNCF @caymanculture on Facebook and Instagram.