The PANorama Caribbean Music Fest is a musical adventure set to the soothing sounds of steel pan music. The festival’s casual atmosphere appeals to the island community and people of all ages who are intrigued by the unique sounds and style of steel drum music!

Fusing together the rhythm of steel bands, ocean breezes, and great Caribbean food, the breathtaking Virginia Beach oceanfront becomes an “island paradise” for those visiting.

2018 International PAN Fest is May 11th and 12th at 24th Street Stage.

A co-produced event between the Virginia Arts Festival and Beachevents, the PANorama Caribbean Music Festival at its core is a steel drum band competition featuring over 25 high school, college, and community bands from throughout the United States. Bands attend workshops on Friday at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. These workshops are led by nationally-known steel drum artists and educators. On Saturday, the action moves to the 24th Street Park, where bands compete for awards and a coveted performance slot on Sunday.

In the evenings steel drum headliners play on the main stage. All performances are free to the public.

2018 Schedule of Events

FRIDAY, MAY 11th

Workshop and Masterclass : 10am-4pm
Master clinicians and teachers will present sectional workshops concurrently for high pans, middle pans, and low pans, followed by an interactive clinic and mass steel band performance. These workshops are open to any band participating in the festival, as well as individual participants with their own instrument and desire to learn!

SATURDAY, MAY 12TH

PANFest Competition : 10am-6pm
Join the fun in this day-long competition among the community, private studio, high school, and middle school/elementary school bands. Virginia International PANFest adjudicators are the best and brightest of the Pan Music community. All ensembles will receive a trophy which will be presented at the awards ceremony on Saturday evening. A medal representing the appropriate rating, will be draped around the trophy.

Headliner Performance- TBD: 8pm

*Schedule of Events courtesy of Virginia Arts Festival’s Official website.*