The Rhythms of Paradise: USVI’s Outdoor Music Scene
The rhythms of the U.S. Virgin Islands will keep you on your feet. The crash of the waves, the lilting blend of languages and the groove of the islands’ local musicians create a soundtrack you won’t find anywhere else. From a historic plantation-turned-bar to picture-perfect patios and a beachfront pavilion, these are some of the best spots in USVI for live music outdoors.
ST. CROIX
Join local music lovers every Sunday for Sunset Sounds at Loops Beach in Frederiksted. This community gathering is all about fostering the island’s creatives. Reggae, jazz and scratch bands gather on the open-air pavilion, creating an island vibe as the sun sets. Dance to the beat under the cafe lights and night sky. Admission is free — just bring a chair!
Located at Tamarind Reef Resort in Christiansted, The Deep End Bar & Grill is a welcoming outdoor watering hole and restaurant with scenic pool and ocean views. Sip a tasty Bushwhacker or fruity daiquiri while you listen to local jazz, blues or R&B, or get up from your seat and hit the dance floor. You’ll find both daytime and nighttime events here, including fire dancers, Moko Jumbies and limbo contests.
Take the concert out on the water with Lyric Sails. Board the 63-foot catamaran, the Jolly Mon, at Frederiksted Pier for a sail along the dreamy west end of St. Croix. Drift on the gentle waves while a local band serenades you on deck and the sun sinks below the horizon. Kick your shoes off, sip unlimited rum punch, and look for dolphins and sea turtles in the water as you ride.
ST. JOHN
The music is upbeat and the scenery is spectacular at The Windmill Bar. This hillside locale is situated on the site of an 18th-century sugar plantation, with sprawling views of Hawksnest Bay and Pillsbury Sound. Soak up the sounds of steel pan drums and traditional Caribbean beats over Cruzan Confusions and creamy buffalo chicken dip. The Windmill is also the site of the annual Virgin Islands Jam Fest, a three-day celebration of local music held every March.
The Beach Bar in Cruz Bay is a quintessential island experience. Just a three-minute walk from the Cruz Bay Ferry Dock, this local spot is famous for its Painkillers and crispy conch fritters. Sit on the deck or head down to a picnic table on the beach for live music most nights, from fun cover bands to soulful indie to relaxed reggae. Poke your toes in the sand and relax — this is island living.
Just on the other side of the Cruz Bay Ferry Dock you’ll find Cruz Bay Landing. Soloists and two-piece acts play here three to four nights per week, setting the tone with jazz standards and feel-good soul tunes. Don’t overlook the food! You’ll find fresh daily catches, flavorful jerk chicken and crispy coconut shrimp. Kick back at the outdoor bar or patio and savor the evening.
ST. THOMAS
Sunday Funday takes on a new meaning at Dinghy’s Beach Bar. Take the ferry from Crown Bay Marina to tiny Water Island and dance to reggae, island rock, country covers and more at this weekly waterfront jam. Cool off with their signature frozen Creamy Dinghy, made with Cruzan Light Rum, piña colada and passionfruit. This is a true beach party — swimwear encouraged.
Duffy’s Love Shack in Red Hook is pure island fun. A literal shack in the middle of a parking lot, it’s both reliably fun and unpredictably offbeat. Come for nightly dancing, plus live country and rock by local favorite Shane Prather on Thursday nights. The creative tiki drinks will put you in a party mood, like the 64-oz Shark Tank made with six different rums and served in a fishbowl. Share it with a friend!
Opened as a grocery store in 1924, Sib’s on the Mountain is now a favorite local haunt for great food, live music and laid-back nightlife in Charlotte Amalie. Grab a seat on the open-air pavilion for live world music, soca and fungi on weekends. Fill up on hearty bar food like slow-roasted pork ribs or the shaved prime rib sandwich. Then, head inside to order another round of drinks at the bar, catch sports on TV and test your luck on the slot machines.