Inner Circle named headline act for 2026 St. Maarten Regatta

Organizers announced that Grammy-winning reggae group Inner Circle will headline the entertainment program at Regatta Village during the 2026 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, performing on Sunday, March 8. The Regatta Village runs March 5–8 and opens each day at 4:00pm, offering free entry until capacity is reached.

This booking brings a heavyweight of reggae to the island during one of the Caribbean’s largest sailing festivals. Inner Circle’s decades-long career and global hits such as “Sweat (A La La La La Long)” and “Bad Boys” position the band as a cross-generational draw, likely to pull visitors from the sailing fleet, island residents, and regional fans. The group’s steady presence in contemporary reggae through its Reggae Jam concert series and collaborations with newer artists underlines its ongoing relevance to both roots and modern reggae audiences.

Band members have spoken about music’s unifying power, a theme that organizers say fits the Regatta Village’s mix of live sets, family-friendly programming, and food court offerings. The Village is designed to be accessible for all ages, with local vendors and food options alongside the evening entertainment schedule, making it a practical afternoon-and-evening destination for families and fans who want to combine racing spectating with live music.

For the reggae community, Inner Circle’s appearance offers multiple touchpoints: classic singalongs, deeper cuts for long-time followers, and moments that showcase how heritage acts can partner with newer talent. Local musicians and sound system operators should note the potential for increased foot traffic and networking opportunities across the four-day event, while vendors and promoters can plan around the March 8 headline draw.

Organizers say further schedule details for Regatta Village will be posted on the event’s official channels as the regatta approaches. With entry free until capacity, arriving early remains the most reliable way to secure space for evening sets and family activities.

This booking tightens the link between the island’s sailing spectacle and reggae culture, promising a high-vibe night as the regatta winds down on March 8. For fans planning travel or a local night out, mark the date, plan logistics around the 4:00pm openings, and expect a mix of classic hits and cross-generational reggae energy at Regatta Village.