There are many who consider the variety show the high point of the regatta. In 1998, the cruisers built a stage in Regatta Park for the local community, but the driving force behind building it was to have a permanent stage for the variety show. In 2008, a new stage was constructed (See the second image below) by the Bahamian Government to facilitate both the cruisers and the Bahamian Music and Heritage Festival, also hosted in March each year.

Hundreds of cruisers and local citizens bring picnic chairs, blankets and cameras and fill the park area in front of the stage for two to three hours of pure entertainment. The show is open to local talent as well as to cruisers and there are always several local groups entertaining the audience.

Many of the acts display hidden talent, and there are a number of acts each year for which talent was obviously not a prerequisite! These latter acts are often the most enjoyable.