Discover The Marianas – Saipan | Tinian | Rota

Rota Marathon 2026
2026-01-31 | Rota Roundhouse, Northern Mariana Islands
Rota Marathon 2026 is co-organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) and the Office of the Mayor of Rota. Registration rates are $40 for the full marathon, $30 for the half marathon, and $20 for the 5K.
Mandatory race packet pickup will be on Friday, Jan. 30, from 5-6 p.m. at Rota Roundhouse in Songsong village.
Cash prizes will be awarded for Top Overall Finishers in 1st-3rd place in Male and Female Divisions for full marathon ($400, $300, $200, respectively), half marathon ($300, $200, $100, respectively), and 5K ($200, $150, $100, respectively). Full marathon participants must be age 18 or older. Registration closes on Jan. 30, 2026.
Registrants will be treated to an awards dinner buffet outdoors at Rota Roundhouse on race day and will also receive an official Rota Marathon 2026 shirt and printed finisher’s certificate. Mandatory race packet pick-up is Jan. 30, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Rota Roundhouse in Songsong. Race briefing will be held at 6 p.m. Representatives may pick up race packets for registrants only with written authorization and a copy of the registrant’s valid photo ID.
This year’s marathon and half-marathon courses will have a change of course compared to last year, first head north under the stars of Rota’s dark night along the western lagoon, returning south to wind through lush, shaded roads back to the finish in Songsong. The 5K route, a favorite for its sweeping sunrise vistas, will remain along Sasanhaya Bay.
Accommodations are available at:
Valentino Hotel, 670.532.8466
Coral Garden Hotel, 670.532.3201
Light Heart Motel, 670.285.0062, jdbepari97.jb@gmail.com
PJM Ent. B&B, 670.532.2539/670.287.5635
Mowtel B&B, 670.783.3566/670.285.3566
A Warm Invitation from the Community
The event is co-organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority and the Office of the Mayor of Rota. Registrants will be treated to an awards dinner buffet outdoors at Rota Roundhouse and will also receive an official Rota Marathon 2026 shirt and printed finisher’s certificate. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers of each course.
What makes Rota far from ordinary?

Run past ancient mysteries: Along the course participants will pass numerous ancient Chamorro stone monoliths called latte stones, massive relics that have stood for centuries. Rota is also home to As Nieves Latte Stone Quarry, home to the largest known latte and one of the most recently established U.S. National Historic Landmarks.
An ornithophile’s delight: Listen for the critically endangered Marianas Crow found only in Rota. Catch a glimpse of the endangered Marianas Fruit Dove or the endangered Golden White-eye. See more species at I’Chenchon Bird Sanctuary and throughout the island.
Nature’s Treasure Island: Marvel at dramatic limestone cliffs, the iconic Wedding Cake Mountain, and the natural, ocean-fed Swimming Hole. Soak in sunrise views over Sasanhaya Bay.

Rota is just a short flight from Saipan or Guam, with air service provided by STAR Marianas and Micronesian Air Connection Services.
For More Information:
Ed Diaz, MVA Community Projects Coordinator – communityprojects@mymarianas.com | +1 (670) 664-3200
Dave Atalig, MVA Rota Field Operations Supervisor – datalig@mymarianas.com | +1 (670) 532-0327

22nd Annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival
2026-02-13 17:00 - 21:00, 2026-02-14 12:00 - 21:00 (America/Detroit) | Tinian Fiesta Grounds, Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands
Boat rides from Saipan to the 22nd Annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival in the Marianas next month are now available for booking.
The festival – affectionately called “Pika (spicy) Fest” by locals – is organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) in cooperation with the Tinian Mayor’s Office and will be held on Feb. 13-14, 2026, at the Fiesta Grounds in San Jose, Tinian, bringing food, fun, and flaming-hot island flavor to the island. The festival honors the island’s small but mighty donni’ sali, a hot pepper so fiery and flavorful that it has become a cultural icon of Tinian itself.
Pika Fest Boat Charters are available on Feb. 12-15 for $50 one way or $80 round trip per person. Boats depart Saipan at 8 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 3 p.m. and depart Tinian at 9:45 a.m., 1:15 p.m., and 4:45 p.m. For reservations, contact James Roberto at 670.285.3110. STAR Marianas and Micronesian Air Connection Services operate ten-minute commuter flights between the islands.
The Pika Fun Run 5K will be held on Feb. 14 at 6:30 a.m., with on-site registration starting at 6 a.m. at Jones Beach adjacent to the Fiesta Grounds. Registration is $15, and the first 100 registrants on the day will receive a Pika Fun Run 5K t-shirt. The short course will traverse historic Broadway Ave. constructed by the U.S. Seabees during War War II. For more information about the race, contact race co-organizer Tinian Jr./Sr. High School JROTC Battalion at 670.433.7682.
Vendors will be open for lunch on Feb. 13, with the festival firing up full force from 6-11 p.m.. On Saturday, following the early morning Pika Run Run 5K, festival activities will run from 12-11 p.m. Festivalgoers can look forward to food sales, live entertainment, competitions, arts and crafts, and more.
Tinian is known for its diverse historic sites – including the latte stone monoliths of the ancient Chamorro people, shrines and other ruins from the Japanese administrative era, and North Field – the busiest airport in the world during World War II. Pristine beaches, quiet roadways, and friendly locals add to the feeling of stepping outside of time. The celebration is steps away from the picturesque Jones Beach and the historic House of Taga, a U.S. National Historic Landmark featuring latte stones found nowhere else in the world other than the Marianas.
Free camping will be available at Jones Beach and Taga Beach, (with toilets, barbecue pits, and outdoor showers), as well as a 10-minute walk away at nearby Tachogna Beach (with barbecue pits, outdoor showers, and toilets).
Hotel accommodations on Tinian include: Bay View Hotel, Flametree Villa, Fleming Hotel, Lorilynn’s Hotel, Lucky Homes Hotel, Marpo Valley Inn, Tinian Ocean View, Tinian Diamond Hotel and Casino, Tinian Diamond Suites, and Tinian Western Lodge Hotel.
For more information, contact Tinian Field Operations Supervisor Vida Borja at vborja@mymarianas.com or 1.670.433.9365, MVA Community Projects Coordinator Sherman Santos at ssantos@mymarianas.com, or the Tinian Mayor’s Office at 1.670.433.1802 Follow Marianas Visitors Authority on Instagram at @marianas.visitors.authority or on Facebook at @marianasvisitorsauthority for additional details as confirmed.

Salsa Night
2026-02-20 21:00 - 23:30 (America/Detroit) | https://www.instagram.com/mamarioscafe/, Coral Tree Ave, Garapan, Saipan 96950, Saipan, 96950, Northern Mariana Islands
I’m from Colombia. I’ve been dancing since I was able to walk. Nobody teaches us kids how to dance. We all go with the adults to the family gatherings and guess what! We dance. We dance everything. My favorite is Salsa, then merengue, cumbia, son cubano.
I hope you join us at the first Salsa Night in Saipan in 2026.
Place: Mama Rios. (Near Crown Plaza) Mama Rio’s Cafe
https://www.instagram.com/mamarioscafe?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
February 20th at 9:00 pm.
#chefcelenarocks will be doing the appetizers. You know how delicious they are!
Only $10 cover (that includes a free drink).
Come dance!
It’s going to be super fun!
RSVP HERE https://py.pl/xgQKuk3clGlr7jotI4DlSA

SKECHERS Saipan Marathon 2026
2026-03-07 | Saipan
Join us for full marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K courses at Saipan Marathon 2026 in the Marianas!
2026 — Saipan Marathon 2026 — Race Roster Online registration is now open at www.raceroster.com for the 18th Annual Saipan Marathon, set to take place on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Hosted by the Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA), this internationally certified race invites runners from around the globe to experience the peaceful nature and relaxing island vibe of this scenic race in the western Pacific.
The race remains a certified measured course by World Athletics in cooperation with the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).
With a new start and finish line at Paseo de Marianas in Garapan, this year’s marathon will return to its iconic Beach Road course, known for its gentle elevation changes and uninterrupted views of Saipan’s lagoon. With an ongoing rebound in lagoon marine life, keen-eyed participants may spot sea turtles, fish schools, or stingrays along the way.
Participants must be age 18 or older for the full marathon and 14 or older for the half marathon. Cash prizes will be awarded to top finishers and by age division.
All Participants Receive:

Official Saipan Marathon 2026 Booklet
Limited Edition Official Saipan Marathon 2026 T-shirt
Certificate of Completion
Awards Banquet Entry (March 7)

Participants in the full marathon, half marathon, and 10K will also receive an official Saipan Marathon 2026 medal.
Registration fees will increase on January 1, 2026, and again on February 26, 2026. The final deadline to register is 5:00 p.m. ChST on March 4, 2026.
The event is co-organized by Northern Marianas Athletics (NMA) and sanctioned under its official rules and regulations. Saipan Marathon 2024 attracted over 600 registrants from 19 countries and territories.
For more information, visit raceroster.com or www.mymarianas.com, or contact MVA Community Projects Coordinator Ed Diaz at 1.670.664.3210 or communityprojects@mymarianas.com.

Board Game Night
2026-03-09 17:00 - 20:30 (Pacific/Guam) | Cha Cafe, Beach Rd, Garapan, Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, 96950, Northern Mariana Islands
Join us for an evening of light to heavyweight board games! We enjoy playing modern strategic board games of all types, some lightweight and short, some longer and more involved and everything in between! We play a few cooperative games as well, where everyone works together to beat the game, so even if you aren’t a competitive person, you’ll fit right in! We are a very friendly group and if you are a friendly, fun-oriented person, you are welcome to join us!
Note: We are not sponsored by or affiliated with Cha Cafe, but are lucky to be hosted by a wonderful establishment. No purchase is required, but if you are able, please consider picking up a drink or snack at the coffee bar before heading up to join us.

Community Movie Night
2026-03-13 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-03-20 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-03-27 19:00 - 21:00 (Pacific/Guam) | Casa Marianas, 3366 Beach Rd, Saipan, MP, 96950, Northern Mariana Islands
Join us every Friday for Community Movie Night at Casa Marianas!
FREE ENTRY // LIMITED ATTENDANCE OF 30 SEATS
Every Friday night we will show a new movie at Casa Marianas. Entry is free with limited attendance for 30 seats. Refreshments, including fresh-made popcorn will be available for purchase.
For our March Movie Night we will be showing:
Superman
Superman must reconcile his alien Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as reporter Clark Kent. As the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way he soon finds himself in a world that views these as old-fashioned.
Come join other cinema lovers at Community Movie Night at Casa Marianas!
LOCATION: Casa Marianas at Gold Beach Hotel
DATE: March 13, 2026
TIME: 7:00PM – Movie starts at 7:15PM

Community Movie Night
2026-03-14 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Detroit) | Casa Marianas, 3366 Beach Rd, Saipan, MP, 96950, Northern Mariana Islands
The Smashing Machine
The true story of mixed martial arts and UFC fighter Mark Kerr, whose obsession with greatness made him a legend — and nearly cost him everything.
Come join other cinema lovers at Community Movie Night at Casa Marianas!
LOCATION: Casa Marianas at Gold Beach Hotel, Beach Road, Saipan
TIME: 7:00PM – Movie starts at 7:15PM
FREE ENTRY // LIMITED ATTENDANCE OF 30 SEATS

St. Patrick's Day Specials
2026-03-17 12:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit) | MAMA RIO’S CAFE, Coral Tree Avenue (Across Crowne Plaza Resort & Best Sunshine Bldg), Saipan, MP, 96950, Northern Mariana Islands
Check our really cool drinks on St. Patrick’s Day! ALL DAY!!!!!!

San Jose Parish Fiesta
2026-03-19 15:00 - 20:00 (Pacific/Guam) | San Jose Parish, Oleai – Saipan, Oleai, Saipan, Saipan, MP, 96950, Northern Mariana Islands
BIBA SAN JOSE! Welcoming the community and all faithful to our San Jose Parish Fiesta 🎉🎊🙏
Our Parish Fiesta Novenas and Masses begin on March 11, 2026, as we joyfully begin celebrating the 60th Anniversary of San Jose Parish in Oleai Village, Saipan!
This year’s theme is:
“Journeying with San Jose: 60 Years of Faith, Hope, & Love.” 💛🙏🕊️
Join us as our parish community comes together in prayer, reflection, and celebration while honoring our beloved patron, San Jose. Let us give thanks to God for 60 years of blessings, faith, and unity in our parish family.

Northern Marianas College Annual Golf Open
2026-03-21 06:00 - 2026-03-22 15:00, 2026-03-21 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Detroit) | Saipan
The Northern Marianas College Foundation is preparing to host its signature event, the annual Foundation Golf Open, scheduled Saturday and Sunday, March 21 and 22, 2026.
The event will open the golf tournament season of 2026, and it carries special significance because Northern Marianas College will also be commemorating its 45th anniversary in 2026. Since its establishment in 1981, NMC has been instrumental in educating and preparing the Commonwealth’s workforce, fostering innovation, and creating pathways to higher education for thousands of students. As we celebrate this milestone, we also look ahead with renewed commitment to strengthening NMC’s legacy of excellence and opportunity for future generations.
Proceeds will fund the construction and equipping of modern, innovative facilities that will strengthen workforce development, stimulate economic growth, and expand access to quality education for the people of the CNMI.
Visit marianas.edu/golf to register to play or for more information.

Music Back to Back
2026-03-21, 2026-03-22 - 2026-03-23, 2026-03-28 - 2026-03-29, 2026-04-04 - 2026-04-05, 2026-04-11 - 2026-04-12, 2026-04-18 - 2026-04-19, 2026-04-25 - 2026-04-26, 2026-05-02 - 2026-05-03 and 4 more dates | MAMA RIO’S CAFE, Coral Tree Avenue (Across Crowne Plaza Resort & Best Sunshine Bldg), Saipan, MP, 96950, Northern Mariana Islands
Drink. Dine. Chillax.
Check Mama Rio’s Music Back to Back Weekend.
Friday Nights Karaoke Night
Saturday Acoustic Open Mic

Trench Warz Promotions Ballroom Blitz
2026-03-27 - 2026-03-28 | Crowne Plaza Resort, Coral Tree Avenue Garapan, Saipan, 96950, Northern Mariana Islands
Grappler’s Gala entertainment consisting of 14 action-packed Jiu Jitsu and Grappling bouts and one Kickboxing match.

Oral Cancer Awareness Month Proclamation Signing
2026-04-01 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Detroit) | Governors Office
Oral Cancer Awareness Month is a time for our community to come together, learn, and take action against a disease that continues to affect many lives across the Marianas. Oral cancer remains one of the most common cancers in our islands, largely linked to betel nut (pugua) use, making awareness and early detection more important than ever.
This event is dedicated to educating our community about the signs and symptoms of oral cancer, sharing real stories, and encouraging individuals to take charge of their health. Attendees will also learn about the free oral cancer screenings available at local dental clinics, where getting checked is quick, easy, and could save a life.
By raising awareness and supporting one another, we can take meaningful steps toward prevention, early detection, and a healthier future for our islands.

Oral Cancer Awareness Month Roadside Waving
2026-04-10 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Detroit) | Oleai Intersection (Beach Rd./Chalan Monsignor Guerrero), Northern Mariana Islands
In recognition of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we invite our community partners, schools, businesses, organizations, and residents to stand together in support of oral cancer survivors and help raise awareness. April 10, 2026 Showtime: 3:30 PM Roadside Wave: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PMOleai Intersection of Beach Rd. and Chalan Monsignor Guerrero (Former AK, near Rainbow Color)Oral cancer is the 2nd most diagnosed cancer in the Marianas, making awareness, education, and early detection more important than ever. Let’s come together as a community to show support and spread the message.
Wear red or white and wave with us! Bring any posters, pompoms & more!

Emerald Movie Night
2026-04-24 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Detroit) | Marianas Beach Resort, Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands
Get ready to be Wicked for Good!
Join us for a special showing in honor of Oral Cancer Awareness Month and support a great cause.

Doors open: 6:00 PM |Playtime: 7:30 PM
Tickets: $10 (first-come, first-served seating)Limited seats available!

Want guaranteed seats? Reserve a booth for $90 (up to 7 people).

Come dressed in your best pink or green and enjoy an unforgettable night while raising awareness!
