Discover The Marianas – Saipan | Tinian | Rota

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

22nd Annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival
2026-02-14 12:00 - 21:00, 2026-02-13 17:00 - 21:00 | 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.

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

Saipan Sugarcane Railroad Journey Run 81KM
2026-01-17 | https://shorturl.at/HQ9j5
The Saipan Sugarcane Railroad Journey Run is picking up steam and heading down the track for its 81KM adventure on January 17, 2026, in the Marianas, with participation now open to all interested runners. Registration is pulling into the station soon, with the deadline set for Dec. 12.
FACT SHEET ENTRY FORM
The run, jointly organized by Sports Aid Japan and the Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA), will follow the historic sugarcane railway route that once crisscrossed Saipan during the bustling days of the Japanese administrative period in the early 1900s. This endurance event commemorates the 150th birthday of Haruji Matsue, the legendary “Sugar King” who helped lay the tracks for the Marianas’ sugar industry.
General registration for individuals is ¥19,200 (approximately $124 today) via the Sports Aid Japan portal at www.sportsentry.ne.jp/event/t/102473. Registration for Marianas resident individuals is $80 and must be made in person at the MVA office on Beach Rd., I Liyang, Saipan, to avail of the Marianas rate. Marianas resident relay teams are also welcomed for $80/team. English registration forms and race fact sheet are available on The Marianas Calendar at www.mymarianas.com.
“Sports Aid Japan organizes races for its members around Japan featuring significant sites, scenery, and history, and we’re thrilled they’ve chosen the Marianas for their first-ever overseas event,” said MVA Managing Director Jamika R. Taijeron. “We’re working closely to make this run and its historical backstory a far-from-ordinary experience for all participants, filled with adventure, camaraderie, and a celebration of history.”
The story of The Marianas is a rich tapestry, woven from the heritage of the indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian people, and seasoned by centuries of Spanish, German, Japanese, and American influence. During the Japanese era, The Marianas was a major hub for sugarcane cultivation, with a legendary 50-mile (80.5 km) narrow-gauge railway encircling Saipan, transporting sugarcane and goods—a legacy that still whistles through the island’s landscape. Similar railways once ran on the neighboring island of Tinian and Rota.
“Saipan Sugarcane Railroad Journey Run is unique—it’s an endurance race, a road run, and a trail run all rolled into one,” said MVA Community Projects Manager Martin Duenas. “We encourage all interested runners to make sure to register by December 12. It’s an earlier deadline than most of the MVA’s usual races, as Sports Aid Japan is putting extra care into every detail, from amenities to safety. We’re looking forward to a full train of participants!”
Event Highlights:

The journey run traces the historic railway route, including climbs to Mt. Tapochao, the scenic northern coastline, and World War II heritage sites.
The race starts and finishes at American Memorial Park, Micro Beach, Garapan. The starting ceremony will be held at 4:30 a.m., with the race departing the station at 5 a.m. The finish line closes at 9 p.m.
Relay teams of 2–6 members will switch runners at designated aid stations

Awards and Amenities:

Digital finisher’s certificate
Official race t-shirt
Marianas specialty product
Pre-event reception on January 16 with food, drinks, and performances
Optional post-event party on January 18 and sightseeing tours for an additional fee

Safety, self-sufficiency, and respect for the Marianas’ natural and historical heritage are top priorities, organizers said. Participants must navigate using official course maps, pass all checkpoints, and carry mandatory night gear and cell phones. Individual runners must show proof of finishing a marathon in October 2022 or later (waived for team entries). Additional requirements apply. The official course map is available at: https://shorturl.at/HQ9j5
For more information, contact MVA Community Projects Coordinator Ed Diaz at communityprojects@mymarianas.com, call 1.670.664.3200, or visit The Marianas Calendar at https://www.mymarianas.com.

Audubon Christmas Bird Count on Rota
2026-01-03
The CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife is still looking for a few volunteers to assist this year’s Christmas Bird Count on Rota/Luta!
This is an all-day event that supports long-term monitoring of the Marianas’ native and migratory bird species. Participants can choose to join us for a 4-5 hour shift in the morning (6am) or afternoon (12pm), or both!
Each team will be lead by a DFW biologist and drive a predetermined route, counting birds from the car and at several stops along the way. Our survey routes are mostly road-based, with short easy walks in some areas; there should not be any difficult terrain/hiking.
What to bring:

enough food, water, snacks and/or a packed lunch, depending on how long they commit to being in the field
comfortable shoes
sunscreen, sunglasses/hat
binoculars if they have them (DFW has a limited number of extra binoculars that volunteers can borrow)

If you’d like more details or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the organizer, Annika Andersson (andersson.cnmi.dfw@gmail.com or 1 670-789-8845.

Christmas Day
2025-12-25

5th Annual Holiday Art Bazaar and Cultural Expo
2025-12-19 14:00 - 20:30, 2025-12-12 14:00 - 20:00 | Multipurpose
Discover unique island gifts at the 5th Annual Holiday Art Bazaar, where local artists and cultural makers showcase handmade, one-of-a-kind creations you won’t find anywhere else. From handcrafted jewelry and island-inspired accessories to original artwork, crafts, and curated cultural pieces, this vibrant indoor market is the perfect place to find meaningful holiday gifts while supporting our local creative community.

Constitution Day
2025-12-08

Hell of The Marianas 2025
2025-12-06
Hell of The Marianas 2025 returns with one of the most challenging courses in the Pacific!

Register online today:
https://my.raceresult.com/367789

Thanksgiving Day
2025-11-27

Veterans Benefits Site Visit
2025-11-14 10:00 - 2025-11-16 16:00
Life Changing CNMI Site Visit: 14-16 November 2025
Our Mission in CNMI: Engineered Support for all veterans and family members
We will be at several locations throughout this time period. Come see us to talk about your future benefits and family security. If you spent 6 Months or 30 Years in the military service, regardless of status, rank, deployment, non-deployment, widow or widower… We are here for you.
Wcarr@lcveteranbenefits.com
tbarr@lcveteranbenefits.com

Veterans Day
2025-11-11

Annual Fall Festival by Grace Christian Academy
2025-11-08 10:00 - 20:00 | Garapan Fishing Basin, Saipan, 96950, Northern Mariana Islands
The Fall Festival will have fall themed foods, food vendors, performances from Grace Christian Academy students as well as guest performers like Voice of Marianas, information and interactive booths from diverse community partners, a Fall themed Bake-Off judged by the public (open to all), a Grill-Master competition hosted by Ina’s Kitchen with Chaina Man as MC, a line dancing session, as well as fall themed games, prizes, activities, a maze, and mini competitions all throughout this fun-filled day.
The Fall Festival is a fundraiser, thus the proceeds from the event will go toward building a new gymnasium and supporting GCA’s ongoing campus improvement efforts. However, this is not our only goal for the event. We also wish to uplift, encourage and partner with our island community as a whole, thus we have many diverse community partners joining the event.

2025 Japanese Society of the NMI Friends Golf Classic
2025-11-08 06:00 - 17:00
The 2025 Friendship Golf Tournament, hosted by the Japanese Community of Saipan, is a special event to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
This first-ever Friendship Golf Classic aims to honor the enduring bond between Japan and the CNMI, while promoting goodwill, connection, and mutual understanding through the spirit of golf.

Citizenship Day
2025-11-04

Halloween Fright Night
2025-10-31 18:00 - 22:00 | Aqua Resort Club Saipan, 9543 Chalan Pale Arnold Road, San Roque, Saipan, 96950, Northern Mariana Islands
Join us for a Halloween Party at Aqua Resort Club Saipan!
Featuring special HAUNTED HOUSE by Palm Trio
Enjoy our Live DJ, Bar Specials, Food & Appetizers available!
Friday, October 31
6:00PM – 10:00PM
Aqua Resort Club
For more information, please call 1-670-322-1234 or email pr@aquaresortsaipan.com.

Halloween Trick or Treat Drive Thru
2025-10-31 17:30 - 18:30 | Aqua Resort Club Saipan, 9543 Chalan Pale Arnold Road, San Roque, Saipan, 96950, Northern Mariana Islands
Happy Halloween! Come by for Halloween Trick or Treat Drive Thru by Former First Lady Wella & family and friends of Late Governor Arnold Palacios.
5:30PM until supplies last.

Tide and Stride Aquathlon and 10K Run
2025-10-26 06:00 - 09:00 | Kilili Pavilion, Rte 30, Susupe,, Saipan, MP, 96950, Northern Mariana Islands
Join us for the Tide & Stride Aquathlon & 10K Run! A fun-filled morning of swimming, running, and community spirit by the ocean. Whether you’re racing for speed, fitness, or just for fun, this event has something for everyone.
Adult Aquathlon
Course: 2.5K Run → 1000m Swim → 2.5K Run
Individual & relay divisions
Place medals for top age group finishers
10K Run
Scenic coastal course
Open to all levels of runners
Place medals for top finishers
Kids Aquathlon
Mandatory Race Briefing: 8:00 AM (All kids + 1 parent must attend) This is a fun and supportive way for kids to experience multisport racing– safe, exciting, and family-friendly! Please arrive on time so your child doesn’t miss the briefing. Each child is required to wear shoes on the run.
Start Times:
U6 Division: 8:30 AM (8 am briefing)
Special course designed for younger athletes
U12 Division: Immediately after U6 Finishes
1K Run, 500 meter Swim, 1K Run
Finisher medals for all kids

Autumn Festival 2025 presented by the Japanese Society of the NMI
2025-10-25 17:00 - 21:00
Autumn Festival 2025 welcomes all, presented by the Japanese Society of the Northern Mariana Islands!
Join us for an exciting evening of family fun featuring food vendors, traditional Japanese games, raffle prizes, and a bazaar. Live stage performances will include J-pop idol group Sky Syllabus from Japan.

Commonwealth Cultural Day
2025-10-13

Bisita Luta
2025-10-11 10:00 - 2025-10-13 20:00, 2025-10-10 10:00 - 2025-10-12 20:00, 2025-10-09 10:00 - 2025-10-11 20:00
The island of Rota in The Marianas warmly welcomes all visitors for a full-filled, island-flavored weekend during Bisita Luta, featuring all the best of our community.
For more information, contact the Rota Mayor’s Office at 1(670) 532-1346 or morrpio23@gmail.com.

Veterans Victory Classic Golf Tournament
2025-10-11
The 2025 Veterans Victory Classic Golf Tournament is a meaningful initiative to raise critical funds in support of Project Buddy Check 670’s mission of empowering CNMI Veterans and their families through programs that foster healing, connection, and resilience. Proceeds from this event will directly support our core efforts that include Peer support services, Recreational therapy and wellness activities, educational workshops for Veterans and families, Emergency and direct assistance and Community outreach initiatives.

3rd Annual Tinian Oktoberfest
2025-10-04 17:30 - 23:30 | Tinian Fiesta Grounds, Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands
Raise your glass for 3rd Annual Tinian Oktoberfest in The Marianas! Authentic German food, drink, and activities for all! 🍺🥨 Purchase your tickets today! $30 Adults/$15 Children under Age 12. Stop by Tinian Western Lodge or call 1(670) 433-0044! 📞 See you there!

Triple J Tinian Bubble Color Run
2025-10-04 | Tinian
Get ready, Tinian! The Triple J Bubble Color Run is bringing the fun to Jones Beach on Saturday, October 4! REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN at Wholesale to Everyone and Tinian Western Lodge.
This isn’t just a 5K—it’s a burst of color, bubbles, and nonstop excitement for the whole community. Run, walk, or dance your way through clouds of bubbles and splashes of color, then celebrate at the finish line back at Jones Beach.
📝 Registration Wholesale to Everyone and Tinian Western Lodge.
👕 Bonus: The first 300 participants to register will snag a FREE event shirt!
📲 Stay tuned by following our social media pages for the latest updates.
Don’t miss out on Tinian’s most colorful, family-friendly event of the year—mark your calendars and get ready to run through the rainbow! 🌈👟💦

World Tourism Day
2025-09-27
World Tourism Day is a day which is celebrated on September 27 of each year and is designated to bring attention to the importance of tourism to the international community.

International Day of University Sports
2025-09-20 16:00 - 19:00 | Oleai Sports Complex, 5P75+FWJ, Oleai, Saipan, 96950, Northern Mariana Islands
International Day of University Sports will be celebrated at Oleai Sports Complex in Saipan, The Marianas.
