ROSEAU, Dominica, April 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Spring has sprung on the Caribbean island of Dominica, and with it a schedule brimming with fun and festivals. Events such as DOMFESTA, Hike Fest and Jazz ‘n Creole invite visitors the world over to participate in the excitement. In addition, the Dominica Film Challenge and Nature Island Challenge are athletic and cultural challenges that test the mettle of participants while inviting others to join in the fun via social media and online access.

Adventure Excitement: Nature Island Challenge 3.0

Teams of endurance athletes have descended on Dominica for this week’s Nature Island Challenge 3.0 (April 13 – 17), an endurance competition for accomplished, social media- connected trail/adventure racers seeking once-in-a-lifetime experiences. This year’s teams include the returning champs from Trinidad & Tobago; Barbados; two teams from the U.S., including one representing Dominica’s own Ross University; and two teams from Germany. During the Challenge, team members alternate on daily 10-15 mile-long trail runs, followed by team challenges. The event is scored on a points system based on daily winners and special challenges.

Teams will capture the thrill of the competition in photos and videos, which will be posted across social media networks. Follow the excitement on Twitter and Instagram at @NIChallenge, on Facebook at NatureIslandChallenge, or on the official blog www.natureislandchallenge.com. Use the hashtag #NatureIslandChallenge to join the conversation!

Celebrate a Rich Arts Heritage

During May, DOMFESTA showcases the island’s varied arts and culture as playwrights, poets, artists, singers and musicians offer their interpretations of Dominica’s rich artistic heritage. Artists across the island present village feasts, theatrical plays, art expositions, poetry and drumming festivals, as well as creole competitions and concerts.

Get in Step with Hike Fest

Dominica’s world-renowned hiking trails are the star of the annual Hike Fest held during Saturdays in May. Visitors can join other hiking enthusiasts on May 9, 16, 23 and 30 to discover Dominica’s interior by exploring the island’s many hiking trails.

Hike Fest offers treks through Dominica’s pristine, untouched natural trails that follow routes ranging from easy to moderate to difficult, offering one of the best ways to discover Dominica. Hikers enjoy spectacular scenery, hidden beaches, cozy bays and fascinating rock formations that jut out into the sea.

Jazz ‘n Creole Offers Dominica’s Unique Musical Vibe

In late May, visitors can add Jazz ‘n Creole to their Nature Island experience. The event includes a fusion of jazz and creole music, scrumptious food and a celebration of local culture. Main stage performers for 2015 include Ronald Tulle, described as one of the greatest pianists from Martinique. Ralph Thamar is making his first appearance on the Jazz ‘n Creole stage. Also from Martinique, Thamar is best known as the lead singer for the group Malavoi. In addition, Michele Henderson, Dominica’s Princess of Song, will return to the Jazz ‘n Creole main stage. Also returning to the main stage is Barbadian saxophonist, Arturo Tappin. Described as a cross between Teddy Pendergrass and Kenny G, Tappin is referred to as the smoothest, ‘saxiest’ horn man the Caribbean has to offer.

This annual event takes place from May 17 – 24 with the main stage performances on Sunday, May 24 at Fort Shirley in the Cabrits National Park.

Vote for Your Favorite Film Challenge Creation

Help determine the winner for the second annual Dominica Film Challenge! Videographers from around the world spent a week on the island in March to capture the story of Dominica in their own creative way, either in a short film, photography project or a social media endeavor. Final projects will be posted online for a public vote to determine the winner in mid-May. Watch for them at dominicachallenge.com.

About Dominica: Dominica (pronounced Dom-in-EEK-a, and not to be confused with the Dominican Republic) is a haven for adventure travelers seeking a unique vacation that includes: hiking and adventure, cultural events/festivals, diving and water sports, whale/dolphin watching and canyoning adventures. Dominica lies south of Guadeloupe and north of Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean. Air travelers can connect to Dominica on Air Sunshine, BVI Airways, LIAT, Seaborne Airlines or Winair from the surrounding hubs of Antigua, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, U.S. Virgin Islands and St. Lucia. If traveling by sea, travelers can connect to Dominica on L’Express Des Iles ferry service from Guadeloupe, Martinique, and St. Lucia. (www.discoverdominica.com)