2011 Calendar of Festivals and Major Sporting Events
s Open House Program: Every Wednesday, January through March
Sponsored by the Barbados National Trust, this program provides entry into rich historic homes that reveal a range of lifestyles, architecture and historical
features, giving locals and island visitors the opportunity to visit private properties that usually remain closed to the general public.
www.nationaltrustbarbados.com.
s Waterman Festival – February 6 – 21
Waterman Festival celebrates surfing, windsurfing and kite surfing with an exciting series of competitive events. Activities take place all over the island with most
events composed of invited professionals, but amateurs and touring professionals also have the opportunity to participate. Hot social events are the surfer buffet
and the sunset deAction Beach Party" at Brian Talma's ‘Irie Man Action Shop’ in Silver Rock.
s Holetown Festival – February 13 - 20
The week-long celebrations of the Holetown Festival kick-off with a bang at the Holetown Monument in the centre of the town. The event marks the arrival of the
first settlers at the site now known as Holetown on February 17, 1627. The festival provides visitors with an introduction to Barbadian culture and traditions through
a varied program that includes concerts, live music, street parades, beauty pageants, craft fairs, historical exhibitions, sporting competitions and food and
drink events.
s Sandy Lane Gold Cup – March 5
From its humble beginning in 1982, the Barbados Gold Cup, sponsored since 1997 by Sandy Lane Hotel, has grown to be the most prestigious and significant horse racing
event in the Caribbean.
s Barbados Game Fishing Association International Tournament – March 18 - 22
Anglers from Canada, Europe, the U.K., the U.S.A and South America compete with regional anglers to land Blue Marlin, Yellow Fin Tuna and Wahoo at this
exciting annual competition.
s Holders Season – April 2 -April 16
Barbados’ exciting season of opera, classical, jazz, Latin and Caribbean music takes place in the open air gardens of historic Holders Plantation House. The 2010
line-up includes professionals from across the globe comprising a world-class program of artists.
s Barbados Polo Tournaments – Various Dates
These tournaments, which are jointly sponsored by the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) and Columbian Emeralds, in association with Simpson Motors, Mount
Gay Rum, Raffles Resort, Terra Caribbean Ltd, Barbados National Bank, Ocean 2 and Courtesy Garage, feature some of the top names in international polo over
the course of these four-match series. Click here for the 2011 schedule.
s Oistins Fish Festival – April 23 - 25
Held in the scenic fishing town of Oistins on Barbados’ south coast, the annual Oistins Fish Festival is a three day period of celebrations for those that work in the
local fishing industry. Visitors can expect live calypso and reggae music, craft fairs, family games and stalls selling delicious seafood dishes. Popular events and
attractions include the fish boning tournament, boat races and the fun grease-pole competition. www.oistins.org.
s The Barbados Reggae Festival – April 25 – May 1
A week-long live music festival showcasing Wyclef Jean. www.thebarbadosreggaefestival.com.
s Sir Garfield Sobers Festival of Golf – April 28 – May
One of the best-loved golfing events on the island, the annual Sir Garfield Sobers Festival of Golf is a four-day tournament. Lured by the fine courses, hospitality and
prospect of great weather, the festival attracts players from all over the world. Golfers compete in teams of four and there is also a ladies' competition. The festival is
hosted and compared by Sir Garfield Sobers, the legendary Barbadian cricketer. www.barbadosgolfclub.com.
s Mount Gay Regatta – May 12 - 13
The annual Mount Gay Regatta offers visitors the chance to experience great sailing, entertainment and hospitality. Events kick off with a barbecue on the
registration evening and then continue throughout the weekend with aquatic activities and entertainment. The regatta comes to a close on the Sunday evening with
a party and awards ceremony. www.barbadosyachtclub.com.
s Gospelfest – May 21-29
Featuring top local, regional and international gospel talent, the annual Barbados Gospelfest is one of the most popular Christian music festivals in the Caribbean.
The event was first held in 1993 and covers different styles ranging from traditional gospel choir music to a modern gospel DJ set. www.barbadosgospelfest.com.
s Sol Rally Barbados – June 4 - 5
Sol Rally Barbados 2011 is the 22st running of the Barbados Rally Club's premier two-day tarmac rally event and the Caribbean's biggest annual International motor
sport occasion. www.rallybarbados.bb.
s Barbados International Masters Football Festival – June 10 - 13
The Barbados International Masters Football Festival attracts teams from across the Caribbean, the USA and Europe. Played over the Whitsuntide weekend, the
soccer tournament attracts a lot of senior players who still have the energy, passion and enthusiasm for the game. In addition to the soccer, attractions, live
entertainment and a legendary beer tent draw crowds.
s Crop Over Festival – August 1
Crop Over is Barbados' biggest, loudest and best-loved festival which sees the whole island taken over by the party spirit. Dating back to the 1780s when the island
was one of the biggest sugar producers in the world, the end of the sugar cane harvest was always celebrated with a big party, and the tradition continues today
with added extravagance and flamboyance. The festival culminates with the ceremonial delivery of the last sugar canes of the harvest and the crowning of the
carnival king and queen. Events continue for the next five weeks and revellers can expect a heavy mix of live music, dancing, carnivals, markets, cultural
presentations and more. Kadooment Day – August 1st - marks the end of Cropover with a festival and parade, complete with bright costumes, music and plenty of
rum.
s Banks International Hockey Festival – August 14 - 20
Attracting teams from the Caribbean but from Europe, the USA, South America and other parts of the world, the Banks International Hockey Festival is a real
international affair. The tournament is divided into men’s, women’s, veterans and mixed-team divisions and the games are fiercely contested; although in a friendly
atmosphere that includes entertainment for guests.
s Sun, Sea & Slams International Bridge Festival – October (TBA)
Bridge fans from all over the world come each year to this fun, yet competitive, festival. The festival features events for pairs and teams, as well as championship
matches and concludes with an awards dinner. www.barbadosbridge.com.
s Sizzlin’ Sand Barbados Sunsplash Volleyball- November 4 - 5
The best beach volleyball teams from across the Caribbean, including teams from Canada go head to head with the best of Barbados in this tournament for prize
money.
s National Independence Festival of the Creative Arts – November (TBA)
NIFCA showcases the artistic talents of Barbadians and encourages Barbadians of all ages to showcase their talents in the fields of music, singing, dance,
drama, writing, fine art, photography, arts and crafts. The festival runs throughout November and concludes with a gala presentation.
s Barbados International Film Festival – December (TBA)
This annual festival brings together the best of world cinema and international film culture and provides a major showcase for the exhibition of the Caribbean, Latin
America and world-wide independent film.
s Run Barbados – December 2 - 4
The Run Barbados festival takes place annually on the first weekend in December. The event comprises a 5k Fun Run and Walk, a 10k, a Half-Marathon, and a
Marathon.
For details of all events visit www.barbados.org/eventcd.htm.
Sponsored by the Barbados National Trust, this program provides entry into rich historic homes that reveal a range of lifestyles, architecture and historical
features, giving locals and island visitors the opportunity to visit private properties that usually remain closed to the general public.
www.nationaltrustbarbados.com.
s Waterman Festival – February 6 – 21
Waterman Festival celebrates surfing, windsurfing and kite surfing with an exciting series of competitive events. Activities take place all over the island with most
events composed of invited professionals, but amateurs and touring professionals also have the opportunity to participate. Hot social events are the surfer buffet
and the sunset deAction Beach Party" at Brian Talma's ‘Irie Man Action Shop’ in Silver Rock.
s Holetown Festival – February 13 - 20
The week-long celebrations of the Holetown Festival kick-off with a bang at the Holetown Monument in the centre of the town. The event marks the arrival of the
first settlers at the site now known as Holetown on February 17, 1627. The festival provides visitors with an introduction to Barbadian culture and traditions through
a varied program that includes concerts, live music, street parades, beauty pageants, craft fairs, historical exhibitions, sporting competitions and food and
drink events.
s Sandy Lane Gold Cup – March 5
From its humble beginning in 1982, the Barbados Gold Cup, sponsored since 1997 by Sandy Lane Hotel, has grown to be the most prestigious and significant horse racing
event in the Caribbean.
s Barbados Game Fishing Association International Tournament – March 18 - 22
Anglers from Canada, Europe, the U.K., the U.S.A and South America compete with regional anglers to land Blue Marlin, Yellow Fin Tuna and Wahoo at this
exciting annual competition.
s Holders Season – April 2 -April 16
Barbados’ exciting season of opera, classical, jazz, Latin and Caribbean music takes place in the open air gardens of historic Holders Plantation House. The 2010
line-up includes professionals from across the globe comprising a world-class program of artists.
s Barbados Polo Tournaments – Various Dates
These tournaments, which are jointly sponsored by the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) and Columbian Emeralds, in association with Simpson Motors, Mount
Gay Rum, Raffles Resort, Terra Caribbean Ltd, Barbados National Bank, Ocean 2 and Courtesy Garage, feature some of the top names in international polo over
the course of these four-match series. Click here for the 2011 schedule.
s Oistins Fish Festival – April 23 - 25
Held in the scenic fishing town of Oistins on Barbados’ south coast, the annual Oistins Fish Festival is a three day period of celebrations for those that work in the
local fishing industry. Visitors can expect live calypso and reggae music, craft fairs, family games and stalls selling delicious seafood dishes. Popular events and
attractions include the fish boning tournament, boat races and the fun grease-pole competition. www.oistins.org.
s The Barbados Reggae Festival – April 25 – May 1
A week-long live music festival showcasing Wyclef Jean. www.thebarbadosreggaefestival.com.
s Sir Garfield Sobers Festival of Golf – April 28 – May
One of the best-loved golfing events on the island, the annual Sir Garfield Sobers Festival of Golf is a four-day tournament. Lured by the fine courses, hospitality and
prospect of great weather, the festival attracts players from all over the world. Golfers compete in teams of four and there is also a ladies' competition. The festival is
hosted and compared by Sir Garfield Sobers, the legendary Barbadian cricketer. www.barbadosgolfclub.com.
s Mount Gay Regatta – May 12 - 13
The annual Mount Gay Regatta offers visitors the chance to experience great sailing, entertainment and hospitality. Events kick off with a barbecue on the
registration evening and then continue throughout the weekend with aquatic activities and entertainment. The regatta comes to a close on the Sunday evening with
a party and awards ceremony. www.barbadosyachtclub.com.
s Gospelfest – May 21-29
Featuring top local, regional and international gospel talent, the annual Barbados Gospelfest is one of the most popular Christian music festivals in the Caribbean.
The event was first held in 1993 and covers different styles ranging from traditional gospel choir music to a modern gospel DJ set. www.barbadosgospelfest.com.
s Sol Rally Barbados – June 4 - 5
Sol Rally Barbados 2011 is the 22st running of the Barbados Rally Club's premier two-day tarmac rally event and the Caribbean's biggest annual International motor
sport occasion. www.rallybarbados.bb.
s Barbados International Masters Football Festival – June 10 - 13
The Barbados International Masters Football Festival attracts teams from across the Caribbean, the USA and Europe. Played over the Whitsuntide weekend, the
soccer tournament attracts a lot of senior players who still have the energy, passion and enthusiasm for the game. In addition to the soccer, attractions, live
entertainment and a legendary beer tent draw crowds.
s Crop Over Festival – August 1
Crop Over is Barbados' biggest, loudest and best-loved festival which sees the whole island taken over by the party spirit. Dating back to the 1780s when the island
was one of the biggest sugar producers in the world, the end of the sugar cane harvest was always celebrated with a big party, and the tradition continues today
with added extravagance and flamboyance. The festival culminates with the ceremonial delivery of the last sugar canes of the harvest and the crowning of the
carnival king and queen. Events continue for the next five weeks and revellers can expect a heavy mix of live music, dancing, carnivals, markets, cultural
presentations and more. Kadooment Day – August 1st - marks the end of Cropover with a festival and parade, complete with bright costumes, music and plenty of
rum.
s Banks International Hockey Festival – August 14 - 20
Attracting teams from the Caribbean but from Europe, the USA, South America and other parts of the world, the Banks International Hockey Festival is a real
international affair. The tournament is divided into men’s, women’s, veterans and mixed-team divisions and the games are fiercely contested; although in a friendly
atmosphere that includes entertainment for guests.
s Sun, Sea & Slams International Bridge Festival – October (TBA)
Bridge fans from all over the world come each year to this fun, yet competitive, festival. The festival features events for pairs and teams, as well as championship
matches and concludes with an awards dinner. www.barbadosbridge.com.
s Sizzlin’ Sand Barbados Sunsplash Volleyball- November 4 - 5
The best beach volleyball teams from across the Caribbean, including teams from Canada go head to head with the best of Barbados in this tournament for prize
money.
s National Independence Festival of the Creative Arts – November (TBA)
NIFCA showcases the artistic talents of Barbadians and encourages Barbadians of all ages to showcase their talents in the fields of music, singing, dance,
drama, writing, fine art, photography, arts and crafts. The festival runs throughout November and concludes with a gala presentation.
s Barbados International Film Festival – December (TBA)
This annual festival brings together the best of world cinema and international film culture and provides a major showcase for the exhibition of the Caribbean, Latin
America and world-wide independent film.
s Run Barbados – December 2 - 4
The Run Barbados festival takes place annually on the first weekend in December. The event comprises a 5k Fun Run and Walk, a 10k, a Half-Marathon, and a
Marathon.
For details of all events visit www.barbados.org/eventcd.htm.
