Skip to content

BARBADOS’ 2018 Annual Event Lineup

  • by

Barbados’ 2018 Annual Event Lineup

There are many festivals, marathons and events in Barbados that make any time of year worthy of a visit. Visitors will be completely immersed in Bajan culture by checking out some of the events below:

Known as one of the Seven Magnificent Festivals of Barbados, this fun festival has showcased the Holetown region’s unique culture since 1977. From a variety of music performances such as Gospel, Classical, Tuk Band and Calypso and Folk Dancing, to The Queen of the Festival Pageant, there are many exciting features that make the festival a must-see. ​

 

Barbados’ equestrian season is popular for good reason – there are many incredible horse races on the island that stand out beyond any other Caribbean destination. The Sandy Lane Gold Coast Race is a prestigious horse race and attracts thousands of visitors each year and is incredibly fun to watch. Since its inception in 1982, international athletes have taken part in this race as the Gold Cup is one of the most sought-after awards in the equestrian world.

 

The charming, north-western Speightstown is filled with life and celebrations each Saturday in March. Visitors and locals come together to enjoy freshly prepared Bajan fare while dancing the night away with incredible entertainment. while enjoying the sweet sights and sounds of the hottest in Barbadian entertainment. Visitors can watch the sun set on the west coast and enjoy the incredible views, while taking in a unique piece of Barbadian life.

 

This week-long music festival has received international acclaim, with performances from leading regional and local reggae artistes. The 2018 Reggae festival includes the Reggae Beach Party, Vintage Reggae Show and Dance, Reggae Party Cruise and the popular Reggae on the Hill which takes place at the historic Farley Hill National Park.

 

Dubbed as The World’s Greatest Soca Party, Soca on De Hill is an annual event that brings music lovers together for a day of picturesque views on Farley Hill and incredible entertainment. Guests can listen to top local and international soca artists – past acts include Lil Rick, Edwin Yearwood, Stiffy and Marzville.

 

The most popular festival of Barbados, this months-long celebration honours the 200-year old tradition of the end of the sugar cane season with an exciting extravaganza of live music and traditional dancing. The festival now celebrates all that is Bajan with dusk till dawn parties, arts and crafts markets and culinary-driven street fares. The final week includes the island’s most colourful and spirited celebrations. Grand Kadooment Day, the final day of the festival, sees masquerade bands making their way to Spring Garden highway with revellers dressed in decorated costumes dancing behind music trucks and moving bars.

 

Headed into its 5th year, this jazz music festival is headed by renowned contemporary jazz saxophonist, Elan Trotman, to celebrate Barbados’ musical history and diverse culture. Past performers include Grammy award-winning artists Will Downing and Norman Brown, as well as Barbados’ “Queen of Soca,” Alison Hinds. The festival on Columbus Day weekend also includes fun for golf enthusiasts with events taking place at some of Barbados’ finest golf courses, including Sandy Lane Country Club, Barbados Golf Club and Apes Hill Golf Club.

 

Taking place in one of the top racing circuits in the Caribbean, Bushy Park, this one-day festival promises spectators an exciting day of circuit racing, drag racing and karting. This event is a family favourite that brings international racers such as Former Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button to take part in the activities and showcase Barbados’ love of sports.

 

Premiere surf competitions take place in Barbados over these four days as the island one of the best surf spots in the world. The beaches along the Barbados coast of Bathsheba will brim with excitement as these high-performance events showcase the best athletes competing for the top spot. The festival also has an Independence Bikini Contest, live music, local food, arts and crafts and much more.

 

Run Barbados, a marathon that began in the 1980s, is one of the oldest series of races in the Caribbean. From a 5k to a full marathon, visitors can participate in one of the hottest and most scenic runs in the world. The marathon weekend concludes with a Beach Party, filled with entertainment, food and drinks where runners, their family, friends, supporters and all the public are encouraged to come down to the Bay St. Esplanade for a good time.

 

For more information about Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. and their industry partners, please contact Tania Kedikian at +1 (647) 256-1916.

 

%d bloggers like this: