Barbados events calendar

With such a vibrant lifestyle amidst its beautiful Caribbean landscapes, it’s no wonder Barbados is host to a myriad of fun events and festivals. Fancy joining in with the festivities? Check out our Barbados events calendar and see if there’s something fun going on during your time at this fun-loving island.

16 – 24 January 2020: Barbados Sailing Week

In association with Mount Gay Rum and Barbados Tourism, this exciting week is a staple on the regatta calendar, a week where professionals race along the coast, culminating with the exhilarating main event, the Mount Gay Round Barbados Race. This is your choice to marvel at world-class sailing, perhaps even witnessing a new world record as sailing boats race towards the finish line. There’s a great social scene around this time too, with a fun Mount Gay Red Cap beach party on opening night.

16 – 23 February 2020: Holetown Festival

Taking place in Holetown, this is a vibrant annual festival that fuses fun celebrations with showcases of Barbados’ culture and local traditions. Experience the incredible costumes, lively spirit and booming music that make the festival’s parades so well-known across the world, enjoy bus tours of the town’s historical areas, and discover amazing arts and crafts in the street fairs.

22 – 29 April 2020: Barbados Reggae Festival

Known to many as the best reggae festival in the world, this ultra-fun, lively celebration is full of beach parties and party cruise ships. Begin with the Reggae Bay Party on Pirates Den beach, dancing to local, regional and international music acts, before keeping the party going with a Vintage Reggae Night. The Reggae Party Cruise on board the Jolly Roger is a party like no other, and the whole event ends with Reggae on the Hill, where everyone comes together to dance the night away.

10 – 13 April 2020: Oistins Fish Festival

Oistins Fish Fry is a well-known event that happens every Friday – bringing locals and travellers together to enjoy a beach BBQ feast of freshly caught fish and seafood. But every Easter weekend, they step it up a notch and bring fabulous dance shows, karaoke, body building demonstrations and even fish boning competitions into the mix.

18 – 26 May 2020: Gospelfest

Discover local, regional and international gospel talent at this brilliant production, where leading artists and composers come together to create a sensational week of classic gospel concerts. The traditional classic Christian music is fused with unique African music styles, making this a wonderful festival with a difference.

29 July – 4 August 2020: Crop Over Festival

This colourful festival celebrates a 200-year-old tradition that celebrates the end of the sugar cane season. Think of six full-on weeks of parties, marks, culinary fairs and parades, and you’ll have only just scratched the surface. The main event is Grand Kadooment Day, where you’ll discover locals scantily clad in bright sequins, feathers and jewels, having the time of their lives dancing behind moving bars and along to loud live music. 

30 November 2020: Barbados Independence Day

On the 30th November, Barbados is overflowing with colourful festivities and celebrations. The official parade is an elaborate and vibrant affair, and there are many fantastic events taking place throughout the day, including concerts, sports competitions, carnivals and picnics.