Holetown Festival
February
Just north of Bridgetown is Holetown, the point at which the first settlers arrived in 1627. A week-long celebration of national customs and culture takes place here every year, with concerts, pageants, feasts, fairs and competitions.
Holders Season
March-April
The Caribbean's top cultural festival, the Barbados Holders Season features an exciting array of performances, from open-air theatre to gospel, jazz and Caribbean music concerts. The 17th-century Holders House, a historic plantation home, hosts the annual festival.
Crop Over Festival
May-August If you only make one event in Bridgetown, make it the Crop Over Festival. Barbados' biggest party celebrates the sugar harvest with music, dancing, parades and food.
Barbados Legends Tournament
June
Retired footballing greats don their boots again in this annual six-a-side tournament, with many British teams, from Man United and Chelsea to Liverpool, well represented.
Barbados Food, Wine and Rum Festival
November
Foodie alert: with cookery demonstrations by top chefs, wine and rum tastings galore, and Bajan feasts, this four-day festival is the one for you. Events take place across Bridgetown and at several top resorts and restaurants.