Visitors to our island love the classic Barbados experience. They look forward to south-coast evenings in Oistins and St. Lawrence Gap. They enjoy water sports and the coral reefs of Carlisle Bay (or any beautiful beach.) They indulge in rum punch and flying fish on a white sand beach.
But, besides turquoise waters and beach bars, the next trendy must-do in Barbados is attend a sporting event. These family-friendly events are the perfect addition to complete any Caribbean getaway. Here’s a list of our favourite up-coming and on-going sporting events that you should consider.
Special Mention: Horse Racing and Polo
Most flagship events on the Barbados equine calendar have wrapped up. But, they still deserve a special mention on our list. Each year, the island stages its most intense horse-racing saga in late February or early March. This is the Barbados Gold Cup, hosted in the island’s UNESCO World Heritage Site at the historic Garrison Savannah (just outside of Bridgetown.)
The Gold Cup showcases both local and international trained horses, all vying for a place in the island’s horse racing history. The atmosphere electric, with the pomp and pageantry expected of such a prestigious event. But, Barbados’ horse activity calendar offers another equally thrilling option…
The Barbados Polo Club is the official organizer of the events of the Barbados’ polo season. Running for three months from February to April each year, the calendar features international polo teams representing Canada, Holland, the USA and the United Kingdom.
Polo in Barbados dates back to the early 20th century, when British introduced the sport to the island. Since then, it has become a beloved pastime, attracting locals and visitors alike. Barbados does polo well, showcasing a quality that is hard to describe – visitors must experience it. Book a March or April 2025 trip with us to be a part of the polo fraternity.
Legends Tour Golf
This year, Barbados welcomes its newest and most prestigious golf tournament, the Legends Tour. The island joins a 17-country, record-breaking roster, and will welcome over 70 golfers from May 3 to 5, 2024. Ian Woosnam, the esteemed 1991 Masters Champion, will host the event 3-day event.
Organized by the PGA European Tour, the tournament is designed specifically for male golfers who are 50 years old or older. It gives golfers ‘unique opportunities to play with Ryder Cup Captains and Major winners in Pro Ams AND Alliance Pro Ams’ according to their website.
Take a short trip up to the Apes Hill golf course or follow each day’s golfing action on their website here.
Rally Barbados
Motorsports fans across the globe love the ‘June Rally’ or ‘All-Stage Rally.’ Officially named Rally Barbados, the event has been graced by international greats such as Stig Blomqvist, Kenny McKinstry, Kris Meeke, Didier Auriol, Ken Block, Hayden Paddon and Mark Higgins. This year, the Barbados Rally Club will launch its 34th staging of the island-wide spectacle.
Rally Barbados starts with the Rally Show and King of the Hill events. These events lead up to the main event, a 20-stage tarmac rally run over three days.
Drivers and cars from the wider Caribbean, the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States and Canada all converge on the island taking fans on an exhilarating journey across the scenic Barbadian landscape. Save-the-date for Rally Barbados: May 25 to June 2, 2024.
ICC T20 Cricket
This June, the island’s national sport is at centre-stage. Barbados will play host to several matches on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup schedule. Dating back to 2007, this pinnacle event is the international championship of twenty-over-format cricket.
The legendary Kensington Oval in Barbados will host matches on the following dates:
- June 2: Namibia versus Oman
- June 4: England vs Scotland
- June 5: Australia vs Oman
- June 6: Namibia vs Scotland
- June 8: Australia vs England
- June 20: Qualifier Matches
- June 21: Qualifier Matches
- June 23: Qualifier Matches
- June 29: Finals
Tickets for the Barbados matches are now available for purchase.
The T20 Cricket World Cup takes part every two years (with a few past exceptions), in different cricket-loving host countries across the globe.
What more do you need to enjoy these exciting events? A west coast luxury stay at Saint Peter’s Bay, of course! Join us on your next Barbados trip and experience authentic Barbadian beachfront luxury.
Book directly with us to receive the best Barbados luxury offers. This month, enjoy exclusive group discounts on our Howzat offer when you visit for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Plan your trip with our concierge team. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your perfect Barbados holiday.
