Events - Rendezvous Bay

The Superyacht Challenge

January 28, 2016

The challenge is yearly at the end of January when yachts in excess of 80 feet are invited to participate in this exciting and friendly event. The beautiful setting of Nelson’s Dockyard is the perfect place to center the social activities and moor up all the yachts together and it provides the perfect environment for enjoying the Caribbean hospitality and the famous Superyacht Challenge parties.

Royal Ocean Race Club 600

February 1, 2016

The RORC Caribbean 600, as the name suggests, is a 600 mile race around the Caribbean islands. The RORC Caribbean 600 starts and finishes in Antigua, the competing yachts pass 14 magnificent islands in the central Caribbean. Since the first event held in 2009, the RORC has become a firm fixture for the sailing elite.

Annual Flower & Garden Show

Annually

The annual show of the Antigua & Barbuda Horticultural Society who are dedicated to encouraging the science and practice of horticulture and developing the public’s enjoyment, appreciation, and understanding of plants and the environment. The show is a precursor to their annual participation at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta

April 13 - 19, 2016

Another of the island’s main draws, and considered among the world’s premier classic yachting events, the Classic Yacht Regatta takes place mid to late April each year a week before Sailing Week.

Antigua Sailing Week

April 24 - 29, 2016

Made up of five days of breathtaking races, this is one of the premier sailing events in the world. Sailing Week races often begin right in front of Rendezvous Bay so future hotel guests will be able to sit back, relax and watch.

International Cricket Events

Various

The famous ARG (Antigua Recreation Ground) is a mecca for cricket fans around the world and the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium built in 2007 for the Cricket World Cup hosts regular regional and international events.

Kite Festival

April 2016

This colourful event is held on Easter Monday at Devils Bridge. There are as many as 2500 kites which can be viewed from boats cruising by or from the land. Families take the opportunity to picnic on the nearby beaches and enjoy the spectacle of the many designs and skills of kite flying.

Sport Fishing Tournament

May 2016

This is a three-day event on the Whit weekend at the Nelsons Dockyard. The boats come from other islands including the USVI, St. Barths, St. Lucia and St. Martin to participate in the tournament. The main two-day event is a fish and marlin tournament. The minimum marlin weight is 300 pounds. People come to watch the fish being weighed and to enjoy the seafood and entertainment. Freshly caught fish is available for sale.

Antigua Mango Festival

July 2016

Each July the annual Mango Festival offers every imaginable mango-made delight, from fruity soaps and mango preserves and sauces to scented candles and wine. Guests can experience a mango market, exhibitions, children’s activities, games, mango-eating competitions, and enjoy live performances.

Antigua Carnival

August 2016

For the history of the festival you have to step back in time to 1st August 1834 when slavery was abolished. People immediately celebrated by taking to the streets to celebrate their freedom and express their joy and happiness. 1957 was the year of the first official Antiguan Carnival was organised. Since then the festival has developed into 10 days of music, dance and revellery, with street marches, jump-ups and formal evening shows – calypso, pan, and Carnival Queen pageants.

Seafood Festival

August 2016

This promotes the abundance of seafood in the waters surrounding Antigua & Barbuda. It’s a popular family outing which is held at the Fishing Complex in Urlings village on the south west coast. Over 30 vendors sell everything from conch chowder, lobster, seafood pasta and paella. No one leaves hungry!

Francis Nunes Jr Tournament

September 2015

This Francis Nunes Junior Memorial Tournament is held every year on the last Saturday in September. This is a popular fishing event which is held at Nelsons Dockyard. Families come out to enjoy the freshly caught fish from the grill and delicious seafood dishes, and also great drinks.

Moods of Pan Festival

November 2015

Over the years steel bands have evolved from pieces of metal and steel pipes into steel drums that are sunken and burned over a hot fire, chromed and shaped. This three-day festival is hosted by the Gemonites Steel Orchestra and held at the Dean William Lake Cultural Centre on the last Saturday and Sunday in November. This event gives the opportunity for all age groups to showcase their musical talents on pan including classical, gospel, jazz and calypso.

Antigua Charter Yacht Show

December 4-10, 2016

One of the most important dates in the calendar for the international luxury charter yacht industry, Antigua’s 6-day show each December hosts hundred of agents and almost as many boats in English and Falmouth Harbours making for quite the display.

Christmas Day Champagne Party

December 25, 2016

On Christmas Day, the famous Champage Party in Nelson’s Dockyard is a must do – a meeting of families, friends and visitors from all around the area, drinking, live music and dancing is order of the day. Starts from midday, ends when the last man (or woman) falls!