The Barbados Darts Festival 2026 is confirmed as a multi-day darts celebration taking place from November 9–19, 2026 in Barbados, attracting players and enthusiasts from around the globe. What began as a niche social event has grown into an annual pilgrimage for darts lovers of all skill levels, blending competitive tournaments with casual play, island hospitality, and a convivial vacation vibe.
Held in and around Bridgetown and surrounding parishes, the festival’s itinerary is designed to be inclusive – with open tournaments for players of every standard, mixed-level contests, and plenty of opportunities to socialize off the oche. Over its more than a decade-long history, the event has become a highlight on the Caribbean darts calendar, drawing participants from the U.K., North America, the Caribbean, and beyond.
Beyond the competition, Barbados Darts Festival 2026 is as much about the social experience as the sport itself. Visitors can expect welcome gatherings, themed nights, and informal matches at local pubs, all set against the backdrop of Barbados’ warm hospitality, sandy beaches, and relaxed island rhythm. Whether you’re chasing trophies or just there for the camaraderie, this festival offers a unique blend of sport and Caribbean fun that keeps players returning year after year.
Confirmed Dates & Overall Format for Barbados Darts Festival 2026
The Barbados Darts Festival 2026 is officially set for November 9–19, 2026, marking a full 10-day series of darts competition and community play across Barbados. Organized through the event’s official Facebook community page, this multi-day festival has become a staple for both seasoned players and visiting enthusiasts who combine tournament play with island travel.
Confirmed Dates
November 9–19, 2026 – The festival stretches over an extended period, giving participants flexibility to enter multiple events, compete in different formats, and enjoy social gatherings without feeling rushed.
Overall Festival Format
The Barbados Darts Festival 2026 offers a layered structure of competitive and social play designed to accommodate a wide range of skill levels:
- Open Tournaments
Early in the schedule, open competitions allow players of all standards to test their skills. These events tend to be accessible and welcoming, forming a foundational part of the festival experience. - Ranked & Invitational Events
As the weekend progresses, the focus shifts toward more structured competitions – including ranked matches, bracket play, and invitational rounds – where experienced players contend for trophies, rankings, and recognition. - Team Formats & Specialty Matches
Mid-week fixtures often feature doubles, team games, or cross-club challenges that emphasize strategy and camaraderie as much as scoring precision. - Social & Casual Play Nights
Throughout the festival, casual evenings and pub matches provide relaxed settings for players to mingle, practice, and share in the social culture that sets this event apart from one-off tournaments. - Finals Weekend
The festival typically culminates in a weekend of marquee matchups, finals, and award presentations – wrapping competition with celebratory gatherings.
This fluid blend of competition and community gives the Barbados Darts Festival its distinctive rhythm. Players aren’t just there for one game – they plan their travel, training, rest, and social moments around nearly two weeks of island life and darts fellowship.
Typical Day-by-Day Program at the Barbados Darts Festival 2026
The Barbados Darts Festival 2026 (November 9-19, 2026) is designed as a balanced mix of competition, social play, and island downtime in Barbados. Here’s how the provisional schedule unfolds:
Monday, November 9
- Arrival Day
- Participants arrive and settle in, using the day to get familiar with the area and adjust to island time.
Tuesday, November 10 – 6:30 pm
- Welcome Drinks Reception
- An opening gathering to meet the Festival Director, organizing team, and fellow participants – setting the tone for the week ahead.
Wednesday, November 11 – 8:00 pm
- Social Darts Night with Bajans
Venue: McNaughty’s in St. Lawrence Gap. - A relaxed evening of darts and camaraderie with local players.
Thursday, November 12
- Optional Day Catamaran Cruise (8:15 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
A daytime sailing experience along Barbados’ west coast. - 8:00 p.m. – Social Darts Night with Bajans
Venue: McNaughty’s, St. Lawrence Gap.
Friday, November 13
- Free Day & Night
Time to explore Barbados – with many participants heading to Oistins Fish Fry in the evening.
Saturday, November 14 – Tournament Day (Solidarity House)
Men’s & Ladies Pairs
- Registration: 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm
- Matches begin: 2:00 pm
Mixed Nations Men’s & Ladies Pairs follow, drawn by blind draw on the day.
Note: The Festival Director assists players needing partners.
Sunday, November 15 – Tournament Day (Solidarity House)
Men’s & Ladies Singles
- Registration: 1:30 pm – 2:15 pm
- Matches begin: 2:30 pm
Prize-giving follows competition.
Monday, November 16
- Optional Day Catamaran Cruise (8:15 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Tuesday, November 17
- Free Day
- Participants enjoy the beaches, tours, and local attractions.
Wednesday, November 18
A relaxed final full day to enjoy the island before departure.
Thursday, November 19
Departure Day
International darts listings and national federation calendars feature the Barbados Darts Festival as a recognized November event, reinforcing its status as an established fixture on the global darts travel circuit.
Where the Barbados Darts Festival Happens on the Island
The Barbados Darts Festival 2026 unfolds primarily along the lively south coast of Barbados, with activities centered around the St. Lawrence Gap area in Bridgetown’s greater coastal district.
Main Social Venue: St. Lawrence Gap
Social darts nights are hosted at McNaughty’s, a well-known bar in St. Lawrence Gap. This stretch of coastline is famous for its mix of restaurants, bars, and nightlife, making it an ideal base for evening matches and casual meet-ups. Players can step off the oche and immediately into the buzz of the Gap’s social scene.
Tournament Venue: Solidarity House
Official tournament days – including Pairs and Singles competitions – take place at Solidarity House, which serves as the structured competition hub for the weekend’s main events. This is where registration, bracket play, and prize-giving are conducted in a more formal darts setting.
South Coast Advantage
Staying along the south coast places participants within easy reach of beaches, casual dining spots, and transport links. It’s a convenient and energetic area that blends competitive darts with classic Barbados holiday atmosphere.
In short, the festival is anchored in one of the island’s most social coastal districts – where tournament focus and Caribbean nightlife meet in the same neighborhood.
Accommodation & Festival Packages for Barbados Darts Festival 2026
For the Barbados Darts Festival 2026 (November 9-19, 2026), official HQ hotel options have been confirmed, with specially negotiated festival rates available when booking through the Festival Director. All properties are located along the lively south coast of Barbados, close to St. Lawrence Gap and festival social venues.
HQ Hotel Option 1: Rostrevor Hotel
Located directly on the ocean in St. Lawrence Gap, Rostrevor offers panoramic Caribbean views and private balconies in most units. The hotel’s in-room kitchen facilities make it especially convenient for longer stays during the 10-day festival. Its beachfront setting provides a relaxed daytime atmosphere, while still being steps away from nightlife and social darts venues. It’s a popular choice for returning festival players.
Nightly Rates (inclusive of taxes & service charge):
- Superior Ocean Front Studio – US$152
- Ocean Front Junior Suite – US$162
- Deluxe Ocean Front Studio – US$163
- One-Bedroom Ocean Front Suite – US$169
- Two-Bedroom Ocean Front Suite – US$213
Important Details:
- Rates are per room per night (double occupancy; two-bedroom is quad occupancy).
- All rooms have air conditioning.
- Minimum 8-night stay required.
- Refundable deposit: 3 nights.
HQ Hotel Option 2: Dover Beach Hotel
Set along the quieter end of St. Lawrence Gap, Dover Beach Hotel blends beachfront access with a more laid-back environment. The property offers a mix of standard rooms and studio-style accommodations, many with kitchenettes. It’s ideal for players who want comfort and beach access without being directly in the center of nightlife. The setting balances convenience with calm.
Nightly Rates (inclusive of taxes & room levy):
- Standard Room – US$130
- Studio Family – US$150
- Studio Garden/Pool View – US$155
- Studio Pool View – US$170
- Studio Ocean View – US$195
- One-Bed Garden View – US$180
Details:
- All rooms sleep 2 and have air conditioning.
- Studio & one-bedroom units include kitchenette.
- One-night refundable deposit required.
HQ Hotel Option 3: Time Out Hotel
Time Out Hotel sits directly opposite Dover Beach and places guests in the heart of the Gap’s dining and entertainment district. Known for its colorful design and lively atmosphere, it’s well-suited for participants who want to be within walking distance of restaurants and bars. The hotel’s pool area offers a casual social space between matches and events.
- Standard Room – US$141
- Superior Room – US$158
- Pool View Room – US$173
- Deluxe Double Room – US$198
- Three-night refundable deposit required.
Budget-Friendly Option: Meridian Inn
Meridian Inn provides a more budget-conscious option while still being close to festival venues. The property offers apartment-style comfort with kitchenettes and private balconies, making it practical for extended stays. It’s a smaller, quieter property that appeals to players looking for value without sacrificing location on the south coast.
- Double Room – US$96 per night
- Includes air conditioning, television, kitchenette, balcony, and taxes/service charges.
One-night refundable deposit required.
Booking Notes
- All festival accommodation must be booked through the Festival Director to participate.
- Rates are subject to increase the later you book.
- Early booking is strongly recommended.
- Participants may arrive earlier, depart earlier, or extend their stay.
Darts Play – Social and Competitive Mix
The Barbados Darts Festival 2026 in Barbados is built around a carefully balanced blend of structured tournament play and relaxed social darts. It’s not a single-elimination weekend squeezed into two days – it’s an extended program where competition and camaraderie run side by side.
Early in the week, social darts nights at venues like McNaughty’s give visiting players the chance to throw alongside local Bajans in a laid-back setting. These evenings focus less on rankings and more on connection, practice, and warming up for the tournament rounds ahead.
As the week progresses, the focus shifts to formal competition at Solidarity House. Men’s and Ladies Pairs events kick off the main tournament action, followed by Mixed Nations blind draws – a format that encourages cross-country partnerships and unexpected matchups. Singles events round out the competitive schedule, culminating in prize-giving.
What makes the festival distinctive is this layered structure. Players can chase titles one day and share casual games the next. The format creates a true darts holiday – serious enough to satisfy competitive instincts, relaxed enough to feel like a Caribbean getaway.
Island Free Time – How Players Spend Days Off the Oche
Between tournament rounds and social darts nights, the Barbados Darts Festival 2026 gives players generous downtime to enjoy Barbados beyond the oche. The schedule intentionally blends competition with open days, allowing visitors to experience the island rather than staying confined to match venues.
Many participants gravitate toward the south coast beaches near St. Lawrence Gap – morning swims, relaxed lunches, and a reset before evening play. Others join the optional catamaran cruises, sailing along the west coast with stops for snorkeling and sea swimming. It’s a popular way to mix socializing with sightseeing.
Friday free days often mean exploring Oistins Fish Fry, where grilled seafood, rum punch, and live music create a distinctly local Friday-night atmosphere. Some players venture further – island tours, Harrison’s Cave, rum distillery visits, or scenic drives along the east coast.
The beauty of the festival’s format is flexibility. You can compete hard in the afternoon and unwind by the sea the next morning. It’s darts balanced with sunshine – and that balance is exactly why many players return year after year.
Practical Travel Tips for Barbados Darts Festival 2026
Planning ahead makes the Barbados Darts Festival 2026 in Barbados smooth from arrival to departure. With most activity centered along the south coast near Bridgetown, smart logistics help you focus on darts and downtime – not travel stress.
Flights & Arrival
Fly into Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI), the island’s main international gateway. November is early winter season for many travelers, so booking flights several months in advance is recommended. The airport is approximately 15–20 minutes from St. Lawrence Gap by taxi, making transfers quick and straightforward.
Local Transport
Taxis are readily available at the airport and throughout the south coast. If staying in St. Lawrence Gap, many venues are within walking distance. For exploring beyond the festival area, rental cars are available, though not essential unless you plan island-wide touring. Public minibuses are inexpensive but operate on flexible schedules.
What to Pack
November in Barbados is warm and humid, with daytime temperatures typically in the high 80s°F (around 30°C). Pack lightweight clothing, breathable fabrics, and comfortable footwear for both darts venues and beach outings. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle. Smart-casual attire works well for evening social events.
Bring Your Own Equipment
While boards and setups are provided at tournament venues, many players prefer to travel with their own darts, flights, and shafts. Consider bringing spare sets and accessories – local dart supplies may be limited.
Currency & Payments
The Barbadian dollar (BBD) is the local currency, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Credit and debit cards are commonly used in hotels and restaurants. It’s helpful to carry small bills for taxis, beach vendors, or local food spots.
Connectivity & SIM Cards
Most hotels and restaurants offer Wi-Fi. If you need consistent connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival at the airport.
Book Early & Confirm With the Festival Director
Festival accommodation must be arranged through the Festival Director to secure participation. Rates may increase closer to November, so early booking is strongly advised.
Where Steel Tips Meet Caribbean Sunsets
The Barbados Darts Festival 2026 delivers a rare balance: competitive darts by night, island calm by morning. One evening you’re focused at the oche, the next you’re walking along a south coast beach in Barbados with nothing but turquoise water and palm trees in view. It’s a format that blends serious play with genuine downtime – no rush, no pressure beyond the board.
Throughout the week, you’ll meet players from across the U.K., North America, the Caribbean, and beyond. Matches are followed by conversations over a cold Banks beer or a glass of Barbadian rum, with stories, tips, and friendly rivalries carrying late into the night. Free days make it easy to explore Bridgetown, wander through St. Lawrence Gap, or simply unwind on the sand.
If darts and sunshine both rank high on your list, circle November 9–19, 2026. Join the official festival group for full details, secure your south coast accommodation early, and start sharpening those doubles.
When you finally step up to the board in Barbados – ocean breeze drifting in, new friends gathered nearby – you’ll understand why this festival keeps players coming back year after year.
