TheBahamasWeekly.com is pleased to present the
2014 Calendar of Events for the Abacos courtesy of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Office, Abaco.
Welcome to The Abacos!
Calm waters, warm breezes and panoramic beauty
make this 120-mile–long chain of islands a boating and sailing paradise.
But it’s not just the sea that attracts travelers from around the
world. Those who prefer to explore by land will find championship golf
courses on Treasure Cay, charming colonial towns on Green Turtle and
Elbow Cays, and countless hotels, restaurants and bars throughout The
Abacos.
January 1st - Green Turtle Cay, Abaco
New Year’s Junkanoo Parade Abaco begins the New Year with an
explosion of colors, sounds, movements and rhythm through the historic
streets of New Plymouth, Green Turtle Cay. The event blends the
traditional Junkanoo music with local variants of this community to
provide a truly unique experience for residents and locals alike. The
celebration kicks off at 12 noon with Green Turtle Ferry providing
transfers from Treasure Cay over to the festivities. Abaco Tourist
Office (242) 367-3067 www.bahamas.com/islands/abaco
January 24th-26th - Arts for the Parks
Marsh Harbour, Abaco
Embrace the opportunity to view and purchase a wide selection of fine
and unusual Bahamian creations at the well organized and attended Arts
for the Parks fundraising event that is held at the Abaco Beach Resort
Grand Marquee. This year’s event will feature more than 30 Bahamian
Artists and Artisans, a Silent Auction, a Bahamian Heritage Lecture
Series and Live Entertainment. The event will support Abaco’s six (6)
Land and Sea National Parks. Bahamas National Trust (242) 367-6310 www.bnt.bs
February 21st-22nd - Abaco “Love Rush” Junkanoo Weekend
Marsh Harbour, Abaco
This competitive event evokes excitement and passion amongst
Bahamians and visitors through the traditional music, costumes and dance
that are displayed and paraded by local Junior and Senior Junkanoo
groups. The two day event will begin with the school groups and will
end with the community groups that are all competing for supremacy on
this uniquely Bahamian stage in downtown Marsh Harbour. Abaco Tourist
Office (242) 367-3067 www.bahamas.com/islands/abaco
February 26th - People to People Winter Residents’ Reception
Marsh Harbour, Abaco
This event presents an opportunity for local People to People
Ambassadors, facilitated by the Ministry of Tourism, Abaco Office, to
meet and interact with visitors and winter residents in an annual 'get
together'. This year's reception will take place in Marsh Harbour at
Mangoes Restaurant from 6:00pm-8:00pm and will highlight Bahamian music,
food and other cultural expressions. Abaco Tourist Office (242)
367-3067 www.bahamas.com/islands/abaco
March 1st - FRIENDS Reef Ball
Marsh Harbour, Abaco
The Annual Reef Ball recognizes individuals in an awards ceremony who
have played a significant role in the protection and sustainability of
their environment. The event also serves as one of the major fundraising
event for Friends of the Environment. The funds are raised through a
silent and live auction and raffle sales. The event offers a wonderful
time with live music, great company and good food. Friends of the
Environment (242) 367-2721 www.friendsoftheenvironment.org
March 1st - Hope Town Heritage Day
Elbow Cay, Abaco
History, art, food and interactive displays are among the highlights
at this annual event that is coordinated through the Wyannie Malone
Museum as a fundraiser. The event is supported and attended by
residents, second home-owners and visitors who all enjoy everything that
has been planned for this one day event. Wyannie Malone Museum (242)
366- 0293
www.hopetownmuseum.com
March 21st-22nd - Barefoot Man Concert
Great Guana Cay, Abaco
Hundreds of visitors and locals alike gather on Guana Cay every year
to party and hear the famous musician perform live in a free outdoor
concert at Nipper’s Beach Bar & Grill. In addition to great music,
one can also enjoy delicious drinks, tasty food and an amazing view of
the Atlantic Ocean. Nipper’s Beach Bar & Grill (242) 365-5111 http://www.nippersbar.com
March 23rd-25th - 3rd Annual Great Abaco Family Fitness Weekend
Treasure Cay, Abaco
A range of organized sporting activities are included in this weekend
of fun that will encourage participation by all family members.
Participants can chose to compete individually or on relay teams where
awards will be presented to the top performers. Abaco Tourist Office
(242) 367-3067
www.bahamas.com/islands/abaco
Saturday, APRIL 5th, 2014: Supermodel of the Bahamas Casting Call
Includes Super Talent of the Bahamas, and Little Supermodel
Abaco Island
Abaco Community Center
12 Noon to 5P.M
April 17th-26th - Abaco Anglers Fishing Tournament
Elbow Cay, Abaco
This Deep Sea and Bottom Fishing Tournament has been a part of this
landscape for more than thirty years. It is family oriented and caters
primarily to local fishing enthusiasts and to visitors wishing to visit
the Abacos to participate. All levels of fishing abilities, including
children are encouraged in this tournament. When not fishing,
participants will have the opportunity to enjoy the settlement of Hope
Town on Elbow Cay that offers a great selection of dining and shopping
opportunities. Lighthouse Marina (242) 366-0154 http://www.htlighthousemarina.com
May 2nd-4th - 10th Annual Island Roots Heritage Festival
Green Turtle Cay, Abaco
Green Turtle Cay’s 2014 Island Roots Heritage Festival is set for a
fantastic celebration in New Plymouth, which celebrates their
sister-city relationship with Key West, Florida. It's a fun-filled
festival that is well organized and well rounded featuring delicious
Bahamian dishes, informative speakers and displays, a great selection of
Bahamian entertainment, a Genealogy Research Center, a variety of straw
work items and one of a kind art pieces. Mrs. Annabelle Cross (242)
365-4336 www.islandrootsheritagefestival.com
May 7th -10th - Bahamas Billfish Champion-ship Series (BBC)
Great Guana Cay, Abaco
The Bahamas Billfish Championship sponsored by Rolex, is considered
to be the premier fishing series in the Bahamas, attracting dozens of
seasoned and crafty deep-sea fishermen. The first leg of the tournament
will begin in Great Guana Cay. Orchid Bay Marina (242) 365 – 5175 http://bahamasbillfish.com
May 14th -17th - Custom Shootout
Marsh Harbour, Abaco
An exclusive invitation-only billfish tournament, The Custom Shootout
is limited to custom-built inboard sport-fishing boats. The tournament
contributes more than $500,000 to Breast Cancer Research, the Leukemia
& Lymphoma Society, 9/11 fallen heroes and other charities.
Abaco Beach Resort & Boat Harbour (242) 367-2158 www.abacobeachresort.com
May 21st-24th - Bahamas Billfish Champion-ship Series (BBC)
Green Turtle Cay, Abaco
Anglers will be docking and fishing off the shores of Green Turtle
Cay to compete in the much anticipated second leg of the BBC
tournament. The new tournament venue will not only provide excellent
fishing grounds, but will also provide participants with much to do and
see during their time on the Cay. Green Turtle Club & Marina
(242) 365-4271
www.bahamasbillfish.com
May 22nd,
June 5th,
19th, July
3rd, 17th, & 31st - Goombay Summer Festival at Sea Spray Resort
Elbow Cay, Abaco
This begins a series of festivals that will take place over a six
week period at Spray Resort & Marina on Elbow Cay. The festival is
organized by the managing team of the resort who features various
Bahamian musicians, Junkanoo groups, fire & limbo dancers and a
variety of tasty dishes from their Bahamian style buffet. Albury’s
Ferry will be providing water taxi service from the mainland of Abaco to
Elbow Cay. Sea Spray Resort & Marina (242) 366-0065 www.seasprayresort.com
June 4th-7th - Bahamas Billfish Champion-ship Series (BBC)
Treasure Cay, Abaco
Bragging rights are the order of the day as reputations and hundreds
of thousands of dollars in prizes and cash are up for grabs in the third
leg of the tournament. With this leg of the tournament being held in
Treasure Cay, participants, along with their family and friends will
have the choice of relaxing on one of the best beaches in the Caribbean
or playing a round of golf on an 18 Hole Championship Course.
Treasure Cay Resort & Marina
(242) 365-8801 www.bahamasbillfish.com
June 6th -8th Sandy Point Home-Coming
Sandy Point, Abaco
These annual events serve to bring local residents and other domestic
visitors from neighboring Islands together to share in the many
cultural activities that have been planned for this three day event.
Some of those activities include: a fishing tournament, boat racing,
conch cracking contest, beach volleyball and live entertainment.
Abaco Tourist Office
(242) 367-3067 www.bahamas.com/islands/abaco
June 13th, 20th, 27th & July 4th - Bahamas Goombay Summer Festival
Marsh Harbour, Abaco
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism coordinates a series of festivals
during the summer months to celebrate our Bahamian culture. Both
visitors and locals folk to the festival grounds to experience live
entertainment, native dishes, local craft items, a Junkanoo rush-out and
other cultural expressions in an outdoor setting. Abaco Tourist
Office (242) 367-3067
www.bahamas.com/islands/abaco
June 11th 14th - Abaco Beach Blue Marlin Invitational
Marsh Harbour, Abaco
The Bahamas richest fishing tournament has arrived bringing with it
$100,000 in cash prizes (based on 40 boats). Only 50 invitations will go
out for this inaugural tournament placing anglers in the center of one
of the top Marlin fishing spots in the world. Abaco Beach Resort
& Boat Harbour
(242) 367-2158 www.abacobeachresort.com
June 18th – 21st - Bahamas Billfish Champion-ship Series (BBC)
Marsh Harbour, Abaco
The final leg of the Bahamas Billfish Championships sponsored by
Rolex normally attract scores of seasoned and crafty deep-sea fishermen
all vying for the hundreds of thousands of dollars in prizes and cash.
Participants and spouses in this leg of the championship will have the
opportunity to experience the nightlife scene, excellent shopping and
many dining options. Abaco Beach Resort & Boat Harbour (242)
367-2158
www.bahamasbillfish.com
June 25th -29th - 31st Annual Treasure Cay Billfish Championship
Treasure Cay, Abaco
The Treasure Cay Billfish Championship is a “Mainstay” among the
Abaco fishing events with consistency the order of the day. It caters to
a cross section of fishermen and is a major promotional event for
Northern Abaco. The event also features an awards ceremony and fun
outdoor activities during lay day. Treasure Cay Beach Resort (242)
365-8801
www.treasurecay.com
June 27th-28th - 6th Annual Lionfish Derby
Green Turtle Cay, Abaco
Sign up to compete in this fun and educational derby that is making a
positive difference in our community by controlling the invasive
lionfish population. Participants will have a chance to taste the
delicious lionfish that will be cooked right at the event site and have
the opportunity to win wonderful cash prizes. Green Turtle Club &
Marina (242) 365-4271
www.greenturtleclub.com
July 3rd-11th - 39th Annual Five Towns Regatta Time in Abaco
The Regatta Time sailing event is hoisted between the American and
Bahamian Independence celebrations linking both important
commemorations. This event that involves primarily American sloops
brings dozens of sailing enthusiasts to the Abacos for a fun-filled and
exciting racing series that begins in Green Turtle Cay and ends in Marsh
Harbour. Opening this sailing event is famous Fiddle Cay Beach Party
that is hosted by “Stranded Naked” Sports Wear. Dave & Kathy
Ralph
(242) 367-2677 www.regattatimeinabaco.com
July 9th - Bahamas Independence Celebration
Marsh Harbour, Abaco
The Bahamas will celebrate 41 years as an independent nation. Events
are planned across the Abacos in commemoration of this significant event
in the life of our nation Administrator’s Office (242) 699-0000
July 11th -13th - 2nd Annual Fire Road Fishing Tournament & Festival
Fire Road, Abaco
Local and visiting fishermen show off their skills by competing in
this tournament that is both amusing and competitive. The event also
features live entertainment, native games, an awards presentation and
other cultural activities in a down home setting. Carolee Russell (242)
475-1865
July TBA - Barefoot Man Concert
Great Guana Cay, Abaco
Free summer outdoor concert at Nipper’s Beach Bar & Grill
featuring the distinctive and enjoyable sounds of the Barefoot Man. The
concert is known to pull a huge crowd of devoted fans and concert goers
who are seeking a good time under the sun. Nippers Beach Bar &
Grill (242) 365-5111 www.nippersbar.com
July TBA - Sands ‘Man in the Boat’ Sculling Championships
Treasure Cay, Abaco
Abaconians will once again be vying for the ‘Man in the Boat’ title,
when Sands host their Abaco round of the championship on Treasure Cay
Public Beach. In addition to witnessing the art of sculling and other
water-based activities, attendees will also be able to enjoy live
entertainment and a variety of Bahamian dishes. Mr. Lynden Johnson
(242) 367-2936
August 1st -3rd - 2nd Annual Schooner Bay E-Class Invitational
Schooner Bay, South Abaco
The 2014 E-Class sailing invitational will take place in the harbor
village of Schooner Bay. This competitive, friendly and fun weekend
will not only highlight our rich sailing tradition, but will also
show-off the craft of sculling, Bahamian music and many native dishes.
The event is sponsored by Bahamian Brewery and Sands Beer. (242)
366-2048
www.schoonerbaybahamas.com
October 11th - Abaco Open Water Swim
Marsh Harbour, Abaco
Professional and non-professional swimmers of all ages are invited to
compete in Abaco’s Annual Open Water Swim Race. The race course is
located in the waterway of Marsh Harbour near Albury’s Ferry and is 5K
in length. Persons can also sign up to compete in the paddle board and
kayak challenge. The post race celebration will include great music,
food, drinks and awards. Abaco Tourist Office (242) 367-3067
www.bahamas.com/islands/abaco
November TBA - Annual Guy Fawkes & Bone-Fire Celebrations
Green Turtle Cay, Abaco
Featuring the historical Guy Fawkes Competition, where judging of the
Best Guy and Dancing of the Guy will be the highlight of the night.
Those in attendance will also have the opportunity to feast on delicious
Bahamian food & drinks and gather around a huge bone-fire with
family and friends. Funds raised from this event will assist the Annual
Island Roots Heritage Festival that is held the first weekend in May.
Mrs. Annabelle Cross
(242) 365-4336 www.islandrootsheritagefestival.com
November 8th - 4th Annual Kayak Challenge
Little Harbour, Abaco
Paddlers can choose from three courses – 5 miles, 8 miles or 13 miles
that will take them through a wild and scenic creek. After racing
their course, the competitors are welcome back with a beach party at
Pete’s Pub. Funds raised from the Kayak Challenge will support the Abaco
Cancer Society and Friends of the Environment. Friends of the
Environment (242) 367-2721
www.friendsoftheenvironment.org
November 13th-16th - 2nd Annual Abaco Open Golf Tournament & Family Weekend Festival in Treasure Cay, Abaco
Golfers will be able to compete and demonstrate their skill level on
Treasure Cay’s 18th Hole Championship Golf Course, while enjoying a
fun-packed weekend with their family and friends in a beautiful
location. Treasure Cay Beach Resort (242) 365-8801 www.treasurecay.com
November 28th - 15th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival
Elbow Cay, Abaco
This annual celebration of arts & crafts is held at the lovely
Hope Town Harbour Lodge, where local and international artists display
their paintings, jewelry, carvings and other unique creations. While
shopping and enjoying the beautiful scenery, one can also satisfy the
appetite by sampling an assortment of tasty hor dourves and sparkling
drinks. Hope Town Harbour Lodge (242) 366-0095 www.hopetownlodge.com
November 29th - Hope Town Box Cart Derby
Elbow Cay, Abaco
Box carts of all description are designed and constructed by local
Elbow Cay contenders and other patrons, in time to participate in the
annual ‘Big Hill Box Cart’ challenge and family fun day. Participants
can compete in the junior or senior category, which officially begins at
12 noon at the Hope Town race site. Abaco Tourist Office (242)
367-3067
www.bahamas.com/islands/abaco
December 6th - 11th Annual Abaco Christmas Festival
Marsh Harbour, Abaco
The very popular Christmas Festival is known to kick off the holiday
season here in the Abacos by bringing together family and friends from
near and far. General holiday activities at the festival will include:
early Christmas shopping in the Arts & Crafts Bazaar, a Food Court
filled with Bahamian Dishes, performances from Choirs, Quartets,
Soloists, Marching and Calypso Bands, a Junkanoo Parade, a Dog Show and
other Festive Activities. Abaco Tourist Office (242) 367-3067
www.bahamas.com/islands/abaco
December TBA - 4th Annual Christmas Junkanoo Competition
Elbow Cay, Abaco
Sea Spray Resort & Marina brings Junkanoo to Abaco during the
yuletide season, featuring a number of local groups who compete for top
honor and bragging rights. Residents of Elbow Cay are joined by locals
and visitors who travel from the mainland to enjoy the elaborate
costumes, music and lively performances that are paraded during this
night time event. Sea Spray Resort & Marina (242) -366-0095 www.seasprayresort.com