The Abacos'
2007 Calendar of Events
"Generic" and "Official" Calendars (with approximate dates)
The "Generic" calendar has been compiled over the years, and is "generically" relatively complete. If you know of an event NOT included on the following list, please let us know ... we'll be very ahppy to post it!)

PLEASE CLICK HERE for the month-by-month "Official 2007 Events Calendar" for the Abacos as graciously provided by the Abacos' Tourism Office (Wynsom Ferguson and Indira Edwards) in Marsh Harbour.

PLEASE CLICK HERE for the CURRENT MONTH'S Abaco News and Events (courtesy of the Abaco Tourism Office - Indira Edwards)

PLEASE CLICK HERE for the month-by-month "Generic Annual Events Calendar" for the Abacos. DECEMBER || JANUARY || FEBRUARY || MARCH || APRIL || MAY || JUNE || JULY || AUGUST || SEPTEMBER || OCTOBER || NOVEMBER

BAHAMIAN HOLIDAYS: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Whit Monday, Labour Day (June 5th), Independence Day (July 10th), Emancipation Day (August 3rd), Discovery Day (October 12th), Christmas Day (December 25th) and Boxing Day (December 26th). Holidays falling on a weekend are observed on the following Monday.

Webmaster note: Event schedules occasionally change ... especially in "da islans, mon". If you're planning to attend or participate in one of the Abaco events listed on this page, it would be wise to call the event's sponsor or contact number (or, much more reliable -- the Abacos' Tourism Office (242-367-3067) to make sure that what you want is truly what you get.

 

Generic Events Calendar

EARLY DECEMBER
A CHRISTMAS CONCERT UNDER THE STARS
An open air concert featuring a varied repertoire of music ranging from Broadway hits to traditional Christmas tunes performed by top local and international performing artists . Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Hope Town, Elbow Cay. Tickets are: adults $10; children $5. For more information,contact Pat Robertshaw, telephone (242)365-4252; Ivy Roberts, telephone (242)365-4094 or Veronica Saunders (242)367-3643.

AN EVENING OF COMEDY AND MUSIC
Featuring T.I.Brown, Ellen Haynes and Peggy Hall. Location: Home of Mr. Alton Roland Low, Garden Theatre, Black Sound, Green Turtle Cay. Time: 7:30 p.m. Admission: $12; $5 children under 12. Tickets on sale at the door. In the event of rain, the concert will be held in the Lowe Art Gallery. First Sun. in Dec. For further information, contact Pat Robertshaw at (242) 365-4252; Ivy Roberts at (242) 365-4094 or Veronica Saunders at (242) 367-3643.

DECEMBER 26
BOXING DAY (Date to be observed subject to change) - A public holiday.
The day is a traditional English holiday started centuries ago when leftover Christmas goodies were boxed by nobility and landlords and given to servants and tenants.

January 1
JUNKANOO
Rushin' To Junkanoo - New Year's Day
Celebrated on The Abacos' Green Turtle Cay on New Year's Day (and also on Boxing Day [December 26] in Nassau and Freeport), The Bahamas' best known festival is a riotous explosion of color, sound, movement and rhythm. A little like Mardi Gras, a little like Carnival and a little like a Mako Jumby festival, participating in Junkanoo (or just watching) is an experience you'll not soon forget. For pix and the full story on this colorful and fun event, please click here.

JANUARY - SECOND WEEK
BAHAMAS WAHOO TOURNAMENT
Three of a series of five legs. Anglers take up the tough challenge to bait one of the fastest fish in the ocean, reaching speeds up to 70 m.p.h. Location: Great Abaco Beach Resort, Marsh Harbour. For further information call 1 (800) 32-SPORT or (800) 468-4799.

END OF MARCH - BEGINNING OF APRIL
GREAT SOUTHERN AIR RACE
Walker's Cay and Marsh Harbour will be the two fly-by (stops) on the race route, which starts in Daytona Beach and ends in Marco Island, Florida. Sponsored by the Florida Race Pilots Association, Inc. For more information, telephone Alexis Koehleer in Florida at 1-800-247-1006; fax: (904)760-1008 or Peyton Yon at (850) 926-2327.

MAY
TREASURE CAY FISHING TOURNAMENT
Location: Treasure Cay. For further information, telephone the Abaco Tourist Office at (242) 367-3067; fax (242) 367-3068.

MAY
ALTON LOWE SPRING ART EXHIBITION.
An exhibition showcasing paintings by well-known Bahamian artist, Alton Lowe; ship models by Bertrum Lowe and sculpture by James Mastin. A concert to also take place in the Garden Theatre. Location: The Albert Lowe Museum, New Plymouth, Green Turtle Cay. For more information, telephone Mr. Alton Lowe at the Albert Lowe Museum, (242)365-4094 or Ms. Margaret Curry in Nassau at (242) 327-2704.

MAY - FIRST AND SECOND WEK
BERTRAM-HATTERAS SHOOT-OUT
For more information, contact the Abaco Tourist Office at telephone (242) 367-3067; fax (242) 367-3068.

MAY - SECOND AND THIRD WEEK
ANNUAL GREEN TURTLE CLUB INVITATIONAL FISHING TOURNAMENT A challenging, fun, all-fish tournament, attracting anglers to the waters off picturesque Green Turtle in The Abacos. For registration, and further information, contact the Green Turtle Club & Marina, telephone (242)365-4271; fax (242) 365-4272.

May - THIRD AND FOURTH WEEK
THE GREEN TURTLE CLUB's ANNUAL BILLFISH TOURNAMENT
The Green Turtle Club 18th Annual Billfish Tournament is expected to have a large turnout thanks to the hard work and efforts of Commitee Chairman Sue Graeves. The tournament runs from the 19th May to the 22nd. A local artists Art Show will be held on Thursday, May 20th. Please contact the Club directly for additional information.

May - THIRD AND FOURTH WEEK
ANNUAL PENNY TURTLE BILLFISH BALL
Walter Robins on the B&B boat was last year's winner, with a 40lb. catch. Location: Marsh Harbour, Great Abaco Beach Hotel. For further information, contact the Abaco Tourist Office at telephone (242) 367-3067; fax: (242) 367-3068.

May - FOURTH WEEK - FIRST WEK OF JUNE
BAHAMAS BILLFISH CHAMPIONSHIPS
Location: Marsh Harbour, Great Abaco Beach Hotel. For more information, contact the Abaco Tourist Office at telephone (242) 367-3067; fax (242) 367-3068.


JUNE
BAHAMAS BILLFISH TOURNAMENTS
Location: Marsh Harbour. For more information, contact the Abaco Tourist Office at telephone (242) 367-3067; fax (242) 367-3068.

JUNE 1
WHIT MONDAY A public holiday.

JUNE - FIRST WEK
BAHAMAS BILLFISH CHAMPIONSHIPS
Location: Marsh Harbour. Great Abaco Beach Hotel. Commenced May 31. For more information, contact the Abaco Tourist Office at telephone (242) 367-3067; fax (242) 367-3068.

JULY
ANNUAL BOAT HARBOUR ALL-FISH TOURNAMENT
Location: Marsh Harbour. Great Abaco Beach Hotel. For further information, contact Ms. Penny Turtle at the Great Abaco Beach Resort & Boat Harbour Marina at telephone (800) 468-4799 or (242) 367-2158-367-2736; Fax (242) 367-2819.

JULY - FIRST WEEK
AROUND THE ISLANDS RACE FOR THE BAHAMAS SAILING CUP
Visiting yachtsmen challenge the power of their craft in an exciting 40-mile race around Green Turtle Cay and surrounding cays. For registration, and further information, contact the Green Turtle Club & Marina, telephone (242)365-4271; fax (242) 365-4272.

JULY - FIRST AND SECOND WEEK
ANNUAL REGATTA TIME IN ABACO [RTIA]
[Central Abaco - 5 stops] an exciting 9 day annual series of five boat races attracting scores of visiting sailboats to the Sea of Abaco during Bahamas Independence Week. Participants compete for over 100 bronze trophies, skillfully crafted by local Abaco sculptor, Pete Johnston. Highlights include nightly entertainment, free cocktail parties, beach picnics, cultural activities and a grand finale party. For registration forms and further information, write to Regatta Time In Abaco, P.O. Box AB-20551 Marsh Harbour, Abaco, or contact Dave or Kathy Ralph, telephone (242)367-2677; fax (242)367-3677. For the full story (maps, schedules, pix and history) on this colorful and fun event, please click here.

JULY 10
INDEPENDENCE DAY
A public holiday [The Islands Of The Bahamas]. July 5th official activities (festivities, parades and celebrations) will take place to commemorate the anniversary of independence of The Bahamas

MID- TO LATE SEPTEMBER
GREAT ABACO TRIATHLON
A great sporting week-end. Picturesque towns on the island of Abaco become the site of road races, kids triathlon, a Sprintman race (0.5 mile swim - 15 mile bike - 3 mile run) and the feature event, the Marsh Harbour - Great Abaco Triathlon, an Olympic distance event comprising 0.5 mile swim - 15 mile bike - 3 mile run. Location: Marsh Harbour. For further information, contact Brenda Mitchell ion in Marsh Harbour at (242) 367-3498-3431 or the Abaco Tourist Office, telephone (242)367-3067; fax (242)367-3068. For the full story on this colorful and fun event, please click here.

SEPTEMBER - SECOND or THIRD WEEK
ABACO SAILING REGATTA
Green Turtle - Treasure Cay. For more information, contact Rev. Philip McPhee at the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture at (242) 394-0445; fax: (242) 394-5920. For the full story on this colorful and fun event, please click here.

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OFFICIAL EVENTS CALENDAR - Abaco Tourism Office (provided by Jeritzan Outten (Director), Wynsom Ferguson and Indira Edwards of the Abaco Tourism Office -- 242-367-3067

CALENDAR OF EVENTS - ABACO 2007

Jan 1st
New Year's Day Junkanoo, Green Turtle Cay
(Contact the Abaco Tourist Office, Phone: (242)-367-3067)
Mid-morning community based junkanoo parade & food festival in downtown, New Plymouth, officially begins the New Year. It is an annual reunion and heritage event for hundreds of residents and visitors alike. Junkanoo is the celebrated street festival in the Bahamas; however, this Green Turtle event blends the traditional music and dance of junkanoo with local variants making for unique entertainment.

Jan 10th-13th
Bahamas Wahoo Championship, Treasure Cay
(Treasure Cay Beach Resort, Phone: (242)-365-8801)

Jan 20th
Pre-Country Music Concert, Treasure Cay
(Contact the Abaco Tourist Office, Phone: (242-367-3067)
Leading up to the 2nd Annual Country Music Concert, there will be a live performance by Steve Azar, a modern country music star from Nashville Tennessee.

Feb 2nd-4th
Abaco Art Festival, Marsh Harbour
(Abaco Beach Resort, Phone: (242)-367-2158)
Abaco based Artists and Artisans are brought together with others from throughout the country to display their products. This event showcases extensive talent and allows patrons the pleasure of purchasing a range of fine and unusual creations.

Feb 17th
2nd Annual Country Music Concert,
(Contact the Abaco Tourist Office, Phone: (242) 367-3067)
Performing at this year's concert will be Billy Yates, a contemporary and traditional country music star. Tickets for this event will be on sale, which funds will aid a local organization.

Feb 17th
Annual Man-O-War Craft & Trade Fair
(For further information call 242-365-6049)
Local crafts, general items, food and drinks are featured at this popular fair that directly benefits the Man-O-War School.

Feb 28
People to People/Winter Residents Reception,
(Contact the Abaco Tourist Office, Phone: (242) 367-3067)
This event presents an opportunity for local People to People Volunteers, facilitated by the Ministry of Tourism, Abaco Office, to meet and interact with Winter Residents in an annual 'get together.' Bahamian music, food and other cultural expressions are highlighted.

Mar 2nd-3rd
Hope Town's Annual Heritage Day
(Contact the Abaco Tourist Office, Phone: (242) 367-3067)
The Annual Heritage Day is held at the park and museum area of town. Generally featured are: historical speakers, new book signings, traditional school songs and cultural dances; a mini boat parade with historic flags; sculling 'dingy' boats with single-oars; arts & crafts, shell collection displays; museum tours, demonstration of threatened loyalist style homes in addition to Bahamian cuisine freshly prepared for purchase.

March 17th
Annual Reef Ball, Marsh Harbour
(Contact Friends of the Environment, Phone: (242)-367-2721)
Fundraiser for Friends of the Environment held at Abaco Beach Resort.

March 25th
Barefoot Man Concert, Guana Cay
(Nipper's Beach Bar & Grill, Phone: (242)-365-5143)
The world famous Nippers Beach Bar & Grill on Guana Cay attracts hundreds of visitors and locals year after year with its live entertainment, its signature drink the nipper juice, Bahamian dishes and the partying atmosphere.

April 16th-19th
Bahamas White Marlin Open Fishing Tournament
(Treasure Cay Beach Resort, Phone: (242)-365-8801)

April 30th-May 4th
Sea Spray Resort Fishing Tournament, Elbow Cay
(Sea Spray Resort, Phone: (242)-366-0065)
Deep Sea Fishing has a home in White Sound, Elbow Cay. This event caters to fishing enthusiasts wishing to visit the Abacos and enjoy the hunt of Blue Marlin and Tuna. It also brings out the novice fishermen and is a promotional event for the resort and the Abacos.

April TBA
Cedar Harbour Homecoming Festival
Cedar Harbour Park, Cedar Harbour, Abaco
These annual events serve to bring local residents and other domestic visitors from neighbouring islands together to share in Cultural Activities, Games, Food, Drinks and worship. They generate economic activity and lend to the promotion and development of Bahamian heritage indigenous to these communities.

April TBA
Grand Cay Home-Coming Festival
The traditional heritage based event called "homecoming" reunites local residents and other domestic visitors in cultural activities, games, food, drinks and worship. These events have tremendous value for tourism promotion and cultural development between the Islands of the Bahamas. For further information call (242)-353-1306

April TBA
Annual Seashell Show
A variety of Bahamian shells is showcased in authentic art and craft fashion. The venue is at Cherokee Sound, Abaco

April 22nd-27th
BBC Marsh Harbour Championship
(Abaco Beach Resort, Phone: (242) 367-2158)
The Bahamas Billfish Championships sponsored by Rolex, is considered the premier fishing series in the Bahamas. This leg of the championships kicks off the five leg series of an event that attracts dozens of seasoned and crafty deep-sea fishermen. Bragging rights are the order of the day as reputations and hundreds of thousands of dollars in prizes and cash are up for grab.

April 19th-29th
Abaco Anglers Fishing Tournament, Hope Town
(Contact 1(242) 366-3151 or (242)359-6111)
This Deep Sea and Bottom Fishing Tournament has been a part of the 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.

May 1st-5th
Marine Max Hatteras Invitational, Marsh Harbour
(Abaco Beach Resort, Phone: (242)-367-2158)
The first full release tournament for the Abacos, featuring lots of fun and exciting events.

May 4th-6th
4th Annual Island Roots Heritage Festival
(New Plymouth, Green Turtle. Phone: (242) 367-3067)
The communities of Green Turtle Cay, Abaco and Key West Florida enjoy a common heritage with a similar history. This event is intended to become a vehicle to connect familial and historical ties common to residents of these islands across geographical and national lines furthering the "Sister City" concept. Descendents will be brought together to share in cultural activities, games, food, drinks and worship. This festival has tremendous external marketing value for Green turtle Cay and the Abacos as a destination both for international and domestic tourism promotion.

May 8th-12th
Bertram Hatteras Shootout (Billfish Tourney).
(Abaco Beach Resort, Marsh Harbour Phone: 242-367-2158)
The Bertram Hatteras Shootout, commonly referred to as "The Shootout" is the creme de la creme of the tournaments held in the Abacos. Select groups of "High End" clientele grace this event each year seeking to exact revenge against their contemporaries. The Bertram and Hatteras group of companies jointly sponsors this event.

June TBA
Little Abaco Homecoming, Fox Town Abaco
The annual 'homecoming' event for this community is prepared by a committee that invites family and friends to return for a weekend of celebrations in Cultural Activities, Games, Food, Drinks and worship. Economic activity is generated community-wide as old family ties and friendship are renewed.

June TBA
Sandy Point Home-Coming/Mini Regatta, Sandy Point
(Contact the Abaco Tourist Office, Phone: (242)367-3067)
In addition to "homecoming" activities, this event also promotes the Bahamian sailing sloop, sailing regattas. Usually a mid size competition, the community takes pride in attracting some of the best skippers. Local residents and other visitors from islands of the Bahamas reunite and celebrate in Cultural Activities, Games, Food, Drinks and church service.

June 3rd-8th
BBC Treasure Cay Championship
(Treasure Cay Beach Resort, Phone: (242) 365-8801)
The 4th leg of the Bahamas Billfish Championships sponsored by Rolex is hosted with valuable prizes and major cash awards at Treasure Cay Resort. In addition to great fishing, participants in this leg of the championships get to take in world class golf, tennis and one of the top ten beaches in the world.

June 10th-15th
24th Annual Treasure Cay Billfish Championship
(Treasure Cay Beach Resort, Phone: (242) 365-8801)
The Treasure Cay Billfish Championships 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 beach volleyball and a native arts and crafts show on the lay day.

June TBA
Goombay Summer Festival Marsh Harbour
(Contact the Abaco Tourist Office, Phone: (242) 367-3067)
A Bahamian Street Festival, Goombay is the rhythm we know as Bahamian music and is also the name of this native festival. It captures several elements of our culture on a single stage for a dramatic one-night experience over several weeks of the summer. Authentic Bahamian cultural encounters: native music, food, dance, and arts and crafts are presented.

June 17th-22nd
BBC Boat Harbour Championship, Marsh Harbour
(Abaco Beach Resort, Phone: (242) 367-2158)
This is the final leg of the Bahamas Billfish Championships sponsored by Rolex and will attract scores of seasoned and crafty deep-sea fishermen all vying for the hundreds of thousands of dollars in prizes and cash. Spouses of the anglers participate in a People to People Luncheon and silent auction for charity, while the overall results for all of the legs are tallied and a festive awards' banquet is prepared by the organizers.

July 3rd-11th
Five Towns Regatta Time In Abaco
(Contact Dave & Kathy Ralph, Phone (242) 367-2677)
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. One highlight of the race is the Fiddle Cay Party hosted by "Stranded Naked" Sports Wear. The Series begins at Green Turtle Cay with stops at Gt. Guana Cay and Nippers; Man-O-War Cay dubbed the "Sailing Capital of the World"; Hope Town, home of the world famous candy striped lighthouse and Marsh Harbour, the commercial hub of the Abacos. The regatta is in its 32nd year and is an important promotional event for Abacos.

July TBA
Goombay Summer Festival, Marsh Harbour
(Contact the Abaco Tourist Office, Phone: (242)-367-3067)
Goombay street festival on the 'Goombay Park' will continue its cultural experience, featuring native music, food, dance, and arts and crafts.

July TBA
Bahamas Independence Celebrations
(Contact the Administration Office, Phone: (242)-367-2343)
The Bahamas will celebrate 33 years as an independent nation. Events are planned across the Abacos in commemoration of this significant event in the life of our young nation. Celebration of the event will be held on Goombay Park, Marsh Harbour at 6:00pm-12:00midnight.

July TBA
Goombay Summer Festival, Marsh Harbour
(Contact the Abaco Tourist Office, Phone: (242)-367-3067)
Goombay street festival on the 'Goombay Park' will continue its cultural experience, featuring native music, food, dance, and arts and crafts.

Aug TBA
Goombay Summer Festival, Marsh Harbour
(Contact the Abaco Tourist Office, Phone: (242)-367-3067)
Goombay street festival on the 'Goombay Park' will continue its cultural experience, featuring native music, food, dance, and arts and crafts.

Aug TBA
Moore's Island Home-Coming, Moore's Island
This event will encourage a return of indigenous folks and other visitors to share in community activities, food, drinks, worship and entertainment. Activities will lend to the promotion and development of local culture and financial support to these communities.

Aug 3rd-5th
Black Wood Community Home-Coming, Blackwood
A local community 'homecoming' week-end of celebrations; the public is invited to join family and friends in food, drink and entertainment.

Aug TBA
Goombay Summer Festival, Marsh Harbour
(Contact the Abaco Tourist Office, Phone: (242)-367-3067)
This is the last 2 weeks of the summer cultural celebration at the Marsh Harbour Goombay Park. It provides a glimpse inside the Bahamian cultural experience, featuring native music, food & drink, dance and calypso bands, arts and crafts, junkanoo parades and the Bahamas Police marching and pop bands.

Oct TBA
Abaco Open Water Swim Race, Marsh Harbour
(Contact the Abaco Tourist Office, Phone: (242)-367-3067)
5k triangular race course located in the waterway of Marsh Harbour. Bahamian world class swimmers, locals and visiting competitors, swim for the gold or just for fun.

Oct 18-20
3rd Abaco Bridal Extravaganza, Marsh Harbour
(Contact the Abaco Tourist Office, Phone: (242)-367-3067)
This exciting three-day event is hosted by the Abaco Tourist Office. The Abaco Signature Wedding, 'a message in a conch shell', is introduced at the bridal trade show. Practical activities as well as a workshop and lectures will take place.

Nov TBA
Annual Guy Fawkes Celebrations, Green Turtle Cay
Featuring the historical Guy Fawkes Competition with the burning of 'guy' effigies, food drinks and music. Hosted by the Island Roots Heritage Festival Committee. New Plymouth, Green Turtle Cay.

Nov 24th
Hope Town Big Hill Box Cart Derby, Hope Town
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 fun day. Participants can compete in the junior or senior category, which officially begins at 12 noon at the Hope Town race site. Proceeds go towards youth sports development.

Dec 8th
4th Annual Abaco Christmas Festival, Marsh Harbour (Contact the Abaco Tourist Office, Phone: 242-367-3067) The Ministry of Tourism with business and service clubs of the Abacos host the annual "Abaco Christmas Festival." General activities are: a taste of Abaco's finest cuisine, visit with Santa & free "Toys and games for all Tots;" Arts & Crafts Bazaar, Choirs, Quartets, Soloists, Marching and Calypso Bands, Junkanoo Parades, all day Live Entertainment, concluding with the Marsh Harbour Christmas Boat Parade, and spectacular Fireworks.

Dec TBA
Junior Junkanoo, Marsh Harbour
Island schools are brought together to compete in the Bahamas' most dramatic street festival. This event enters its third year and is held in conjunction with similar events across the major islands of the Bahamas.

Dec TBA
Annual Junkanoo Parade
Green Turtle Cay - usually held in the afternoons of Boxing Day (12/26) and New Years Day

Dec TBA
Annual Junkanoo Parade
This major junkanoo festival is held during early morning hours in downtown Marsh Harbour. This is an annual celebration of Bahamian heritage and culture for hundreds of residents and visitors alike. This competitive event evokes the passion of community groups in the traditional music, costumes and dance of our junkanoo celebration with local groups competing for supremacy on this uniquely Bahamian stage.