Barbados Reggae Weekend Relocates to Kensington Oval for 2026

Popcaan and Super Cat top a lineup as organisers confirmed on February 26, 2026 that Barbados Reggae Weekend will move to Kensington Oval in St. Michael for its 2026 staging. The announcement was made at the event’s official launch at the Sandals Royal Barbados Ballroom in Maxwell, Christ Church.

The weekend runs April 24 to April 26, 2026 and opens with the Legends of Reggae show on April 24, followed by Showdown on April 25 and Reggae in the Gardens on April 26. The Legends of Reggae Show & Dance, billed as “powered by Q100.7 FM,” is listed with a start time of 7:00 PM on April 24 and an end time of 1:00 AM on April 25 at Kensington Oval, St. Michael.

Artistes named for the weekend include international and headline acts Super Cat, Barrington Levy, Sister Nancy and Norris Man, alongside Capleton, General Degree, Dexter Daps and Popcaan. Local performers specifically named in the roster include Biggie Irie and DJ Puffy, with organisers describing the lineup as joined by a strong cast of other local acts.

Sponsorship Manager Michelle Straughn framed the relocation as part of a growth push for the festival, saying, “Barbados Reggae Weekend is here to stay. We are increasing and looking to raise the profile of Barbados by bringing more people from overseas and taking it to an international level.” Straughn also linked the event to an islandwide economic boost, noting that “April has traditionally been a slow month in Barbados… so this is a way to bring people to the island at this time of year,” and saying the impact extended beyond hotels to small businesses such as hairdressers, barbers and boutique operators.

Anthony Greene, General Manager of Starcom Network, positioned the venue move as part of a necessary refresh for the festival’s longevity, saying, “Reinvention is no longer optional… those decisions reflect a festival that understands the urgency of staying relevant in a fast-changing environment.” Greene added that Starcom remained committed as a key media partner in connecting the event with audiences across generations.

Organisers noted the relocation is being positioned as both a capacity and production upgrade to support the festival as it grows. Now in its third year, Barbados Reggae Weekend has attracted between 20 000 and 25 000 patrons over the past two years, including visitors from across the Caribbean, North America and beyond, figures organisers cite when discussing the need for a larger, more technically equipped venue.

Promotional copy for the opening night frames the Legends show as a chance to hear “the icons of reggae and their timeless hits,” promising live bands and a mix “from vintage reggae to classic dancehall, or ‘old dub’ as we say in Barbados,” and closing with the tagline: “Feel the rhythm. Live the Vibez.” With Kensington Oval confirmed for 2026, organisers are betting the stadium’s capacity and production capabilities will support the festival’s goal of expanding overseas attendance and extending the island’s April tourism season.