Time for the Barbados Food and Rum Festival

Now in its eighth consecutive year, the Barbados Food and Rum Festival has become a must-attend celebration of all things culinary.

The fest has showcased the talent of both local and international chefs and mixologists, as well as helping cement Barbados’ reputation as the “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean”.

The main events take place over the course of one long weekend in November each year—this year the festival runs from November 16-19. Here's what you should expect during a visit and how else you can entertain yourself on the island during any free time.

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What Foodie Events Can I Expect?

The festival kicks off in the historic fishing village of Oistins, where local chefs will be grilling up a whole array of fresh meats and seafood while also performing a cook-off under the stars.

After that, there are several “Gourmet Safaris” held over the course of the festival; They feature top international chefs cooking up a specially-selected menu at several of the island’s fine dining restaurants.

Finally, on the last evening of the festival, visitors can enjoy the Feet in the Sand beach party, held on the shoreline of Needham’s Point Beach, where live musical performances and food tasting stations provide an atmospheric backdrop.

READ MORE: Barbados Makes Name for Itself with Americans

What about the Rum?

If you’ve ever wanted to learn about the process of making rum, as well as the specific tasting notes and flavor profiles, then you’ve come to the right festival.

Barbados is considered the birthplace of rum—its first distillery was opened in the early 1700s—so the smooth, dark spirit plays an important role in this delicious celebration of local life.

A “Rum Extravaganza” is the highlight of the alcohol-based part of the festival, where visitors can sample local rums and rum-based cocktails, as well as chef-prepared hors d’oeuvres that have been cooked to perfectly complement the flavor of the spirits.

And if that isn’t enough, you can always take a tour around the Mount Gay Rum distillery and enjoy the free tasting session at the end.

What Else?

On Saturday afternoon, you can enjoy an exciting game of polo while sipping mixologist-made cocktails that have been inspired by the graceful game. (Hey, anything less would be uncivilized.)

There will also be plenty of delicious canapes and mingling.

READ MORE: Barbados Partners with US Polo Club

Then there's the inevitable sunbathing and pool lounging that comes with a Barbados vacation—that should be a given.

But for a taste of history, you can take a tour around St Nicholas Abbey, a 17th Century sugar plantation and mansion, or stroll around the Barbados Museum and Historical Society. The limestone caverns of Harrison’s Cave is a fascinating natural phenomenon, as is Animal Flower Cave, complete with coral floor and natural rock pools.

And for something completely different, spend a few hours watching the horse racing at Garrison Savannah Racetrack, a historic racing venue where you can also dine on traditional Barbadian food.

Find out more about the Barbados Food and Rum Festival, including full lineup and timings, on the official website.