NIFCA 2025 Performing Arts Calendar Showcases the Best of Barbadian Talent

The National Cultural Foundation (NCF) has officially unveiled the NIFCA Performing Arts Calendar for 2025, setting the stage for a vibrant season of artistic excellence under the banner “The Tradition of Excellence Continues.”

The highly anticipated semi-finals, which began on October 10 at Combermere School, have already seen performers from across the island display remarkable creativity, energy, and discipline across multiple genres — from dance and drama to music and spoken word. With the first weekend of semi-final action completed, the excitement now builds toward the continuation of the competition and the series of finals and gala events that will define this year’s National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA).

A Month of Performing Arts Excellence

October continues to be filled with semi-final showcases, all hosted at Combermere School beginning at 6:00 p.m. nightly, leading up to the highly anticipated NIFCA Dance Finals on Friday, October 31 at Frank Collymore Hall from 7:00 p.m.

These performances will determine who advances to the national finals in November, where Barbados’ most talented artists will compete for top honours in music, theatre, culinary arts, literary arts, and visual arts.

Spotlight on November: The Grand Finals and Exhibitions

November marks the peak of the NIFCA season, beginning with the NIFCA Culinary Arts Exhibition and Food Fair on Saturday, November 1 at the Queen’s Park Steel Shed and Grounds from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Later that evening, the Music Finals take centre stage at Frank Collymore Hall from 7:00 p.m., followed by the Theatre Arts Finals on Sunday, November 2, and the Junior Finals on Monday, November 3.

The excitement continues on Friday, November 7 with NIFCA Music in the Square at Golden Square Freedom Park, and the Grand Opening of the NIFCA Visual Arts Finals Exhibition on Saturday, November 15 at Queen’s Park Gallery and Steel Shed from 10:00 a.m. The exhibition will remain open daily (Monday to Saturday) until December 6.

The following weekend will feature the ever-popular NIFCA Movie Night on Saturday, November 15 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., followed by the Performing Arts Gala at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium on Sunday, November 16, and the Literary Arts Gala on Wednesday, November 19.

December Wrap-Up

The NIFCA Visual Arts Exhibition continues through the first week of December, closing on Saturday, December 6 at Queen’s Park Gallery. This final showcase provides art enthusiasts another opportunity to experience the visual storytelling and innovation that NIFCA nurtures year after year.

Honouring the Creative Spirit

Since its inception, NIFCA has stood as the nation’s leading celebration of Barbadian artistry and imagination — a festival that not only highlights local talent but also provides a platform for creative growth and national pride. Each event on the 2025 calendar embodies that commitment, ensuring that the island’s creative pulse continues to thrive across generations.

As the season unfolds, the NCF encourages the public to attend the upcoming shows and exhibitions, support their favourite artists, and celebrate the boundless creativity of Barbados. (PR)