Ask about BACFEST, the Bayelsa boat regatta festival

TipEvents

Yenagoa, Nigeria
Posted on Oct 30, 2026

About this tip

The Bayelsa African Cultural Festival, or BACFEST, is an annual event that mixes a boat regatta, dance and music competitions and a children's talent hunt. No month is published, and Niger Delta regattas are staged when water levels are high in the rainy season. Ask the Bayelsa State Council for Arts and Culture or your host for the current date and venue before you plan around it. Regatta crews usually dress in native attire, so bring a camera.

Where

Ask about BACFEST, the Bayelsa boat regatta festivalBayelsa State, venue to be confirmed with organisers

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More Tips & Traps in Yenagoa

Confirm the new Radisson in Swali has opened first

Do not plan around the Yenagoa 10km until it returns

Read the government advice for Bayelsa before you book

No life jacket, no boat: creek travel from Swali Jetty

Bayelsa United dropped out of the top flight

Watch Bayelsa Queens at Samson Siasia Stadium

Do not expect a museum at Oloibiri yet

Know Yenagoa well?