The Rotary Club of Antigua is gearing up to host the 17th iteration of its marquee fundraising event, Colours: Welcome to Smurf Village, scheduled for Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the iconic Coolidge Cricket Ground.
Organizers have rolled out a refreshed lineup of changes for 2026, headlined by adjusted event hours running from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. This new timing is crafted to guide attendees through a smooth transition from golden-hour sunset to starlit evening, building a immersive, atmospheric experience that sets the event apart from previous years.
For nearly two decades, Colours has served as the backbone of the Rotary Club of Antigua’s annual community outreach efforts. Every year, the gala unlocks vital funding for a wide range of public service programs spanning the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda. Proceeds from ticket sales go directly to high-priority initiatives, including the Meals on Wheels food assistance program, youth leadership and development projects, scholarship and classroom resource support for local students, and community-wide public health outreach campaigns.
The 2026 theme, Welcome to Smurf Village, was intentionally chosen to center the core value of collective community care. The concept leans into the idea of shared responsibility to lift up vulnerable community members, with the “village” framing serving as a metaphor for unity and coordinated collective action. The playful, Smurf-inspired concept adds a creative, approachable twist to the event’s serious philanthropic mission, reinforcing the simple message that strong, resilient communities rely on every member showing up for one another.
Attendees will get to enjoy a full all-inclusive experience throughout the evening, held in the open-air grounds of the Coolidge Cricket Ground. The event package includes access to premium crafted beverages, a spread of high-quality local and international cuisine, and a carefully curated lineup of musical acts tailored to keep guests entertained from start to finish.
To lean into the 2026 theme, organizers encourage guests to build outfits around the iconic Smurf color palette of blue, red, and white. They also invite attendees to add playful personal touches, from floral patterns to whimsical village-themed accents, but note there are no strict costume requirements. Personal style and self-expression remain front and center for all guests.
The Rotary Club of Antigua has publicly emphasized its gratitude for the consistent backing of event sponsors and community partners, whose annual contributions have been instrumental in growing Colours into one of Antigua’s most enduring and impactful charitable fundraisers. The organization also extended recognition to its long-term supporters, including major corporate partners, local media outlets, and cross-sector community stakeholders, whose work each year makes the event possible.
Now marking its 17th year, Colours has evolved far beyond a simple social gathering. It serves as a bridge connecting local residents and visitors to a greater philanthropic purpose, turning a night of celebration into tangible support for communities across Antigua and Barbuda. Tickets for the 2026 event are currently available for purchase via the TickeTing mobile application, with every ticket purchase directly funding ongoing and future Rotary Club service projects across the islands.