The Fiji International Netball Festival 2026 brings local and travelling teams together in Lautoka from December 9 to 17, 2026. Four official game days take place at Church Hill Park and the Lautoka Multi-Purpose Courts, while a nine-day programme adds a netball clinic, community connections, a gala evening, and Fiji cultural experiences.
This is not simply a tournament. The festival asks travelling clubs and schools to play alongside local teams, support them from the sideline and, where possible, sponsor 50% of a Fijian team’s registration. The purpose is to build friendships and give back through sport, culture, and youth participation.
"For players, coaches and families, December 2026 in Lautoka offers a practical way to combine competitive netball with a deeper experience of Fiji."
Fiji Netball Festival 2026 Dates
A Celebration of Sport and Culture
The International Netball Festival’s official website lists the Lautoka, Fiji festival from December 9 to 17, 2026. The event is described as a nine-day programme of netball, culture, and fun.
The game schedule is more specific:
- Friday, December 12, 2026: Game day.
- Saturday, December 13, 2026: Game day.
- Monday, December 15, 2026: Game day.
- Tuesday, December 16, 2026: Game day and festival gala evening.
"The Festival Gala Evening is scheduled for Tuesday, December 16, from 6:45 p.m. at First Landing Resort."
One calendar inconsistency needs care. The overall festival website states December 9–17, while the Humanitix tournament page gives four game dates that run December 12–16. Treat December 9–17 as the travel and cultural programme window, and December 12–16 as the confirmed game and gala period. Ask the organiser for the full 2026 itinerary before booking flights.
Where the Games Are Played
Exploring Lautoka's Sporting Venues
The primary playing location is Church Hill Park, Yawini Street, Lautoka, with games also listed at the Lautoka Multi-Purpose Courts. International Netball Festival identifies the courts at the corner of Yawini and Verona Streets.
This is an important detail for teams staying in Nadi, Denarau, or coastal resorts. Lautoka is not in Nadi. Build transport time into every game day and avoid assuming that a resort transfer will be available at the exact time a team needs to warm up.
Once the draw is released, team managers should confirm:
- The exact court for each match.
- Arrival and registration time.
- Warm-up space and ball rules.
- Changing-room and first-aid arrangements.
- Weather or rain-delay procedures.
- Parent and spectator viewing areas.
Four Game Days, One Team Limit
Managing Teams and Expectations
The tournament has four official game days. Each team must have exactly 10 players, according to the 2026 registration page. Teams that exceed the limit may be penalised.
"A 10-player squad means every athlete should be prepared to contribute, whether that is on court, in warm-ups, through bench support or in the team’s off-court commitments."
The festival welcomes social and competitive teams from clubs and schools internationally, alongside local community teams in Fiji. It also says that individuals are welcome to join a team, and some travelling squads may seek additional players to complete their ten-player roster.
More Than a Tournament
Netball, Culture, and Community
The festival’s central promise is to combine netball, culture, community, and giving back. The organiser describes visits to Fijian villages and islands, cultural activities, and the chance to play local teams alongside international guests.
"A travelling team may bring coaching ideas or equipment, but it also has much to learn from Fijian players, families, and communities."
The festival also says sponsored local teams may request specific netball donations, such as sports gear, clothing, footwear, or stationery. That is an opportunity to contribute thoughtfully, not to arrive with items that may not be useful. Ask what is needed through the organiser before packing donations.
The Festival Gala Evening
A Night of Celebration and Connection
The Tuesday, December 16, 2026 gala is one of the clearest social highlights. It begins at 6:45 p.m. at First Landing Resort. The official page describes it as a time for all teams to celebrate, bond, and present their talents through team acts.
"The gala also reinforces the event’s community character. It is not only an awards dinner. It gives athletes from different countries and local Fijian teams time to meet away from the court."
The registration page is clear that a meal is not included. If your group assumes dinner comes with entry, check with the organiser first. If you sponsor a Fijian team, you may also choose to arrange dinner for that group in advance.
Lautoka and Fiji’s West Coast
Discovering the Essence of Fiji
Lautoka is on the western side of Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island. It is a useful base for teams because it offers access to the festival courts and is relatively close to Nadi International Airport. The west coast is also a gateway to resort areas, island day trips, and local cultural experiences.
A balanced programme might include:
- Arriving early enough to recover from travel before the first game day.
- Keeping match days focused on hydration, meals, and team preparation.
- Joining festival cultural activities when they do not conflict with fixtures.
- Scheduling resort or island excursions outside the confirmed match window.
- Leaving at least one recovery period before the flight home.
"Fiji’s hospitality is often described through the word bula, a greeting associated with warmth and welcome."
Registration, Prices, and Team Packages
Understanding the Costs and Inclusions
The official 2026 pages invite teams to enquire now, but they do not publish a universal tour price, team registration fee, or spectator entry cost. International Netball Festival packages can vary depending on accommodation, group size, transport, excursions, and whether a team is travelling internationally or registering locally.
Before paying, request a written quote that states:
- Team registration fee.
- Accommodation standard and number of nights.
- Ground transport and airport transfers.
- Game-day court access and umpire provision.
- Netball clinic and cultural activities.
- Gala entry and whether dinner is extra.
- Sponsorship contribution, if applicable.
- Cancellation and substitution policy.
- Insurance and medical arrangements.
Why This Festival Has a Wider Purpose
Building Bridges Through Sport
International Netball Festival says its mission is to bring families and youth together, blend cultures and communities through netball, and encourage young players to remain active in sport. It presents the Fiji programme as a way to build confidence, team bonding, personal growth, and mental wellbeing through travel and competition.
For parents, the festival can be more meaningful than watching a scoreline. It is a chance to see young people grow in confidence as they navigate travel, competition, and cross-cultural friendship.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Things People Always Want to Know
When is the Fiji International Netball Festival 2026?
The full Lautoka festival is listed for December 9–17, 2026. The four game days are December 12, 13, 15, and 16.
Where are the games played?
At Church Hill Park and the Lautoka Multi-Purpose Courts in Lautoka, Fiji. The courts are listed at the corner of Yawini and Verona Streets.
How many players can be on a team?
Teams must have exactly 10 players. The organiser says teams may be penalised if they exceed that number.
Is the tournament for competitive teams only?
No. International Netball Festival welcomes both competitive and social clubs and schools, as well as local and international teams. Individuals may also be able to join a team.
What is the Fiji Netball Festival gala?
The Festival Gala Evening is on Tuesday, December 16, at 6:45 p.m. at First Landing Resort. Teams gather for celebration, bonding, and team acts. Dinner is not included in the listed gala information.
How much does the 2026 Fiji International Netball Festival cost?
A standard 2026 team or tour price was not published in the reviewed official information. Teams should request a current quote based on their accommodation, transport, and package needs.
Can travelling teams support a local Fiji team?
Yes. The festival invites clubs and schools to apply to sponsor 50% of a Fijian team’s registration and build a connection by cheering, sharing cultural activities, and providing requested sports donations where appropriate.
Verified Information at a Glance
- Event category: International club and school netball competition, cultural exchange, and community programme.
- Event name: Fiji International Netball Festival 2026.
- Overall festival dates: December 9–17, 2026.
- Game days: Friday, December 12; Saturday, December 13; Monday, December 15; and Tuesday, December 16, 2026.
- Location: Lautoka, Fiji.
- Game venues: Church Hill Park and Lautoka Multi-Purpose Courts, corner of Yawini and Verona Streets.
- Team limit: Exactly 10 players per team.
- Umpires: Provided by the festival.
- Festival Gala Evening: Tuesday, December 16, 2026, from 6:45 p.m., First Landing Resort. Meal is not included in the listed gala information.
- Participation: Open to competitive and social clubs, schools, local teams, travelling teams, and some individual players seeking a team.
- Giving-back programme: Travelling teams can apply to sponsor 50% of a Fijian team’s registration.
- Tour price, registration fee, age divisions, fixture format, and full itinerary: Not published in the reviewed official information; enquire directly with International Netball Festival.
Bring your team to Lautoka in December 2026 ready to compete, learn, and connect. Once the final fixtures and travel packages are confirmed, make the Fiji International Netball Festival more than a sports tour by sharing the court, the culture, and the celebration with the communities who make the event possible.
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