Festivals
Join the festivities...feel the good vibes with Jamaica's unique culture of year-round celebrations.
Take advantage of Jamaica’s many exciting annual festivals from reggae concerts, food festivals to cultural and historical events. As an option, we can purchase advance tickets on behalf of your party, accompany and transport your group to/from the events. Many festivals span multiple days, with different attractions each day so plan ahead to make the best of your stay. Below are some upcoming events you may want to consider. Contact us for a full list of events you can attend during your stay.
Accompong Maroon Festival
January | St. Elizabeth Parish
Get a peek into Jamaica’s culturally historical Maroon community of former rebel slaves in rural Accompong. Come join in on their unique annual festival commemorating their historical treaty which granted them automy. The event includes a ceremony paying respect to their ancestors, feasting on fiery home cooking, dancing and traditional myal drumming. It all culminates in a giant parade and a sound-system dance party that continues throughout the night.
REBEL SALUTE
January | St. Ann Parish
Be a part of the Caribbean's largest showcase of roots reggae and dancehall music featuring both exciting new and veteran artists. The two day event is “wholesome and family friendly”, offering healthy Rastafarian “ital” food, as well crafs by local artisan vendors. No alcohol is allowed but a specially enclosed “Herb Curb” area allows patrons to learn more about the sacred plant of Rastafari, cannabis and interact with vendors showcasing their educational, spiritual, medicinal and recreational products.
Bob Marley’s Birthday Bash
February | Negril
Let’s get together...with One Love for the annual Bob Marley’s Birthday Bash. Join in on a musical communion with fans the world over to celebrate the international legend of reggae. Four days of the celebrations include Friday night Nyahbinghi drumming, the big star-studded Bob Marley Birthday Bash on Saturday, the Original Dancehall Party on Sunday and the Royal Bob Marley Celebrations on Monday.
Saint Ann Kite Festival
Easter Monday | St. Ann Parish
Enjoy a whole day of fun for the whole family on the beach with a lively display and competition of kites of all shapes and colors. Local food, as well as activities and cultural performances for the children are also offered. Top off the day with an evening filled with staged music performances by the island’s exciting reggae artists.
Jamaica Carnival (Bacchanal)
April | Kingston, Negril, Montego Bay
Get your costumes ready and immerse yourself in the lively revelries of one of Jamaica’s largest celebrations. Join in on the parades and parties filled with colorful costumes, dancing, and food. Events are backed by a line up of local and Caribbean musicians and DJs blasting the high-energy sounds of soca music. Don't miss the Beach Jouvert, Reveller’s Fete and Bacchanal Jouvert & Road March.
Ocho Rios Jazz Festival
May | Ochos Rios, Kingston
Jazz up your stay in Jamaica with this classy week-long festival of jazz. Starting in 1991, the festival has expanded beyonds it’s Ochos Rios origins to encompass performances at Kingston night clubs and to a jazz cruise. It continues to showcase a distinguished line-up of local, Caribbean and international jazz musicians.
Reggae Sumfest
July | Montego Bay
Billed as the largest reggae concert festival in Jamaica, Reggae Sumfest launches a week of parties beginning with the Sumfest Beach Party, a sunset cruise party, the dress-to-impress, All White Party on the docks, and two nights of music. The festivities culminate in two nights of thrilling live performances. The first night is Dancehall Night and the second, International Night. Past artists have included greats such as stars as Damian "Junior Gong" Marley, The Mighty Diamonds, Toots & the Maytals, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer as well as international artists including 50 Cent, Rihanna and Usher.
Independence Weekend: Dream Weekend
August | Negril
Between Emancipation Day and Independence Day, the entire island comes alive with national pride. Among the festivities, Dream Weekend on the white sand beaches of Negril promises to be the most popular and wildest event on the island with thousands taking part. The event spans 5 days of back-to-back, world-class themed parties with high-energy music by local and international artists and DJs. It's inclusive of the best local liquor and gourmet food. Book your trip early to get the early-bird price!
Frenchmen Heroes Weekend
October | Ochos Rios
The premium annual party in Ochos Rios spans the weekend with round the clock fetes filled with good vibes. The Frenchmen welcome stylish patrons for a classy gathering on a wide stretch of white sand beach. Enjoy the all-inclusive event with extensive selection of delectable food stations, resting lounges, premium drinks flowing from the bars and a variety of music by the the hottest international DJs. Dress to impress with beach chic wear and for the Nitecap event, prepare your best pajamas and lingerie outfit. The climax of the last evening features colorful explosions of fireworks.
Harbour Fest and Fireworks on the Waterfront
December | Kingston
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in sunny and warm Kington at the free Harbour Fest and Fireworks on the Waterfront. Join thousands of locals for a fun-filled day for the entire family. Browse the massive vendor’s arcade where handmade arts and crafts, jewelry, and savory local cuisine are for sale. Bring the kids to the Kiddies Village for face painting, clowns, rides, and storytelling. Kick off the evening with a music concert by a line up of Jamaican artists and ring in the new year with a dazzling midnight fireworks display.