Experience the 2019 Music, Food and Arts Festivals of Jamaica
2020 Jamaica Carnival, Festival & Events Calendar:
Take a deep breath, there are lots of things to do in Jamaica. FYI – Sporting / Athletic Events are listed at the bottom of the page…
Mojito Mondays begin at the start of the year in January at Southdale Plaza in Kingston. The number one Monday party in Jamaica, Uptown Mondays carries the swing in Kingston and is frequently visited by some of the most popular dancehall artists and celebrities.
The High Times Bright Side Music Festival (formerly the Cannabis Cup) takes place from January 9 to 13 in Runaway Bay featuring Rebelution, Common Kings, Alborosie and more…
The Rebel Salute, a Reggae Music Festival featuring over 50 artists, along with arts, food and herb displays, happens January 17 & 18 at Plantation Cove, located between Runaway Bay and Ocho Rios.
Jamaica Winterfest blues music festival is being held January 23 through the 30 in Montego Bay.
Carnival in Jamaica kicks off on January 24 and ends April 22. Events take place at the National Stadium and Independence Park with elaborate and themed costumes, making a colourful kaleidoscope along the city streets with hypnotic rhythms attracting locals and visitors alike. Signature bands include Bacchanal Jamaica, Jamaica Carnival, Xaymaca International, Xodus and the Ocho Rios Carnival. The season is indeed a unique expression of our island spirit and showcases to the world a carnival unique to Jamaica. Some of the highlights of the season include:
- Bacchanal Fridays
- Beach Jouvert
- Reveller’s Fete
- Bacchanal Jouvert
- Road March
The Back to the Island Concert takes place January 31 through February 4 at Melia Braco Resort in Trelawny. It is a rare musical escape with several themed/featured activities and new experiences. Guests spend 5 days (4 nights) in a tropical paradise, watching Hanson and very special guests performing each night right on the beach.
The Kingston Creative event takes place monthly from February through December in Downtown, Kingston. The creative city teems with art, live entertainment and so much more. Patrons will be schooled in the history and architecture of the city, the natural beauty of Kingston Harbour; they can visit the larger-than-life-murals of Fleet Street, and key locations such as the National Gallery and the Ward Theatre.
Reggae Month takes place February 1 to February 29 at the Bob Marley Museum recurring weekly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Some of the signature celebrations on the Reggae Month Calendar include:
- February 1 – Dennis Brown’s Birthday
- February 6 – Bob Marley’s Birthday
- Reggae Open University lectures and workshops
- Reggae Wednesdays
- The Reggae Icons Concert
- JARIA Honour Awards
Bob Marley Celebrations takes place February 1 to February 6 at the Bob Marley Museum, recurring daily. Music icon Robert Nesta “Bob” Marley is celebrated through several events including a concert on his birthday, February 6 to celebrate his legacy.
‘Poetry in Motion‘, a Music, Dance, Comedy, Story Telling, Fashion and Poetry event occurs February 23 at the Manchester Golf Club
Blues On The Beach, Negril will be held on February 2 at Drifters Bar. This is an annual entertainment extravaganza that features international and Jamaican Blues and Soul artists with a bevy of musicians. Performances usually start in the afternoon and continue into the early evening.
Dub Club events will begin on February 2 recurring every Sunday at Skyline Drive in Jackshill, St. Andrew (overlooking Kingston). The event features 100% undiluted Roots, Rockers, Reggae and Dub music. Come enjoy the best of Jamaica’s local and authentic rhythms.
Dancehall Day Camp will be held on February 2 and 9 in Kingston. Leader of the Dance Xpressionz Family Orville Hall hosts a dancehall camp for a group of international enthusiasts. They journeyed to Jamaica to experience its culture, especially the dancehall element within its space.
The Jamaica Exhibition at The National Gallery takes place every day from February 3 until June 26 at the Institute of Jamaica
The Jamaica Music Conference takes place on February 3 and 6 in Kingston. The 4-day intensive conference encompasses community service opportunities, authentic nightlife, and fun in the sun across Kingston and, most importantly, an information exchange between the who’s who in reggae and mainstream music entertainment.
The Hanover Charities Sugar Cane Ball will be held on February 15 at Hopewell (Just west of Montego Bay)
Rockers Takeover will be held on February 22 at Wikki Wacki in St. Thomas, Jamaica. This is a night of strictly Rock Steady (reggae that was popular in the 1970s & 1980s). The event will take the format of a live concert showcasing some of Jamaica’s most talented reggae Rockers artists and Disc Jockeys.
The Last Sundays At The National Gallery occur monthly from January 26 to December 27 at the National Gallery of Jamaica. Immerse in folk art and see the works of the masters over the decades, from painting to sculptures, ceramics and mixed media.
The Jamaica Rum Festival takes place February 29 to March 1 at Hope Gardens, Kingston. The Jamaica Rum Festival will be an all-encompassing celebration of rum including 2 full days of consumer workshops, sampling, food pairings, and entertainment. Rum Seminars featuring Appleton Estate Jamaica Rums’ Master Blender Dr. Joy Spence, and Senior Blender David Morrison, will engage both casual consumers and connoisseurs in the art of rum selection and pairing.
The Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival will be held on March 7 at the historic Newcastle outpost, offering an immersive experience, from farm to cup, while providing some insight into the rich tradition of coffee production in the Blue Mountain region. Enjoy coffee and coffee-related products, food booths, entertainment, cultural presentations, tastings, demonstrations and workshops.
The Cachet Caribbean Community Society (CARICS) Fine Arts Festival will be March 14 in Montego Bay, featuring art, crafts and fashion, including performing artists.
Brit Jam takes place from March 11 to March 15 in Montego Bay. This British, American and Jamaican culture fusion-based event claims to be the ultimate party delivering nights of non-stop party action. DJs entertain to a series of beach, pool and themed parties and so much more.
The Beach Road Trip (BRT) Weekend takes place March 13 and 15 at Pearly Beach, Ocho Rios and claims to be the ultimate destination, day-party series. This Caribbean culture-inspired event highlights include:
- Welcome Check-In Party and Maui WoWi Bonfire
- Float Beach Party at Ocho Rios Bay Beach and BRT Glow Eruption at Dunn’s River Tranquillity Gardens
- J’ouvert Breakfast Party and BRT All White “Grand Finale”
The Avant-Garde Fashion Face Weekend takes place on March 19 through 22, in Kingston. International and leading model agents are usually in attendance to discover new models.
The Stepping High Festival takes place March 20 to 22 in Negril to celebrate the Rastafarian lifestyle and to highlight the benefits of herbs for the brain and body. Festival features include the island’s best herbs, live reggae bands, a Canna-fashion Show, Poetry, Art & Craft booths as well as a Food Expo and farmers workshops.
The Earth Hour Concert will be held March 28 at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Center. Jamaican music CEO, Alex Morrissey has joined forces with global activists to support a free Earth Hour concert to inspire Jamaicans and visitors to our city to take action against climate change.
The International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) will be held on March 29 at the AC Marriott Hotel in Kingston.
The Jamaica Frenzy will take place from March 31 to April 5. The House & Electronic Music Festival takes place across four all-inclusive resorts in Negril.
Marbana, Jamaica’s ultimate beach club experience, happens April 10 to April 12 at Frenchman’s Cove in Port Antonio. Activities include fire breathers, costumed dancers, puppeteers and a grand sunset production
The Vacae Weekend takes place from April 10 to 13 in Ocho Rios. This is the ultimate weekend getaway featuring 7 of Jamaica’s top events:
- Pan Di Plaza – One of the most authentic dancehall Experiences on the island
- AquaHolix – Time to let yourself go and prepare to get WET!
- Backyaad BBQ – Get those taste buds busy with food from some of the islands top Restaurants while vibing to electrifying selections.
- SANDZ – The beach party of all beach parties. Carry your coolers, your crew and your vibes!
- OVA SUH Sound Clash – Jamaica’s top DJs will hit the stage for a once in a lifetime dancehall clash experience!
- FUNCH – Rise and Shine! Wake up to the Fun and the Sun at Funch, The Fun Brunch
- THE ESTATE – Vineyard Soirée for wine lovers
The Morning Of Movement And Music will be held on April 12 at the Little Theatre in Kingston. The National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) of Jamaica blends the lore, music and dance traditions of Jamaica, Africa and the America South, with both modern and classical ballet forms.
The Liguanea Art Festival will be held on April 26 in Kingston. It is dubbed as the “Artbeat of Jamaica, the event showcases a kaleidoscope of colours, textures and forms from the best of Jamaican creatives in the area of fine art, jewellery, paintings, drawings, sculpture, ceramics, and photography.
The TMRW TDAY Culture Fest takes place from April 28 to May 3 in Negril. Travelers are invited on a weeklong journey of self-discovery against the backdrop of one of nature’s most beautiful white sand beaches. Experience personal growth and deep feelings of love and gratitude triggered by our wellness, gastronomy, music and alternative therapy programs.
International Jazz Day will be celebrated on April 30 at the Edna Manley College of the Visual & Performing Arts.
Mocha Fest will take place from May 22 to 25 in Negril. Enjoy a series of the best drink inclusive beach parties, top-class Hip Hop and Caribbean entertainment and the company of some of the most amazing, beautiful and free-spirited adults you’ll find anywhere on the planet.
The Calabash Literary Festival will be held on May 29 through at Jake’s Hotel in Treasure Beach. Over 30 authors and musicians will inspire and entertain with thought-provoking prose and poetry from new and established writers, along with live music.
The Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards will be held on May 30 in Kingston. The festival recognizes excellence in food creation, food service and event décor among others.
The Jamaica Ocho Rios Jazz Festival takes place from June 7 to 14 in multiple venues from Ocho Rios to Kingston with live shows featuring leading local and international jazz acts.
The Charles Town Maroon Festival & Conference will be held on June 19 to 22 in Port Antonio. This gathering of Jamaica’s indigenous peoples aims to highlight and preserve Maroon history and traditions with a unique combination of scholarly panels and cultural events.
The Boston Jerk Festival happens on June 26 and 27 in Port Antonio. The foodie festival takes place at outdoor and indoor venues and features Jamaican jerk spiced food and all things spicy and hot. The festival also has live music and unlimited tastings of rum, local craft beer and a variety of Caribbean themed libations.
International Reggae Day will be held on July 1 in Kingston. This will be a 24-hour celebration of global reggae culture, uniting nations.
Reggae Sumfest takes place from July 12 to 18 in Montego Bay. This is Jamaica’s biggest summer reggae festival, with 6 nights of activities, which will include an All White Blitz party, A Sound system Explosion, Beach Party along with the main concert nights featuring the top Reggae artists.
The Emancipation Jubilee will be held on July 31 and August 1 at Seville Heritage Park, located between Runaway Bay and Ocho Rios. Jamaica’s rich culture and heritage will be honoured through song, dance, drumming, drama, food and fashion. The highlight will be the cultural concert and the midnight reading of the 1838 Emancipation Proclamation, which granted freedom to slaves on the island.
The Montego Bay Jerk Festival happens August 1. Enjoy various festival events and music, including children’s activities and a family entertainment package.
The SPF Weekend will be held on August 1 to 5 at Pearly Beach, just outside Ocho Rios. This weekend of parties over the Independence holiday weekend, is geared to mature-minded and sophisticated revellers.
Dream Weekend will take place during August 5 and August 9 at Long Bay Beach Park, just north of Negril. A high-energy vibe will carry through an average of 10 events.
Unity In The City will be held on August 15 at the National Stadium in Kingston. This is the crème de la crème of gospel events in Jamaica and is redefining faith-based events with its unique experience and its all-star line-up.
The Summa Sizzle Music Festival takes place August 21 to 22 at Jamalco, between Kingston and Treasure Beach. Family entertainment is provided during daytime hours.
‘Rastafari Rootzfest’ will happen August 20 through 24 in Negril. This educational event celebrates Rastafari ideology, levity and culture – Including a Ganja festival with music, consumer expo, trade show and competition (the Ganjamaica Cup).
The Canex Jamaica Business Conference And Expo happens September 24 to 26 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, featuring over 50 speakers and panellists discussing the changing medicinal, health/wellness, legal, regulatory, business and investment landscape. There will also be networking events with high-powered global, regional and local cannabis experts, researchers, business professionals and policymakers in a truly memorable and vibrant setting.
The Jamaica Food and Drink Festival takes place on September 30 through October 4 in Kingston. Over 70 Jamaican and international chefs are involved with demonstrating Jamaica gastronomic ingenuity is much more than ‘Jerk’.
The Portmore Music Fest takes place December 28 & 29, just west of Kingston with a fusion of Dancehall and Reggae music featuring stellar performances from some of the industry’s biggest acts.
Sting (2020 Return) will be held on December 26 in Kingston. Once dubbed the greatest one-night reggae and dancehall show on earth, the event features lyrical battles with the crowd deciding who wins.
Harbour Fest & Fireworks On The Waterfront will be held on December 31 in Kingston. This free event includes a Kiddies Village, craft vendor arcade and family entertainment on stage along with Fireworks on the Waterfront. Ring in the New Year with the phenomenal fireworks display on the Downtown Harbour.
As could be expected, Jamaica hosts a number of Running and other Sporting events through-out the year – Check out these occurrences:
The Heart Foundation/Heroes of the Heart 5K Run will be held on February 2 at Emancipation Park in Kingston. This calendar event is used to raise funds to increase The Heart Foundation of Jamaica’s reach and to maintain their subsidized screening services.
The Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run will take place February 16 and February 21 at Emancipation Park in New Kingston. This unique 5 Kilometre fun road run event is designed to inspire fun, fitness and camaraderie among over 200 Jamaican companies
The Jamaica Fat Tyre Festival takes place February 16 through 23 at Single Track Jamaica Ltd /Oracabessa Foundation. This mountain biking adventure is designed to highlight Jamaica’s vibrant culture, unique geography and great riding experiences!
The Chukka Foundation and Hanover Charities – Polo Charity Event will be February 16 at Sandy Bay Chukka Polo Field.
The Kingston City Run is scheduled for March 15 at Emancipation Park, composed of a Half Marathon, and 10K and 5K race/walk. There will be four (4) fan zones: The Pulse Fashion Zone, The Devon House Historic Zone, The Kings House Zone and the Eden Garden Wellness Zone.
The Venus Invitational Volleyball Tournament takes place during March 20 and March 22 in Kingston to help promote the growth of the sport in Jamaica. The international tournament also includes a volleyball clinic for schools and development seminars.
The ISSA Boys & Girls Championship takes place from March 24 to 28 at National Stadium (Kingston). This long-running high school track and field event has featured world-class athletes.
Everyone’s A Winner 3K and 5K runs, promoting family wellness and volunteerism, takes place at the Kingston waterfront on April 5.
The Montego Bay Yacht Club Easter Regatta takes place April 11 to 13 at the Montego Bay Yacht Club. The first leg of the event is a race to Mosquito Cove, marking the start of the races in various classes.
The Jamaica Cup – Tennis In Jamaica takes place from April 21 to May 2 in Montego Bay. This is the largest tennis event in the Caribbean attracting several players from North America.
The Jake’s Treasure Beach Off-Road Triathlon will be held on April 26. Held in the heart of Jamaica’s quiet, beautiful and rugged South Coast, the event attracts triathletes for a 300-meter ocean swim, 25K mountain bike race and a 7K-trail run.
The Montego Bay City Run will take place May 3 and consist of a 5K Run/Walk and a 10k Run. Proceeds go towards funding and scholarships to needy students from western Jamaica to access tertiary education.
The annual Food for the Poor 5k walk/run takes place May 17 at Emancipation Park in Kingston with proceeds supporting programs for society’s most vulnerable members.
The Tru-Juice Cross Country 5K will be held on June 7 in Bog Walk, St Catherine. This event welcomes runners, walkers and mountain bikers (20K). Post-race activities including tastings, refreshments and a dip in the farm’s pristine river!
The Sharkies Night Futsal tournament takes place two days a week for a month in June and July on Salem Beach (Runaway Bay). This beach football/soccer tournament. is moderated by FIFA officials attracting teams from the USA & the Caribbean.
The Racers Grand Prix Jamaica will be held on June 13 at the National Stadium. It is a premier Track and Field Meet, showcasing the best of Racers T&F Club, Jamaica and the World. Proceeds support the development of Jamaica’s athletics.
The Guardsman Games will be held on July 26 at Hope Zoo in Kingston. Promoting greater bonds with family, a healthy lifestyle, and an effort to bring communities together, the team event sees participants moving through a 6-kilometre obstacle course, testing strength, mental fortitude and alertness. The Tuff Kids challenge is for children 6 – 11 years.
The Colour Me Happy 5K Run for local school charity, takes place on September 14 at Kingston’s Hope Botanical Gardens.
The Port Antonio Int’l Marlin Tournament will take place during September 27 and October 4 with a marlin tournament and Canoe Tournament. Each year over 40 boats are registered with over 180 anglers, including international participants.
The Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K is IAAF certified and takes place on December 6 in Negril. Festivities include an internationally rated gourmet Pasta Party, Expo and the Finish Line Beach Bash!
Also check out other Things To Do in Jamaica
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