Spring is festival season, and and there are few places that can match up to the Jamaica music festivals, rum festivals, and coffee festivals on the island. Jamaica isn’t bound by the usual weather constraints that limit other many other destinations to a spring and summer schedule. The island of Jamaica is rocking all year round, making it the perfect place for a festival trip – whether it’s a last-minute spring vacation or a brisk winter getaway. From May through December, there are plenty of festivals to whet your island appetite. So get your friends together, book a beachside villa, and get ready for a memorable (and tropical) festival experience. These are the must-see Jamaica music festivals in 2023.
Photo: Visit Jamaica
The 4 Must-See Festivals in Jamaica in 2023
Mocha Fest– Negril
May 25 through 30
If you can last a full five days in a festival environment, Mocha Fest is one of the most epic party experiences worth traveling for. Every year, thousands of music lovers flock to Negril each year to spend five days enjoying a series of the best beach parties and top-tier hip hop and Caribbean entertainment. Some party themes include retro, bikini brunch, and black out, which features 2 Chainz in 2023.
Reggae Sumfest– Montego Bay
July 16 through 22
Reggae Sumfest is one of Jamaica’s premier festivals, dedicated to showcasing the island’s reggae music while also promoting Jamaica as a summer destination for visitors. The weeklong festival will feature lead up events at various venues in Montego Bay at Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex. Dubbed “Our Music, Our Festival,” this major outdoor concert showcases the biggest Jamaican reggae and dancehall artists every summer in Montego Bay. The festival started in 1993 and has featured a variety of world-renowned artists like The Marley Brothers, Rihanna, Kanye West, Usher, Sean Paul, Spice, Chronixx, Nicki Minaj, and others. This year, you can look forward to artists like Chronic Law, Kabaka Pyramid, Tommy Lee, Minister Marion Hall, and more.
Dream Weekend – Negril
July 28 through August 1
Dream Weekend is a five-day experience of non-stop partying along the world famous 7 Mile Beach in Negril. Several celebrations, dubbed “Emancipendence celebrations,” take place each day at various venues around the island. Dream Weekend is one of the Caribbean’s largest party experience, and features entertainment by top artists and DJs from all genres of music, including pop, house, hip hop, rap, and soca. This year, you’ll be treated to the sounds of Banka, Boom Boom, Chromatic, Escobar, Fade, Young Chow, Travis World, Matterhorn, and others.
Jamaica Rum Festival– Kingston
December 2023
Photo: Visit Jamaica
Who doesn’t love rum? If you’re going on a trip to the Caribbean, it’s almost a prerequisite to dive into the rum scene, and that’s what makes the Jamaica Rum Festival one of the best shows in town – and a welcome warm-weather respite in December. The Rum Festival is a showcase of the country’s rum, food, and music traditions. The one-day event in Montego Bay promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all who enjoy rum, live music, art, festivals, and Jamaica.