Reggae Sumfest

Name: Reggae Sumfest
Start: 2025-07-13
End: 2025-07-19
Location: Montego Bay

A Week Where Jamaica’s Summer and the Soul of Reggae Resonate as One

2026/07/12 - 2026/07/18

Every July, the city of Montego Bay is electrified by the energy of Reggae Sumfest. Beneath the Caribbean stars, the deep bass of reggae, the sharp beats of dancehall, and the aroma of jerk chicken grilling over coals blend together, making the entire city pulse with music and joy. This festival is a must for reggae fans, travelers, and music lovers alike—a weeklong immersion into the culture and community spirit that defines Jamaica.

Held every mid-July, Reggae Sumfest draws over 30,000 fans from around the world. Open to all ages and nationalities, the festival is a true showcase of Jamaican music, hospitality, and the vibrant spirit of Montego Bay’s seaside setting.

Main Attractions

Legendary Live Concert Nights

The biggest highlight is the legendary live performances at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex. Dancehall Night explodes with energy and rapid-fire lyrics, while Reggae Night envelops the crowd in conscious, soulful rhythms. Jamaican stars like Damian Marley, Beenie Man, and Spice share the stage with global icons like Rihanna, Usher, and Wiz Khalifa. The roar of the crowd, dazzling lights, and the thumping bass keep the party going until dawn.

Key Events

Sumfest is more than just concerts. The week kicks off with a Beach Party at Tropical Bliss Beach, where the sand shakes with sound systems and DJs. Monday’s Street Dance at Old Hospital Park is a free outdoor party where locals and visitors dance together. The All White Party at Pier 1 dazzles with everyone dressed in white against the bay’s nightscape. The Blitz Party and Global Sound Clash add DJ battles and surprise performances to an already packed week.

Traditional Food & Drink

The festival is a paradise for food lovers. The aroma of jerk chicken, pepper shrimp, patties, and fried fish fills the air, while festival bread, coconut drops, and ice-cold Red Stripe beer are sold at food stalls. The spicy heat of Scotch bonnet peppers, the smoky flavor of grilled meats, and the refreshing taste of fruit juices stimulate all the senses alongside the music.

Cultural and Historical Background

The history of Reggae Sumfest dates back to 1978 with the start of “Reggae Sunsplash,” a festival that brought international acclaim to Jamaica’s reggae music and attracted countless tourists and music fans. In the early 1990s, Sunsplash faced financial and organizational difficulties and was nearly discontinued, threatening Montego Bay’s summer music culture.

In 1993, local businessmen and music industry figures decided that “the flame of Jamaican music must not go out,” and launched Reggae Sumfest as a new festival. From its first year, the event attracted the biggest names in reggae and dancehall, earning the title “The Greatest Reggae Show on Earth.” Since then, legends like Bob Marley’s sons, Beenie Man, and Spice, as well as international rappers and R&B singers, have graced the stage, making Sumfest a world-class music festival.

Sumfest is more than a music event—it’s a platform for Jamaican identity, pride, and the social and cultural messages embodied by reggae. The festival brings enormous benefits to the local economy, generating over 1 billion Jamaican dollars annually and boosting tourism and local businesses. For Jamaicans, Sumfest is a symbol of unity and creativity through music and a cultural heritage to share with the world.

Participant Voices

I came from London just for Sumfest. I became friends with fans from Japan, and we shared patties and Red Stripe while waiting for Beenie Man. The sense of unity at the venue was amazing—everyone felt like family.

Fun Facts

Reggae Sumfest is the largest music festival in the Caribbean, with over 30,000 attendees each year.
Global stars like Rihanna, Beyoncé, Usher, and Kanye West have performed at Sumfest.