2 2023 Festivals Worth the Trip to Jamaica

Dreaming of a Caribbean getaway this summer? If you find yourself island hopping your way to Jamaica, plan your visit to coincide with one of two upcoming summer festivals any music lover won’t want to miss.

© Jamaica Tourist Board

First up, July 16–22, Reggae SumFest is Jamaica’s largest reggae-specific festival. An annual event taking place in Montego Bay, the long-standing festival has attracted an array of reggae and other musicians, including recognizable headliners like Rihanna, Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj and others.

If you’re visiting the island later in the month (or if you come for Reggae SumFest and then stick around for a while), catch Dream Weekend, July 28–Aug. 1. The five-day festival set in Negril blends a range of music genres, including pop, house, hip hop and rap, with artists and DJs coming from all over the world. The event also incorporates a large number of pop-up events around the island and, beyond large concerts, also welcomes acoustic performances and smaller-scale events in more intimate settings.

© Jamaica Tourist Board

Neither of the above options catch your interest? There’s always something going on in Jamaica, so be sure to check out the Visit Jamaica events calendar for more fun to be had, no matter when you visit.