Jamaica has two significant public holidays that land practically back to back in the first week of August. Jamaica’s Independence Day and the recognition of Emancipation together creates a week of celebration on the island that ranges from National ceremonies in the capital to family days out at amusement parks, zoos and festivals as well as weeklong parties, creating some of the most memorable moments of the year. Here are the Top 5 events happening that week to give an idea of the many ways for everyone to celebrate and enjoy.

Party & Play for Adults

Dream Weekend 2017
Negril

Appleton Special Dream Weekend is an annual weeklong getaway headlined by #Jamaica’s most popular events and fused with a high energy vibe like no other. Now in its 9th year, this international music festival takes place in Negril, Jamaica at the height of summer during the country’s emancipation and independence holidays; JULY 28TH TO AUGUST 1st 2017 Sun, sand, sea and party after party after party is what the Dream is all about! Plan your “Escape”…

www.jamaicadreamweekend.com

SPF Weekend
Ocho Rios

Featuring Jamaica's best summer parties from August 4th - August 7th, St. Ann, Jamaica.

SPF Weekend is Jamaica's ultimate summer party weekend at several stunning locations around Ocho Rios where you can mingle with the beautiful people while partying day and night. Make sure to check admission ages!

-- hosted by M7 Events, KLE Group & 4-Sight Entertainment.

3 Parties...one big SPF weekend …Sophisticated pleasure awaits...

www.spfweekend.com

Utopia Azure
Pearly Beach
Ocho Rios

UTOPIA AZURE Beach is a luxury all-inclusive summer beach party, with gourmet catering, from lobster to delectable pastries, in a setting inspired by Bali. One of two spectacular, not to be missed parties held every year by UTOPIA. Their other highly anticipated party in December is UTOPIA ALUNA. Not staying in Ocho Rios? They even offer shuttle service from Kingston and Montego Bay, a great option too to not have to worry about who has to drive!

This Jamaica Emancipation Weekend on Saturday July 29, 2016 from 2pm - 10 pm.
(2017 Dress Code: Shades of Blue/White)

www.facebook.com/BluSky1-Entertainment-Jamaica

Food & Fun for the Whole Family

The Denbigh Agricultural Show
May Pen, Clarendon

As the Caribbean’s premier agricultural exhibition, the Denbigh Show epitomizes wholesome quality family entertainment. The vision of the organizers of the show is to make this event an exposition of world class standards highlighting the synergy forged between agriculture and its affiliates. In celebrating the glories of Jamaican cuisine culture, which is in fact the heart and soul of the Denbigh Show, the theme which continues to be highlighted is “grow what we eat, eat what we grow.”
All weekend August 5 – 7, 2017 from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm daily. 

www.jas.gov.jm

Montego Bay Jerk Festival and the Ocho Rios Seafood Festival
Catherine Hall/Ocho Rios

The all-day outdoor Montego Bay Jerk Festival is for the entire family and held on August 1, 2017 offering a wide variety of jerk food based treats, a celebrity cook off, crafts and other items are on sale and with performances by Jamaican favourite artistes like I-Octane, Sanchez and more, plus exciting rides and activities for all ages.

 www.montegobayjerkfestival.com 

On August 1, 2017 Turtle River Park in the heart of Ocho Rios converts into a day of family fun and good eats for the Ocho Rios Seafood Festival, with rides and a wide array of delicious food where locals and tourists alike mingle all day long.

www.facebook.com/Ocho-Rios-Seafood-Festival

Check the Calendar of Popular Events to find other great activities and things to do in Jamaica for Independence week as well as throughout the entire year!