Top festivals happening in Jamaica in 2024

If your 2024 events calendar isn't jam-packed with Jamaican festivals, you're missing out big time!

Every year, Jamaica claims the title as the ultimate festival destination, drawing in visitors and those familiar faces who just can't resist the unbeatable mix of music, food, and cultural festivals.

Dive right into the heart of Jamaica, connecting with the locals and experiencing authentic Jamaican traditions and culture.

And guess what?

There's something for everyone – whether you're young, old, a party animal, or on the more chill side,

So what's on the event calendar this year?

Here are the top festivals happening in Jamaica in 2024.



Rebel Salute

2024 marks the 30th anniversary of this iconic Reggae show. 

Rebel Salute's chief organizer Tony Rebel shared that the lineup will feature only 30 of the best Jamaican acts to honor the 30th anniversary of the show.

Also, you can anticipate an electric performance by chart-topping international Jamaican artist Sean Paul, who will grace the Rebel Salute stage for the very first time. 

When: January 19 - 20

Stay Connected with Rebel Salute on
Instagram: @RebelSalute
Facebook: @RebelSaluteJamaica
Twitter: @RebelSalute

Reggae Month

February is recognized as Reggae Month in Jamaica.

For the entire month, the country honors its Reggae and Dancehall musicians through the hosting of weekly shows, awards ceremonies, and intriguing panel discussions. 

If you turn on the television to local channels or listen to the local radio stations, you'll even notice a shift in the music selection with more emphasis on Reggae and Dancehall music.

A special event is usually held at the Bob Marley Museum to celebrate the birthday of the King of Reggae. 

Also, the 2024 staging of Reggae Month will include the entry of Dancehall Week, hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sports. 

The inclusion of Dancehall Week activities to celebrate this sub-genre is strategic so that more people can appreciate the contribution of Dancehall music creators, deejays, and promoters to the growth and visibility of Jamaican music on the international scene. 

When: February



Carnival in Jamaica

The most colorful time in Jamaica is the Carnival season which kicks off in April.

You can expect Jamaicans to hit the gym to shape up for their carnival outfits.

The last few days are a blast, with bright feathers, sparkly stuff, and skimpy costumes, plus cool makeup.

But before all that, there are parties to go to, dances and songs to learn, and soca music playing everywhere.

The main idea is to have a good time and let loose.

It builds up to the all-night Jouvert party with mud and paint, and then the 'Pretty Mas' road march, which is the main carnival parade.

You don't have to spend a lot on fancy costumes.

Most parties don't cost much to get in, and even if you're not marching, you can still join the fun by partying along the streets with everyone else.

When: April 3 - 9 

Reggae Sumfest

Sumfest is a bucket-list event that lovers of Jamaican music from across the world anticipate attending.

In 2023, Montego Bay was renamed "Sumfest City" as it has always been the location for this mega music festival since its inception.

Sumfest Week includes nightly parties that lead up to the main concert nights one and two.

Widely referred to as ‘the greatest reggae show on Earth’, expect to be mesmerized and entertained by the top Reggae and Dancehall acts in Jamaica.

For the first time, the 2024 staging will feature a special performance by RnB superstar Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds.

When: July 14 - 20

Stay Connected with Sumfest on
Instagram: @ReggaeSumfest
Facebook: @ReggaeSumfest
Twitter: @ReggaeSumest 

Jamaica Food & Drink Festival 




Food enthusiasts from all walks of life head to Kingston for the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival.

This food festival is the ultimate culinary paradise because it features the best chefs and restaurants in Jamaica.

Regardless of your budget or preferences, the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival has something for everyone.

You can opt for the food truck event, which has a minimal cover charge and a pay-as-you-nibble setup, offering a budget-friendly choice.

There are also special themed nights like Asian Fusion and an exquisite wine-paired gourmet dinner.

No matter your choice, there's a guarantee that you'll discover something that tantalizes your taste buds.

Visit the official website for the specific dates to be held in 2024.

When: October

Stay Connected with Jamaica Food Festival on
Instagram: @JAFoodAndDrink
Facebook: @JAFoodAndDrink
Twitter: @JAFoodAndDrink

Calabash International Literary Festival 



If you're a bookworm, you should not miss the three-day Calabash Literary Festival held annually in Treasure Beach, Jamaica. 

The 2024 staging promises to be a magical experience for you to indulge in the numerous talks from novelists to poets, all celebrating the English language and its great masters.

Visit the official website for the specific dates for the 2024 event. 

Stay Connected with Calabash Festival on
Instagram: @CalabashFestival
Facebook: @CalabashJamaica
Twitter:@CalabashFest
 

GATFFEST Film Festival



The GATFFEST Film Festival first started as a community-based event to showcase the short films produced by graduates of the UWI Community Film Project.

The event screened their work along with that of other local and international independent filmmakers.

Since then, the festival has grown significantly, receiving numerous international and local submissions every year serving as a platform for the exposure of filmmaking talents of directors, producers, casts, and crews and features premieres, special events, and panel discussions with stakeholders in tourism, academia, and the film industry.

When: June - July 

Stay Connected with GATFFEST
Instagram: @gatffest
Facebook: @gatffest
Twitter: @gatffest

Mobay Jerk Festival

This is an event for the entire family, featuring a showcase of authentic Jamaican food, especially exploring the history of the jerk cooking method in Jamaica. 

You can also expect exciting celebrity chef competitions and a lively concert to close out the event. 

When: August

Stay Connected with Mobay Jerk Festival
Facebook: @MontegoBayJerkFest
Twitter: @MobayJerkFest

Jamaica Emancipendence Festival

If you're in Jamaica during the final week of July into the first week of August, expect to witness a celebration of Jamaica's colorful history and heritage. 

This is also a time when you'll find more Jamaicans wearing the national costume, the bandana plaid. 

Some of the highlights of the annual Emancipendence festival in Jamaica are the float parade and grand gala held in Kingston.

Even if you're not staying in Kingston, you can choose to attend the Emancipendence celebration events in the parish capital you're closest to. 

This festival is hosted by the  Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sports in collaboration with the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC).

When: July 31 – August 6

For other festivals throughout the year, check Jamaica Experiences' event calendar.