Jamaica’s cultural calendar blends African, European, and modern influences into year round celebrations of music, dance, food, and community. From Carnival in Kingston to Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay, each event highlights a different part of the island’s identity and history.
Use this overview to plan by date and location. Check official pages close to your travel dates for final schedules and ticket info.
Observed on August 6. Marks the island’s 1962 independence from Britain. Kingston hosts parades, concerts, official ceremonies, and fireworks. Expect national colors, patriotic speeches, and late night street celebrations across the island.
Held on August 1. Honors the 1834 abolition of slavery. Events focus on remembrance and education with African drumming, storytelling, and cultural programs that center Jamaica’s African roots.
Montego Bay in July. A multi day festival founded in 1993 that features reggae and dancehall stars alongside rising talent. Expect late night performances, live bands, and a global audience.
Around the Easter period. Soca music, colorful costumes, and parade bands. Most events center on Kingston. Look for fetes, road marches, and concert lineups for visitors and locals.
February 6 in Kingston and across the island. The Bob Marley Museum anchors concerts, film showings, and talks that honor Marley’s legacy of unity and love.
January 6 in Accompong, St. Elizabeth. Marks the 1739 peace treaty and celebrates Maroon heritage with drumming, dance, traditional food, and community rituals.
January in St. Ann. A roots reggae event shaped by Rastafarian values with an alcohol free and meat free policy. Family friendly setting focused on conscious music.
Hosted in Portland. Sample chicken, pork, and fish prepared over pimento wood with local spices. Live music and craft vendors round out a food centered day.
Each June in Ocho Rios. Local and international jazz artists perform in concerts, workshops, and jam sessions that spotlight improvisation and musicianship.
July and August in Kingston. The NDTC presents a mix of Jamaican folk forms and contemporary works. A key date for Caribbean dance lovers.
Open air festival in Kingston. Features painters, sculptors, and photographers with live music and artist talks. Good opportunity to purchase original Jamaican art.
March in Kingston. Workshops, author signings, and readings support local writers and invite international guests. Organized by the Book Industry Association of Jamaica.
Hosted in Kingston. Showcases short films, documentaries, premieres, and panels on filmmaking in Jamaica. Platform for new and established creators to share local stories.
Autumn in Kingston. Chefs showcase Jamaican flavors with modern techniques through tastings, pop up events, demos, and pairings that range from street food to fine dining.
Book lodging early for July and Easter season events. For street parades and road marches, arrive early, wear comfortable shoes, and stay hydrated. Cashless options are common. Carry small bills for food stalls. Verify final dates and venues on official sites and social pages.
January Accompong Maroon Festival, Rebel Salute. February Bob Marley Birthday. March Kingston Book Festival. Easter period Jamaica Carnival. June Ocho Rios Jazz Festival. July Reggae Sumfest, NDTC Season. August 1 Emancipation Day. August 6 Independence Day. Autumn Jamaica Food and Drink Festival. Yearly dates can shift. Always confirm.