Billboard is rounding up the best music festivals celebrating Caribbean music and culture around the world in 2026.
After last year’s three-pronged cultural takeover between Vybz Kartel’s comeback, MOLIY’s Afro-dancehall crossover hit “Shake It to the Max” and Yung Bredda & Full Blown’s instant Carnival classic “The Greatest Bend Over,” it’s clear the world has been salivating for more of the Caribbean’s sunny, waist-wining riddims.
Some headliners, like Beenie Man, who was part of a string of high-grossing, Caribbean-headlined shows at New York’s UBS Arena last year, are keeping up their momentum from 2025, while others, like Original Koffee, are setting the stage for seismic musical returns. Nonetheless, for most musicians, especially those hailing from Jamaica, the 2026 festival season offers a chance to display national pride as Jamrock continues to rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation.
Last year (Oct. 28), the storm became the strongest to strike Jamaica in the island’s history, later making landfall in Cuba (Oct. 29) and wrecking parts of Haiti. In the immediate weeks and months following, several of Jamaica’s biggest stars, including Shaggy and Sean Paul, banded together for several benefit concerts, two of which closed out in 2025: the UBS Arena-hosted Jamaica Strong concert (Dec. 12) and the Yellowman and Johnny Osbourne-headlined Nice Up Jamaica show (Dec. 16).
Though the major 2026 American festivals are still unveiling their respective lineups, Caribbean music is conspicuously absent from the forthcoming editions of New York’s Governor’s Ball and California’s Coachella. The latter festival has hosted rousing sets from the late Jimmy Cliff, Shenseea, Damian Marley, Original Koffee, and Chronixx in the past, but Major Lazer is the only act with a foothold in the world of Caribbean music on the bill this year. In late 2025, the Diplo-led EDM outfit added its youngest and first female member, America Foster; the rising star brought a jolt of fiery energy to December’s Gyalgebra project, which traversed dancehall and bouyon across nine tracks.
Below, Billboard has compiled a comprehensive guide to the most significant music festivals honoring Caribbean music and/or happening in the region this year, in chronological order. (Editor’s note: Festivals that have already passed will remain on the list as a reflection of the full calendar year’s offerings of events.)
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Eastern Extravaganza
Date: Jan. 1
Location: St. Andrew, Jamaica
Hosted at the Mountain View Oval, Eastern Extravaganza returned for its 11th staging on New Year’s Day (Jan. 1), with performances by Beenie Man, Sizzla Kalonji, Louie Culture, Pamputae, Skeng, Tommy Lee Sparta and Jahshii.
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Stay Strong Jamaica
Date: Jan. 2
Location: Hollywood, Fla.
On the second day of the New Year, several of Jamaica’s brightest stars joined forces for another Hurricane Melissa benefit concert, this time at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida. Featuring performances from a slew of artists, including but not limited to Shaggy, Marcia Griffiths, Konshens, I-Octane, and Inner Circle, 100% of the net proceeds went to hurricane recovery efforts.
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Closer to the Sun
Date: Jan. 10-14
Location: Riviera Maya, Mexico
Hosted at the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel, this year’s staging of Closer to the Sun features a trio of fan-favorite reggae rock bands, including Dirty Heads, Rebelution, and headliners Slightly Stoopid. What’s more? Stephen and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley will be linking up for a special rendition of their 2007 hit “Traffic Jam,” which comes on the heels of their joint tour of the same name last year.
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GOA Sunsplash
Date: Jan. 17-18
Location: Goa, India
Reggae and sound system pioneers will descend upon India to celebrate the legacy and impact of Jamaican music. With a lineup that includes Luciano, Macka B and OBF Soundsystem, homegrown artists such as Delhi Sultanate and J Queen will help bridge the Caribbean and Indian cultures. Furthermore, Sunsplash will ensure dance remains at the center of these beach celebrations, with performances by India’s very own Irie Dance Crew and Afrontal Crew.
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Smile! – Bob Marley Birthday Special
Date: Feb. 6
Location: Antwerp, Belgium
Belgian Bob Marley fans can celebrate the icon’s Heavenly birthday on Feb. 6 at the storied Zappa concert venue with performances from Eek-a-Mouse and I-Wayne, live from Jamaica.
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Reggae Rise Up Florida
Date: March 12-15
Location: St. Petersburg, Florida.
With a genre-blending lineup including Protoje, De La Soul, SOJA, Skip Marley, Yelawolf, Sublime, Slightly Stoopid, 311, and many more, Reggae Rise Up has a very special weekend in store for Florida’s Vinoy Park this March.
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Love & Harmony Cruise
Date: April 1-6
Location: Miami, Fla.; Freeport, Bahamas and Ocho Rios, Jamaica
The annual Love & Harmony Cruise is one of the hottest tickets in the Caribbean, and this year’s lineup promises live performances of classic tunes across lovers rock, gospel and soca. Led by Beres Hammond, this year’s Love & Harmony Cruise offers performances by Tanya Stephens, Maxi Priest, Romain Virgo and Minister Marion Hall.
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London International Ska Festival
Date: April 2-4
Location: London, England
For those with a hankering for ska, rocksteady and dub plates galore, check out London’s ska lovefest, which launched in 1988. This year’s lineup is set to include genre icons Keith & Tex, Roy & Yvonne and DJ Oxman. The festival is also set to mount a Rock Against Racism 50th Anniversary Show, starring Misty In Roots, Cimarons, Phoenix City All-stars and more.
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Holo Holo Avila Beach
Date: April 4
Location: Avila Beach, Calif.
Set for the Avila Beach Golf Resort, this year’s lineup promises performances by Common Kings, Mike Love and Eli-Mac.
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Dallas Reggae Fest
Date: April 11-12
Location: Irving, Texas
Set for Levy Event Plaza, this year’s lineup is TBA.
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Austin Reggae Festival
Date: April 17-19
Location: Austin, Texas
Auditorium Shores attendees can enjoy sets from this year’s headliners, which include Stephen Marley, Original Koffee and Iration. Additional performers include Protoje, Jesse Royal, Cas Haley, Irie Souljah, Zion Marley, Collie Buddz and more.
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Reggae Rise Up Arizona
Date: April 17-19
Location: Tempe, Ariz.
The Grand Canyon State will be treated to a star-studded lineup of reggae powerhouses at Tempe Beach Park, including J Boog, SOJA, Stephen Marley, Rebelution, Collie Buddz and more.
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Holo Holo Irvine
Date: April 18
Location: Irvine, Calif.
Set for Great Park Live, this year’s lineup features SOJA, The Green, Sounds of Zion and more.
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Spring Break Reggae Festival
Date: April 18
Location: Ormond Beach, Fla.
Spring Breakers will once again head to Florida, and some will enjoy performances by Third World, Passafire, Through the Roots, Josh Heinrichs and Junior Toots to celebrate 4/20 at Destination Daytona Pavilion.
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Freedom Sounds Festival
Date: April 24-25
Location: Cologne, Germany
Hollie Cook, English reggae singer and daughter of Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook, will headline this year’s Freedom Sounds Festival at Die Kantine, which will also feature performances by Jamaican reggae star Dave Barker, Boston dub reggae band Flying Vipers and skinhead reggae outfit Travelers All Stars.
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Holo Holo San Jose
Date: April 25
Location: Irvine, Calif.
Set for Discovery Meadow, this year’s lineup includes Iam Tongi, Three Plus and Jordan T.
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California Roots
Date: May 22-24
Location: Monterey, Calif.
California Roots is one of the biggest reggae festivals in the world, and this year’s headliners include Grammy-winning reggae band SOJA, Tash Sultana and Rebelution. Nonetheless, the star power isn’t confined to the top of the bill, with eye-popping names like reggae pillar Barrington Levy and contemporary star J Boog also appearing on the lineup.
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Best of the Best
Date: May 24
Location: Miami, Fla.
Set to take over Miami for Memorial Day Weekend, this year’s Best of the Best lineup is TBA.
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City Splash
Date: May 25
Location: London, England
This year’s edition of City Splash will feature a cross-generational lineup of stars at Brixton’s Brockwell Park, spearheaded by two-time Grammy nominee Beres Hammond. Additional performers include Gyptian, Jada Kingdom, Queen Ifrica and JELEEL!
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Rise & Vibes Music Festival
Date: May 29-31
Location: Durango, Colo.
Two-time Grammy-nominated reggae star Collie Buddz will headline this year’s Rise & Vibes Music Festival at the Tico Time River Resort, alongside electronic music duo Thievery Corporation and Florida reggae band The Hip Abduction. Additional performers include KBong & Johnny Cosmic, Marlon Asher and Sensamotion.
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Reggae Rise Up Oregon
Date: June 12-14
Location: Deschutes County, Ore.
Set for the Deschutes County Fairgrounds, this year’s lineup is TBA.
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Summer Jam
Date: July 3-5
Location: Cologne, Germany
Not to be confused with Hot 97’s iconic summer extravaganza, Germany’s Summer Jam will feature performances from reggae stars Original Koffee, Lila Iké and Christopher Martin, as well as R&B-dancehall powerhouse Dexta Daps.
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Reggae Roots Rotterdam
Date: July 4
Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands
As the U.S. celebrates its Independence Day, several Caribbean stars will head to the Netherlands’ Zuiderpark to celebrate roots reggae, including Burning Spear, Original Koffee, Julian Marley and Rocky Dawuni.
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Downtown Festival
Date: July 17-19
Location: Wangerooge, Germany
This year’s lineup is TBA.
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Point Break Music Festival
Date: June 20-21
Location: Virginia Beach, Va.
Set for the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, this year’s lineup is TBA.
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Chiemsee Reggae Summer
Date: June 26-28
Location: Übersee, Germany
Germany is a major destination for reggae festivals, and the Chiemesee Reggae Summer celebration boasts a tempting lineup of stars, including Capleton, Lila Iké, Anthony B, Patrice, and more.
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Ostróda Reggae Festival
Date: July 23-26
Location: Ostróda, Poland
This year’s lineup is TBA.
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Reggae Jam Festival
Date: July 24-26
Location: Bersenbrück, Germany
Set for Klosterpark, this year’s lineup is TBA.
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Nomade Reggae Festival
Date: July 30-Aug. 2
Location: Anglefort, France
Ivorian reggae singer Alpha Blondy will headline this year’s Nomade Festival at the Col du Grand Colombier alongside his Solar System backing band. Additional performers include Groundation, I Woks Sound and Dub Silence.
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Uppsala Reggae Festival
Date: July 31-Aug. 1
Location: Uppsala, Sweden
Scandnavia’s largest reggae festival will commemorate its 25th anniversary at Fyrishov Center with performances by Barrington Levy, Mr. Vegas, Lutan Fyah and more.
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Reggae Geel
Date: July 30-Aug. 1
Location: Geel, Belgium
This year’s lineup is TBA.
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Black Forest on Fire
Date: July 31-Aug. 2
Location: Berghaupten, Germany
This year, Black Forest on Fire Festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary with performances by Queen Omega, Gentleman, Cali P and more.
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Reggae Land Festival
Date: Aug. 1-2
Location: Milton Keynes, England
Set for The Milton Keynes National Bow, this year’s lineup is TBA.
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No Logo BZH
Date: Aug. 7-9
Location: St. Malo, France
Groundation will headline this year’s No Logo BZH bash at Fort de St Père, with additional performers set to include The Congos and the McAnuff Family & The Ligerians.
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Reggae on the River
Date: Aug. 14-16
Location: Piercy, Calif.
This year’s lineup is TBA.
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Rototom Sunsplash
Date: Aug. 17-22
Location: Benicàssim, Spain
This year’s lineup is TBA.
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Reggae Lake Festival
Date: Aug. 15-16
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Set for Gaasperpark, this year’s lineup is TBA.
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Him Dub Festival
Date: Aug. 24-28
Location: Rapoula do Côa, Portugal
Stacked with three music stages, this year’s lineup is TBA.
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Uprising Festival
Date: Aug. 28-29
Location: Bratislava, Slovakia
This year’s Uprising Festival will take place near the Zlaté Piesky lake and feature performances by Hempress Sativa & The Unconquerables, Gogol Bordello and Tiken Jah Fakoly.
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Holo Holo Sacramento
Date: Sept. 26-27
Location: Sacramento, Calif.
This year’s lineup is TBA.
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Mission Bayfest
Date: Oct. 16-18
Location: San Diego, Calif.
Set for Mariner’s Point Park, this year’s lineup is TBA.
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Welcome to Jamrock Cruise
Date: Nov. 11-16
Location: Miami, Fla.; Falmouth, Jamaica and Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
This year’s performance lineup is TBA.
