Calendar of cultural events, sporting events, festivals and important dates in Jamaica
If you are visiting Jamaica check out the events and highlights throughout the year. From food and cultural to sporting and music events. Use our Jamaica events calendar to plan your trip around your favourite event.
Negril Jerk, Rum & Reggae Festival
JANUARY
The annual Jamaican Jerk Festival is held in Negril Jamaica on the first Sunday in January (3rd & 4th 2015)
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Accompong Maroon Festival
JANUARY
The Accompong Maroon Festival is held each year on January 6th and features traditional dancing, singing, Maroon feast and ceremonies.
Rebel Salute
JANUARY
For reggae music lovers, Rebel Salute annual festival is one of Jamaica’s biggest ‘Reggae Party’ of the year!
read more here
High Mountain Coffee 10K & 5K Road Race
JANUARY
Jamaica’s longest running and most anticipated road race – held every last Sunday of January since 1983.
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Bob Marley’s Birthday
FEBRUARY
Reggae Legend Nesta Robert ‘Bob’ Marley’s birthday is celebrated on the 6th August in Jamaica and around the world
Montego Bay Race
FEBRUARY
The Pineapple Cup – The legendary Montego Bay Race brings some of the world’s finest racing yachts to the island every other year from Florida’s Port Everglades through the Bahamas, sailing the Windward Passage to Montego Bay.
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Fi Wi Sinting
FEBRUARY
A folk festival in Jamaica celebrating the legacy of African culture and traditions in Jamaica.
Misty Biss
FEBRUARY
The annual Misty Bliss festival celebrates the national and cultural heritage of communities within the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park (BJCMNP). Jamaican cultural festival that celebrates mountain pleasures and treasures. Patrons will experience the cool, mist forest of the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, Maroon culture
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Jamaica Carnival
APRIL
The Annual Carnival celebrations bringing Carnival goers from around the world.
Read more here
Trelawny Yam Festival
APRIL
Festival of cultural heritage and food at Albert Town, Trelawny, Montego Bay
Trelawny Yam Festival- Easter Monday
Calabash International Literary Festival
MAY
Book lovers gather at Treasure Beach for this annual event hosting readings, workshops and entertainment.
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Caribbean Fashion Week
JUNE
Top designers showcase their latest collections throughout the week.
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Ocho Rios International Jazz Festival
JUNE
The Jazz Festival hosts over 30 events throughout the island from Negril, Montego Bay, Runaway Bay, South Coast, Port Antonio to Kingston during Jazz Week.
Portland Jerk Festival
JULY
The mouthwatering aroma of traditional Jamaican jerk chicken, pork, fish and lobster fills the air at this annual event held at the Port Antonio’s Folly Great House ruins.
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Makka Pro Surf Contest
JULY
Surfers from around the world come to compete annually.
Reggae Sumfest
JULY
The reggae event of the summer with a hot line up of the worlds greatest reggae acts.
Read more here
Jamaica Independence Day
AUGUST
2015 will mark the 53rd Anniversary of Jamaican Independence
International Reggae Wine Festival
AUGUST
This event will be staged at the Aqueduct, Rose Hall, Montego Bay overlooking the ocean. The festival will feature wine purveyors, some of the best Reggae artistes, fashion show, arts & craft, all towards attracting wine lovers from all over the world.
Visit the website
Oktoberfest
OCTOBER
Oktoberfest has been held annually for just over 30 years – showcasing a wide variety of German beers, wines and Schnapps.
For more Visit the website
Blue Marlin Tournament
OCTOBER
Every October anglers from all over the world arrive in Jamaica to compete. The Port Antonio Blue Marlin Tournament is the oldest marlin tournament in the Caribbean.
Restaurant Week
NOVEMBER
Restaurant Week Jamaica is an annual event offering special discounts and packages at over 75 restaurants around the country. For one week only Restaurant Week expands the opportunities for diners to explore our culinary culture. Restaurant Week takes place in Kingston, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.
Reggae Marathon
DECEMBER
The Reggae Marathon & Half Marathon is Jamaica’s premier International Marathon Event. Marathoners, sports enthusiasts as well as beginners take part in this annual event.
Visit the website
Please note: Some dates are subject to change.
