Discover an engaging experience that celebrates the fusion of reggae music and Caribbean cuisine, from mouthwatering foods such as succulent jerk chicken to sweet plantains. Experience Jamaica’s vibrant culture as you create lasting memories with fellow festival-goers!
Make the most out of your Reggae Sumfest experience by dressing comfortably and planning for long periods of standing or dancing. Wear appropriate footwear that fits into the environment and wear sunscreen to protect yourself against UV rays.
Ithaca Reggae Fest
The Ithaca Reggae Fest is an annual music festival created to protect Cayuga Lake through conscious celebration of Ithaca’s reggae community. Held this year from June 21-22 in Stewart Park, this year’s fest will showcase local and international reggae acts, community dance workshops, cultural activities as well as food and craft vendors – not to mention live music performances!
This year’s lineup is jam-packed with top names in reggae and related genres, such as Front and Main, Pachyman, Dj Ha-MEEN, Ononkwa Medicine, and GIAC Jumpers – performing from 5-9 pm. Free parking can be found at Stewart Park Large Pavilion; Boynton/IHS overflow parking will also provide ample spaces, while shuttle service runs between all three lots directly to Stewart Park.
Visitors from across the Northeast will come together in Ithaca for this festival that celebrates music and Caribbean culture. A relaxed family-friendly environment will allow attendees to relax while discovering reggae’s vibrant styles and traditions.
The festival offers over 70 performances by an eclectic array of artists. Additionally, dance workshops, culinary demonstrations, craft stalls and craft activities will take place. Attendees can indulge in food from various restaurants and vendors offering vegan options while in the evening watch live skateboarding competitions taking place in Skateboard Village.
Every year, Ithaca Reggae Fest strives to make a positive contribution to the community through entertainment, education and service initiatives. This year’s theme is “Love and Peace”, commemorating Lee “Scratch” Perry who passed away recently. Additionally, funds raised during this festival will support organizations which focus on water resources issues in Ithaca area.
The Ithaca Reggae Fest makes an enormous impactful statement about local culture and is only made possible with volunteer assistance. Volunteers can earn free admission tickets as well as receive a t-shirt and meal for volunteering! If interested, email organizers of the festival for details.
Long Beach Reggae & Food Fest
Long Beach Reggae & Food Fest is an annual summer event at Rainbow Lagoon Park (400 E. Shoreline Dr) that brings good vibes, awesome reggae music and delectable cuisine together under one roof. Held annually since 2015, this summer event showcases multiple stages featuring artists like Kelly Price, the Greater Los Angeles Cathedral Choir and Black Greek fraternities and sororities; additionally there’s also an inspiring speaker series, massage services, yoga sessions and healthy food sampling stations onsite!
Cali Vibes Festival (2024) is an exciting music and culture extravaganza that honors iconic California performers, such as Gwen Stefani, Ice Cube, Wiz Khalifa, Sublime with Rome, as well as many others such as Gwen Stefani, Ice Cube, Wiz Khalifa, Sublime with Rome and Sublime with Rome. The lineup offers popular genres including pop and rock alongside island reggae beats combined with funk and hip-hop; guests can enjoy food vendors as well as Jamaican foods along with arts & crafts displays custom car displays domino competitions as well as dancing parties!
The Jazz in the Gardens Festival (2024) is an annual free event featuring live music, arts and crafts vendors, dancers and children’s activities such as face painting. Held annually at Rainbow Lagoon Park by Long Beach Juneteenth Celebration, its goal is to spread joy through celebrating Black history and culture – featuring artists like Greater Los Angeles Cathedral Choir who have shared stages with stars like Peabo Bryson and Stephanie Mills as well as Grammy Award Winner Sheila E as well as local talents.
Pacific Island Festival
Pacific Islands are famed for their breathtaking azure waters, palm-fringed beaches, and idyllic sunsets, but their vibrant cultures run much deeper. Mesmerizing music and dance performances reflect this rich cultural diversity through mesmerizing story and tradition enactments in rhythm and movement. Festivals in South Pacific Islands go further than being mere forms of entertainment; they showcase these island nations’ rich heritage while reflecting an adaptive, resilient cultural ethos that’s both diverse and adaptable.
FestPAC, or the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture, has become one of the South Pacific Islands’ most notable and celebrated annual events since it first took place in 1972. Aimed at preserving traditional arts and cultures while simultaneously addressing contemporary issues that face humanity today, FestPAC takes place each year at different Pacific Island nations around the region on rotation; each hosting country can use this platform to display their culture to the world while strengthening relationships among their populations.
Participants of the festival can enjoy workshops and hands-on demonstrations on various topics. Live performances by local and international artists provide additional entertainment while visiting the museum provides further insight into South Pacific culture history.
The festival features an impressive roster of musicians, dancers and speakers; some well-known in the music industry and some rising stars in their fields. Alongside musical acts, there’s also a food festival where patrons can indulge in delicious cuisine from South Pacific Islands such as seafood dishes and traditional meats prepared by local chefs for this culinary adventure.
This year’s festival will run from June 6-16 and its theme, “Hooulu Lahui: Regenerating Oceania,” will focus on preserving traditional Pacific Island culture while addressing critical issues affecting Oceania as a region. Healing, community building and welcoming diversity will also be important themes. Thousands of delegates from 28 Pacific Island nations will convene in Hawaii to share their cultures and experiences with one another as they do so with the wider world.
Reggae Sumfest
Reggae Sumfest is one of Jamaica’s premiere summer festivals that highlights the best reggae and dancehall music, held annually in Montego Bay and drawing thousands of visitors annually. Featuring both local and international performers as well as food and culture offerings from across Jamaican society. Over its long history it has generated billions in revenue annually while organizers strived hard to make this event an iconic destination for lovers of Jamaican culture and music alike.
The festival is known for showcasing Jamaican talent from musicians to designers, stylists and creative directors – offering emerging artists an invaluable opportunity to display their skills and gain recognition for their work. Even during periods of controversy that have marred its history, however, this festival remains faithful to its roots, drawing massive crowds of reggae and dancehall enthusiasts every year.
This year’s lineup boasts an array of talented performers – from R&B superstar Babyface to Jamaican reggae legends Capleton and Beres Hammond, this festival promises to please.
As well as its lineup, the festival offers additional events designed to get fans into the spirit of reggae music and dancing, such as beach parties, all-white parties and sound system clashes. Furthermore, this platform provides Jamaican artisans an opportunity to sell their goods.
Reggae Sumfest draws dancehall and reggae legends each year, but this year’s lineup at Reggae Sumfest stands out. Old school reggae icons Bunny Wailer, Freddie McGregor, and Derrick Harriott as well as emerging young talent are expected to perform. It looks set to become one of the greatest festivals ever!
Beres Hammond displayed why he is considered one of Jamaica’s premier singers when he performed at Sumfest 2024. To the delight of an enthusiastic audience, Beres sang his most popular songs to delighting crowd. Additionally, Beres paid his respects to Dennis Brown whose death had sent shockwaves through Jamaica earlier in April.