The Best Reggae Music Festivals of 2019
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The best reggae music festivals of 2019 include Reggae on the River, Rebel Salute, and Rototom Sunsplash.
Best Reggae Festivals in the U.S.
The best reggae festivals in the U.S. are held in warm-weather destinations and feature a lineup of big-name reggae artists. If you’re looking to get your fill of reggae music this year, here are some festivals you won’t want to miss.
California Roots Music and Arts Festival
California Roots Music and Arts Festival, also known as Cali Roots, is an annual reggae festival held in Monterey, California. The festival was created in 2010 by Jeff Monser, Dan Sheehan, and Scott Cooper, and has been held annually on the Memorial Day weekend since 2011.
Cali Roots features a variety of musical genres including reggae, hip-hop, and rock. The festival’s lineup is typically composed of both international and local acts. In addition to musical performances, the festival also offers food vendors, merchandise booths, and art installations.
Past headliners of Cali Roots include Rebelution, Ozomatli, SOJA, Steel Pulse, Nas, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Stephen Marley and many more.
Reggae on the River
Reggae on the River is one of the most iconic reggae festivals in the world, and it takes place every summer in Humboldt County, California. The four-day event is held on the banks of the Eel River, and it features a lineup of international and local reggae artists. Reggae on the River also has a strong focus on education, with workshops and panels that discuss topics like agriculture, sustainability, and spirituality.
Reggae Sunsplash
Reggae Sunsplash is one of the best reggae festivals in the United States, and it takes place annually in Miami. The festival boasts an impressive lineup of internationally-renowned reggae artists, and it also features a number of up-and-coming acts. In addition to music, the festival offers a variety of food and drink options, as well as plenty of chances to shop for souvenirs.
Best Reggae Festivals in Jamaica
Reggae Sumfest is one of the biggest and most well-known reggae festivals in the world. The festival takes place in Montego Bay, Jamaica and features some of the biggest names in reggae music. Reggae Sumfest is definitely a festival that you do not want to miss.
Rebel Salute
One of the best reggae festivals in Jamaica, Rebel Salute celebrates conscious living and clean eating. The vegetarian-friendly event features some of the biggest names in reggae, as well as up-and-coming talent. Held in Port Antonio, Rebel Salute allows festivalgoers to immerse themselves in Jamaican culture.
Other notable reggae festivals include:
-Smile Jamaica Ark Fest
-Jamrock Reggae Cruise
– Rebel Music Festival
Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival
The Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival is one of the most popular reggae festivals in Jamaica. It takes place in Montego Bay every January and attracts some of the biggest names in reggae music. This year’s lineup includes Chronixx, Govana, Protoje, and more.
Jamaica Jazz and Blues is not only about the music. There are also comedy shows, art exhibitions, and food stalls selling Jamaican specialties. The festival takes place at the picturesque Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium, which is surrounded by lush greenery. Ticket prices start at around US$50.
Reggae Sumfest
Reggae Sumfest is a reggae music festival that takes place in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The festival was created in 1993 by Tony Lowe and Chris Blackwell, and it is now considered to be one of the biggest and best reggae festivals in the world. The festival takes place over the course of four days, and each day features different performers. Previous performers at Reggae Sumfest include Damian Marley, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Capleton, Barrington Levy, Dennis Brown, Buju Banton, and many more.
Best Reggae Festivals in Europe
The European continent is home to some of the best reggae festivals in the world. From Rototom Sunsplash in Spain to Uprising Reggae Festival in the Czech Republic, there is a reggae festival for everyone. Here are some of the best reggae festivals in Europe that you should check out in 2019.
Rototom Sunsplash
The Rototom Sunsplash is one of the biggest and most popular reggae festivals in Europe. It takes place every year in Benicassim, Spain and attracts visitors from all over the world. The festival features a wide range of reggae artists, both international and local, as well as a variety of other genres such as hip-hop, dub, and ska. There is also a strong focus on eco-sustainability, with the festival implementing a number of initiatives to reduce its impact on the environment.
Uprising Reggae Festival
Uprising Reggae Festival is held every year in the town of Portsmouth on the south coast of England. The festival attracts some of the biggest names in reggae music, both from the UK and internationally. With a strong focus on roots and culture, Uprising is one of the most respected reggae festivals in Europe. Previous headliners have included Cornell Campbell, Lee “Scratch” Perry, and Junior Murvin.
One Love Festival
One Love Festival is a three-day reggae music festival that takes place in August in London, England. The festival features a wide range of reggae artists from all over the world, and also includes food, drink, and arts and crafts stalls.