Jamaica is known for it’s white sandy beaches and mouth-watering meals, but during the summer the land of wood and water has an impressive array of events all season long. Check out our top 8 must-see events!
Caribbean Fashion Week
During June, the city of Kingston comes alive as Caribbean Fashion Week takes over. Not only is the work of the region’s best designers put on display, but everything from culinary delights, to holistic care of mind and body are at hand for the Caribbean fashionistas. The Total Fashion celebration is aimed at showcasing brilliant collections which usually culminates with a major concert performance by an international artiste. www.caribbeanfashionweek.com
Kingston On The Edge
The festival is a week-long celebration of art and the artists inspired by Kingston. Under the theme “Transitions,” this year’s staging will feature live music, art installations, Kingston Dub Club, short film screenings, Nyabinghi Orchestra, documentaries, Downtown Architectural Bus Tour, and a Solo Exhibition at Devon House.
www.kingstonontheedge.org
All-Jamaica Grill Off
The All Jamaican Grill Off (AJG) attracts Jamaica’s best recreational and professional grilling chefs for a scorching and intense grilling competition. Expect unlimited sampling from competitors’ booths, all-day music and stage entertainment and much more. www.facebook.com/alljamaicagrilloff
Portland Jerk Festival
The annual Portland Jerk Festival is the largest annual jerk and food festival in Jamaica. The event features local chefs putting their own spin on classic jerk dishes. www.facebook.com/originsofjerk
Reggae Sumfest
This much anticipated Reggae event showcases the best talents in roots, rock and reggae music. Held at Catherine Hall in Montego Bay, this event features performances by international superstars as well as local acts. This year’s lineup included international artistes Jennifer Hudson, Grammy winning rapper Common, and TV’s “Empire” star and rapper Yazz The Greatest. www.reggaesumfest.com
Makka Pro Surf Contest
This anticipated surfing event takes place at Makka surfing beach in Saint Thomas for two days of competitive surfing in three divisions; open men, open women and juniors. Makka Pro brings together regional and professional surfers who compete for the cash prizes as well as bragging rights. jamsurfas.webs.com
SPF Weekend
SPF Weekend is Jamaica’s high-energy summer party experience for guests aged 21 years and older. SPF Weekend takes place in St. Ann on Jamaica’s Independence Day with different themed parties every night, a favorite among locals and travelers alike. www.spfweekend.com
Dream Weekend
Dream Weekend is an annual inclusive party series, which is held around Jamaica’s Independence weekend. The five-day event is filled with 10 various themed events taking place in Negril. Thousands of patrons participate in the Dream Weekend parties which include Yush, Twisted Spiritz, Igloo, Daydreams and culminates with the Dream Live concert. jamaicadreamweekend.com
