Jamaica > Calendar of Events
Jamaica Holidays
2006
January 1
New Year's Day
March 8
Ash Wednesday
April 21
Good Friday
April 24
Easter Monday
May 23
Labor Day
New Year's Day
March 8
Ash Wednesday
April 21
Good Friday
April 24
Easter Monday
May 23
Labor Day
August 1
Emancipation Day
August 6
Independence Day
October 16
National Heroes Day
December 25
Christmas Day
December 26
Boxing Day
Emancipation Day
August 6
Independence Day
October 16
National Heroes Day
December 25
Christmas Day
December 26
Boxing Day
January Jamaica Events
Accompong Maroon Festival: Accompong, St. Elizabeth in early January. Annual celebration of Maroons of Western Jamaica, with traditional singing and dancing, feasts, ceremonies, blowing of the abeng (cow's horn), and playing of Maroon drums.
Rebel Salute: Kaiser Sports Club, St. Elizabeth, during mid-January. This reggae music festival attracts native Jamaicans and international tourists.
Annual National Exhibitions: National Gallery of Jamaica, Ocean Blvd., Kingston.
Jamaican Musical Theatre Junior Company: Creative Arts Centre, Kingston.
High Mountain Coffee 10K and 5K Road Races: Manchester, late January. Starts at the Winston Jones highway and ends at the Williamsfield roundabout. The 5k race makes a loop in Williamsfield.
Negril Sprint Triathalon: Swept Away, Negril during late January. Hundreds participate in a three-part competition involving swimming, cycling, and running in one sweat-inducing endurance test.
Rebel Salute: Kaiser Sports Club, St. Elizabeth, during mid-January. This reggae music festival attracts native Jamaicans and international tourists.
Annual National Exhibitions: National Gallery of Jamaica, Ocean Blvd., Kingston.
Jamaican Musical Theatre Junior Company: Creative Arts Centre, Kingston.
High Mountain Coffee 10K and 5K Road Races: Manchester, late January. Starts at the Winston Jones highway and ends at the Williamsfield roundabout. The 5k race makes a loop in Williamsfield.
Negril Sprint Triathalon: Swept Away, Negril during late January. Hundreds participate in a three-part competition involving swimming, cycling, and running in one sweat-inducing endurance test.
February Jamaica Events
Negril Fat Tire Festival: Good Hope, Negril Hills, Negril, during early February. Scenic mountain bike competition that ends with live entertainment.
Bob Marley Birthday Bash: Montego Bay, February 6. An annual concert that celebrates a local star.
Tribute to Bob Marley-Symposium in Music: Ocho Rios, first week in February. Seminars for music students.
Hague Agricultural Show: Lionel Town Hague Showground, Clarendon, Kingston during early February. Annual farm fair where agricultural products are displayed, crafts are sold, and food is available.
Health and Spa Tourism Expo: Hilton Hotel, Kingston during mid-February. This recently introduced festival is sponsored by the International Medical Spa Association and the Day Spa Association.
Reggae Summerfest: Ocho Rios. Annual reggae bash, featuring top reggae stars.
Jamaica International Marathon: National Stadium in Kingston to Port Royal.
Spring Break: Montego Bay and Negril, mid-February to mid-April. Take advantage of the outdoor dance parties, hotel discounts, all-inclusive offers, and wild festivities during this 2-month long spring break celebration.
Pineapple Cup Montego Bay Race: Montego Bay Yacht Club.
Bob Marley Birthday Bash: Montego Bay, February 6. An annual concert that celebrates a local star.
Tribute to Bob Marley-Symposium in Music: Ocho Rios, first week in February. Seminars for music students.
Hague Agricultural Show: Lionel Town Hague Showground, Clarendon, Kingston during early February. Annual farm fair where agricultural products are displayed, crafts are sold, and food is available.
Health and Spa Tourism Expo: Hilton Hotel, Kingston during mid-February. This recently introduced festival is sponsored by the International Medical Spa Association and the Day Spa Association.
Reggae Summerfest: Ocho Rios. Annual reggae bash, featuring top reggae stars.
Jamaica International Marathon: National Stadium in Kingston to Port Royal.
Spring Break: Montego Bay and Negril, mid-February to mid-April. Take advantage of the outdoor dance parties, hotel discounts, all-inclusive offers, and wild festivities during this 2-month long spring break celebration.
Pineapple Cup Montego Bay Race: Montego Bay Yacht Club.
March Jamaica Events
Skazz Music Festival: Breezes Runaway Bay Golf Course, St. Ann, Ocho Rios during early March. Both jazz and ska musicians perform in this one-of-a-kind music festival that also promotes Jamaican-grown foods.
Fun in the Son Gospel Festival: mid-March, Ocho Ricos. "The Premier Christian Festival in the Caribbean" features the Word and Worship Conference, gospel concerts, and street fairs.
Miss Universe Jamaica Beauty Pageant
Jamaica Musical Theater Company (spring season): Kingston.
Port Antonio International Spring Fishing Tournament
Jamaica Orchid Society Show: University of West Indies, Kingston during late March. Annual flower show sponsored by the American Orchid Society.
Montego Bay Song Festival
Negril West End Reggae Festival: Negril
Spring Break: Montego Bay and Negril, mid-February to mid-April. Take advantage of the outdoor dance parties, hotel discounts, all-inclusive offers, and wild festivities during this 2-month long spring break celebration.
Fun in the Son Gospel Festival: mid-March, Ocho Ricos. "The Premier Christian Festival in the Caribbean" features the Word and Worship Conference, gospel concerts, and street fairs.
Miss Universe Jamaica Beauty Pageant
Jamaica Musical Theater Company (spring season): Kingston.
Port Antonio International Spring Fishing Tournament
Jamaica Orchid Society Show: University of West Indies, Kingston during late March. Annual flower show sponsored by the American Orchid Society.
Montego Bay Song Festival
Negril West End Reggae Festival: Negril
Spring Break: Montego Bay and Negril, mid-February to mid-April. Take advantage of the outdoor dance parties, hotel discounts, all-inclusive offers, and wild festivities during this 2-month long spring break celebration.
April Jamaica Events
Jamaica Carnival: Kingston Ocho Rios, Negril and Montego Bay during the first week of April. Weeklong series of parties, concerts, and street parades.
Easter Sunrise Concert: National Theater Dance Company (NDTC), Little Theater, Kingston.
Montego Bay Easter Tennis and Sports Spectacular: Wyndham Rose, Hall Hotel, Montego Bay.
Montego Bay Yacht Club Easter Regatta: Easter Weekend. Annual sailing event of several races staged along the North Coast over a 6-day period.
Port Antonio Spring Marlin Tournament: Port Antonio Marina
Trelawny Yam Festival: Albert Town, Trelawny, Montego Bay during mid-April. Weeklong street festival celebrating the "yam country" in South Trelawny.
Spring Break: Montego Bay and Negril, mid-February to mid-April. Take advantage of the outdoor dance parties, hotel discounts, all-inclusive offers, and wild festivities during this 2-month long spring break celebration.
Easter Sunrise Concert: National Theater Dance Company (NDTC), Little Theater, Kingston.
Montego Bay Easter Tennis and Sports Spectacular: Wyndham Rose, Hall Hotel, Montego Bay.
Montego Bay Yacht Club Easter Regatta: Easter Weekend. Annual sailing event of several races staged along the North Coast over a 6-day period.
Port Antonio Spring Marlin Tournament: Port Antonio Marina
Trelawny Yam Festival: Albert Town, Trelawny, Montego Bay during mid-April. Weeklong street festival celebrating the "yam country" in South Trelawny.
Spring Break: Montego Bay and Negril, mid-February to mid-April. Take advantage of the outdoor dance parties, hotel discounts, all-inclusive offers, and wild festivities during this 2-month long spring break celebration.
May Jamaica Events
Labour Day Motor Race Meet: Dover Raceway, near Brown's Town
The Negril Carnival
South Coast Fishing Tournament: Hendricks Wharf, Black River
Style Week: Kingston, late May. This annual fashion event is the largest Caribbean Fashion Block Show.
Calabash International Literary Festival: Jake's, St. Elizabeth during late May. At a south coast hotel, this artsy festival is one of more unique and funky Jamaica celebrations.
Johnny Bristol Celebrity Golf Classic: Ocho Rios
The Negril Carnival
South Coast Fishing Tournament: Hendricks Wharf, Black River
Style Week: Kingston, late May. This annual fashion event is the largest Caribbean Fashion Block Show.
Calabash International Literary Festival: Jake's, St. Elizabeth during late May. At a south coast hotel, this artsy festival is one of more unique and funky Jamaica celebrations.
Johnny Bristol Celebrity Golf Classic: Ocho Rios
June Jamaica Events
Ocho Rios Jazz Festival: Renaissance Jamaica Grande/Almond Tree, Ocho Rios during the second week in June. Performers play alongside Jamaican jazz artists; other events include barbecues.
National Dance Theatre Company's Season of Dance: Kingston, June through August. Traditional and modern dance, as well as notable singers, perform.
Diaspora Conference: Jamaica Conference Centre, Kingston during mid-June. Conference meant to reunite the many Jamaicans living aboard with the ones currently living on the island of Jamaica.
Epicurean Escape: Grand Lido Resort, Negril during late June. For food and wine connoisseurs, this is a dream come true. Culinary classes, wine tasting, and pastry making are a few of the programs offered.
All-Jamaica Junior and Open Tennis Championships: Eric Bell Tennis Complex, Kingston.
National Dance Theatre Company's Season of Dance: Kingston, June through August. Traditional and modern dance, as well as notable singers, perform.
Diaspora Conference: Jamaica Conference Centre, Kingston during mid-June. Conference meant to reunite the many Jamaicans living aboard with the ones currently living on the island of Jamaica.
Epicurean Escape: Grand Lido Resort, Negril during late June. For food and wine connoisseurs, this is a dream come true. Culinary classes, wine tasting, and pastry making are a few of the programs offered.
All-Jamaica Junior and Open Tennis Championships: Eric Bell Tennis Complex, Kingston.
July Jamaica Events
International Reggae Day: Jamaica Conference Center, Kingston in early July. Reggae performances from Jamaican artists and guest performances highlight this all-day event.
Annual Independence Festival events: island wide
Seville Emancipation Jubilee: Seville Greathouse, St. Ann, Ocho Rios during late July. This event honors the 19th century emancipation of Jamaica by hosting a historical reenactment with traditional Jamaican delicacies.
Little Ochi Seafood Carnival: Seafront at Alligator Pond, Manchester during mid-July. This seafood celebration features local seafood specialties and parties that run until the wee hours of the morning.
Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest: Catherine Hall, Montego Bay during Mid-July. One of the most popular annual reggae festivals in Jamaica hosts 5 days of Jamaican and international reggae artists and attracts a diverse crowd.
Denbigh Agricultural Show: Denbigh Show Ground, May Pen, Kingston during late July. At this annual farm festival you'll find home-grown groceries, fresh meat, and fun for the whole family.
Season of Dance for National Theater Dance Company: (NDTC), Little Theater, Kingston.
Annual Independence Festival events: island wide
Seville Emancipation Jubilee: Seville Greathouse, St. Ann, Ocho Rios during late July. This event honors the 19th century emancipation of Jamaica by hosting a historical reenactment with traditional Jamaican delicacies.
Little Ochi Seafood Carnival: Seafront at Alligator Pond, Manchester during mid-July. This seafood celebration features local seafood specialties and parties that run until the wee hours of the morning.
Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest: Catherine Hall, Montego Bay during Mid-July. One of the most popular annual reggae festivals in Jamaica hosts 5 days of Jamaican and international reggae artists and attracts a diverse crowd.
Denbigh Agricultural Show: Denbigh Show Ground, May Pen, Kingston during late July. At this annual farm festival you'll find home-grown groceries, fresh meat, and fun for the whole family.
Season of Dance for National Theater Dance Company: (NDTC), Little Theater, Kingston.
August Jamaica Events
Caribbean Fashion Week: Hilton Hotel/Le Meridien/The Courtleigh, Kingston.
Jamaica Independence Day Parade: Live music, costumed parades and Junkanoo dancers make up some of the great celebrations on August 6th.
Cultural Extraveganza: island wide, early August. Sponsored by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, the Cultural Extravegenza has it all: music, dancing, crafts, gospel, food, and more.
Appleton Temptation Isle: Negril, early August. Pay one price and receive admission for 11 parties in Negril.
Jamaica Independence Day Parade: Live music, costumed parades and Junkanoo dancers make up some of the great celebrations on August 6th.
Cultural Extraveganza: island wide, early August. Sponsored by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, the Cultural Extravegenza has it all: music, dancing, crafts, gospel, food, and more.
Appleton Temptation Isle: Negril, early August. Pay one price and receive admission for 11 parties in Negril.
September Jamaica Events
Jamaica Spice Food Festival: Ocho Rios
Falmouth Marlin Tournament: Glistening Waters, Falmouth during late September.
Miss Jamaica Grand Coronation Show: National Arena, Kingston
Montego Bay Yacht Club Marlin Tournament: Annual tournament is held in early September.
Jamaica Rock and Blues Jam: Hedonism III Resort, Ocho Rios during early September. There is more than just music at this rock and blues festival; you can learn to scuba dive, party at the dance clubs, slide down a 3-story waterslide, enjoy unlimited drinks, swim, tan, and much more.
Falmouth Marlin Tournament: Glistening Waters, Falmouth during late September.
Miss Jamaica Grand Coronation Show: National Arena, Kingston
Montego Bay Yacht Club Marlin Tournament: Annual tournament is held in early September.
Jamaica Rock and Blues Jam: Hedonism III Resort, Ocho Rios during early September. There is more than just music at this rock and blues festival; you can learn to scuba dive, party at the dance clubs, slide down a 3-story waterslide, enjoy unlimited drinks, swim, tan, and much more.
October Jamaica Events
International Squash Tournament: Hedonism II, Negril, mid-October. Two separate tournaments during this 6-day event involve some of the best international squash players.
Africa Jamfest: Montego Bay, mid-October. African culture in Jamaica is celebrated in the Africa Jamfest with a fashion show, business trade fair and musical performances.
Treasure Beach Hook N' Line Canoe Tournament: Treasure Beach (south coast), mid-October. Annual 3-day south coast fishing tournament that also provides entertainment and environmental exhibits.
National Mento Yard Cultural Show: Seville Heritage Park, St. Ann's Bay.
Ocho Rios International Marlin Tournament
Port Antonio International Fishing Tournament: Mid-October. One of the oldest and most prestigious sportfishing events in the Caribbean, with participants from Europe and North America competing.
Ocktoberfest: Jamaica German Society Headquarters, Kingston during late October. Celebrating the German holiday with a Jamaican twist.
Africa Jamfest: Montego Bay, mid-October. African culture in Jamaica is celebrated in the Africa Jamfest with a fashion show, business trade fair and musical performances.
Treasure Beach Hook N' Line Canoe Tournament: Treasure Beach (south coast), mid-October. Annual 3-day south coast fishing tournament that also provides entertainment and environmental exhibits.
National Mento Yard Cultural Show: Seville Heritage Park, St. Ann's Bay.
Ocho Rios International Marlin Tournament
Port Antonio International Fishing Tournament: Mid-October. One of the oldest and most prestigious sportfishing events in the Caribbean, with participants from Europe and North America competing.
Ocktoberfest: Jamaica German Society Headquarters, Kingston during late October. Celebrating the German holiday with a Jamaican twist.
November Jamaica Events
Caribbean Heritage Fest: Rio Cobre, Portmore, St. Catherine. Showcases the best of Caribbean food, music, art, and culture from eight different Caribbean Island nations.
Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival: Montego Bay, third week of November. Series of concerts at Rose Hall Great House.
Reggae Marathon and Half Marathon: Long Bay Beach, Negril, during late November. Rock out to reggae tunes while racing along the Negril shoreline.
Jamaican Open Golf Tournament and Pro-Am: Half Moon, Montego Bay. Held the third week in November at the Half Moon Bay Resort Golf Course.
Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival: Montego Bay, third week of November. Series of concerts at Rose Hall Great House.
Reggae Marathon and Half Marathon: Long Bay Beach, Negril, during late November. Rock out to reggae tunes while racing along the Negril shoreline.
Jamaican Open Golf Tournament and Pro-Am: Half Moon, Montego Bay. Held the third week in November at the Half Moon Bay Resort Golf Course.
December Jamaica Events
Motor Sports Championship Series: Dover Raceway, early December. St. Ann Prestigious championship event.
Johnny Walker World Championship of Golf: Tryall Golf and Beach Club, Montego Bay; held the week before Christmas at the Tryall Beach and Golf Resort.
Johnny Walker World Championship of Golf: Tryall Golf and Beach Club, Montego Bay; held the week before Christmas at the Tryall Beach and Golf Resort.