Destination Guides: Montego Bay, Jamaica - Events & Entertainment

Annual Events

January

Accompong Maroon Festival, St. Elizabeth. Annual celebration of Maroons of Western Jamaica, with traditional singing and dancing, feasts, ceremonies, blowing of the abeng (cow's horn), playing of Maroon drums. 876/952-4546. January 6.

Jamaica Sprint Triathlon, Negril. Hundreds participate in a three-part competition joining swimming, cycling, and running in one sweat-inducing endurance test. Contact the Jamaica Tourist Board. Late January.

February

Tribute to Bob Marley-Symposium in Music, Ocho Rios. Seminars for students of music.  876/926-5726. First week in February.

Bob Marley Birthday Bash, Montego Bay. An annual concert that celebrates a local star.  876/978-2991. February 6.

Reggae Summerfest, Ocho Rios. Annual reggae bash, featuring top reggae stars. Call  876/960-1904 for dates.

March

Montego Bay Yacht Club's Easter Regatta. Annual sailing event of several races staged along the North Coast over a 6-day period around Easter. ( 876/979-8038). (March or April)

April

Carnival in Jamaica, Kingston, Ocho Rios, and Montego Bay. Weeklong series of fetes, concerts, and street parades. Contact local tourist offices. First week of April.

June

Ocho Rios Jazz Festival, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. International performers play alongside Jamaican jazz artists; other events include barbecues.  888/637-8111 or 876/927-3544 (www.ochoriosjazz.com). Second week in June.

National Dance Theatre Company's Season of Dance, Kingston. Traditional and modern dance, as well as notable singers.  876/926-6129. June through August.

August

Reggae Sunfest, Catherine Hall, Montego Bay. Annual 5-day music festival.  876/952-0889 (www.reggaesumfest.com). First week of August.

September

September

Falmouth Blue Marlin Tournament, Montego Bay. Very popular locally.  876/954-5934. Late September.

October

Port Antonio International Fishing Tournament. One of the oldest and most prestigious sport fishing events in the Caribbean, with participants from Europe and North America.  876/927-0145. Mid-October

November

Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival, Montego Bay. Series of concerts at Rose Hall Great House.  876/952-4425. Third week of November.

December

Motor Sports Championship Series, Dover Raceway, St. Ann. Prestigious championship event.  876/960-3860. Early December.