This summer, consumers canexperience Jamaica’s authentic food, music, and culture at a variety of festivals and parties throughout the U.S. Attending one of these events will allow people to experience the many wonders of the island and satisfy their Jamaica craving until their next visit.
“We are always looking for ways to share Jamaica’s culture through food, music and entertainment, no matter where they take place,” said Paul Pennicook, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “These summer events proudly feature legendary and up and coming talent, flavors and cultural experiences from Jamaica, and encourage people to make Jamaica their next travel destination.”
The following is a list of Jamaican summer events and activities:
Groovin’ In the Park, Queens, NY (June 25)
Groovin’ In the Park is one of the largest family-friendly Reggae and R&B concerts in the U.S. that provides an eclectic array of entertainment and popular music. Catering to a wide cross-section of American and Caribbean audiences, the festival is in its ninth year and will take place on Sunday, June 25 at Roy Wilkins Park. Feature artists include R. Kelly, Freddie McGregor, Tarrus Riley, Busy Signal, Lloyd Parks and Leroy Sibbles. www.groovininthepark.com
Coney Island Reggae on the Boardwalk (July 2, August 6 & September 3)
Coney Island Reggae on the Boardwalk is a free, summer sound system series held on the iconic boardwalk at Coney Island, Brooklyn, West 20th Street. Founded by DJ Carter Van Pelt in 2010, this event features sounds by New York area vinyl-only reggae artists. This series will be held on the following dates: July 2, August 6, and September 3, 2017 from 3-7 p.m.
Music on the Main – Reggae Night, West Bend, WI (July 20)
Music on the Main is a festival in downtown West Bend that transforms Main Street into a wonderland of music, food, commerce and fun. To bring the full flavor of Jamaica to the people of West Bend, DJ Koja will be providing the rhythms and sounds of reggae in partnership with local entities. The festival takes place on Thursday, July 20 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. www.downtownwestbend.com/music-on-main.html
Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival, Queens, NY (July 23)
The 7th annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival in New York attracts over 20,000 patrons including, foodies, reggae and soca music lovers, dance aficionados, and cultural enthusiasts to the most anticipated event of the year. The Jerk Festival is known for delivering an enjoyable experience and is held annually in Roy Wilkins Park in Queens. Competing chefs put their culinary skills to the test to win the coveted Dutch Pot Trophy in the Jerk Cook-off and top artists including Allison Hinds, Morgan Heritage and Konshens are set to perform. www.jerkfestivalny.com/
South Carolina Reggae Jerk & Wine Festival, Charleston, South Carolina (August 27)
The 4th annual South Carolina Reggae Jerk Festival celebrates Jamaican Reggae music, jerk spices and wine parings on Sunday, August 27 at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Guests can enjoy wine tastings, jerk samples, games, and reggae music from Coolieg and Lion Soul Reggae band as they browse the craft items on display. The festival is from noon to 7 p.m. www.screggaejerkfestival.com
For more on Jamaica and Jamaican events, check out www.visitjamaica.com.
About Jamaica Tourist Board
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica #12 Best Destination in the World in 2017 and top three island in the world in 2016. The JTB was declared the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board by the World Travel Awards (WTA) from 2006 to 2016. In 2016, Jamaica earned the WTA’s vote for the Caribbean’s Leading Destination and the Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination for the tenth consecutive year. Additionally, Ocho Rios was named the Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Port; Sangster International Airport was voted the Caribbean’s Leading Airport; Club Mobay was named the Caribbean’s Leading Airport Lounge; Dolphin Cove was voted the Caribbean’s Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction; the Montego Bay Convention Center was named the Caribbean’s Leading Meeting & Conventions Center; and GO! Jamaica Travel was named the Caribbean’s Leading Tour Operator.
JTB offices are located in Kingston, Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are located in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Mumbai and Tokyo.
For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB’s Web site at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422). Follow the JTB on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog atwww.islandbuzzjamaica.com.
