One of the Midwest’s longest-running cultural celebrations is back and bigger than ever! The Kansas City Reggae Music & Jerk Festival returns to Berkley Riverfront Park from September 5–7, bringing three days of electrifying music, mouthwatering Caribbean cuisine, and vibrant community celebration. Put on by Friends of Reggae International. 

Presented by Friends of Reggae International, a Kansas City–based nonprofit, this iconic event has been a beloved tradition for more than 30 years—welcoming over half a million attendees since 1989. This year’s festival promises a dynamic mix of international reggae artists, live DJs, dancehall and roots performers, and a full slate of cultural experiences for all ages. 

3 Days, 2 Stages, ONE LOVE: 

Friday, September 5 – World Music Night 
 Gates open at 5 PM 
 Kick off the weekend with performances by: 

  • Top Ranx Sound System (Topeka, KS)
  • Arania Nemati, Jah Lion & Maganda, and Sajh Kaya (Kansas City)
  • Yasus Afari (Jamaica)
  • Big Mountain (California)

Saturday, September 6 – Dancehall Day Party 
 Gates open at 12 PM 
 Start the day with an open-air dance party hosted by DJ E of KKFI’s Energy & Jams, then move into high-energy sets from: 

  • DJ Junior George
  • Osezua (Jamaica)
  • Page-7 (Lawrence, KS)
  • AZ-One (KC Roots)
  • Chyna Nicole (New York)
  • DJ Dynamq (Somalia)
  • Luciano (Jamaica)

Saturday, September 7 – Roots & Culture 
 Gates open at 12 PM 
 Unwind with a spiritually rich lineup including:

  • Ras Shumba Matsiga (Zimbabwe)
  • Deepa Reality (KC Roots)
  • Spoken word from Michael Long
  • A headlining performance by Kumar/Third World (Jamaica)

 

More Than Music: A Full-Sensory Cultural Celebration Attendees can experience: 

  • A Jerk Food Cook-Off featuring traditional Caribbean flavors
  • A bustling Caribbean Food Court
  • Live drumming, dance, and poetry
  • Kids Zone with games, crafts and junior entrepreneur booths hosted by Equally Yoked
  • An artisanal marketplace curated by Art Garden KC, spotlighting local artists and handmade goods
  • The return of the crowd-favorite Canna Village and local performances + Rastafari education on the Green Stage, hosted by DJ E and sponsored by local cannabis companies