11 Best Performing Arts in Jamaica

Held in a stadium 25 minutes east of Montego Bay on the last Thursday–Saturday of January, the music festival attracts followers from around the world. Previous headliners include Mary J. Blige, Michael Bolton, Celine Dion, Kenny Rogers, and Alicia Keys. Tickets usually go on sale online in late November or early December.

Held in Kingston at the end of the winter season around early March, this two-day festival revels in Jamaica's rum culture with seminars, workshops, tastings, and live entertainment.

Over the years, this has grown to be one of Jamaica's biggest reggae festivals. As a family-oriented, roots-reggae event, no meat or alcohol is served at this two-day celebration held in January.

Those who know and love reggae should visit Montego Bay in mid-July for this weeklong concert, featuring a host of parties that lead up to two days of musical performances that attract big names. Tickets are sold for each night's performances or by multievent passes.

Kingston is said to be the heartbeat of Jamaica, and at no time does that heart beat louder than during the annual Carnival. This colorful festival begins in March and culminates in a big parade with wonderful costumes the Sunday after Easter. Other events are held around the island.

Three days and nights of both literary and musical talent are featured at this festival, held in May of even-numbered years. Fans come from all over Jamaica and beyond. Past authors have included Rachel Manley, Andrea Levy, and Sonia Sanchez.

This nine-day festival takes place every November in Kingston and showcases the best of Jamaica's cuisine, with live entertainment and fun attractions, too.

The biggest event in Ocho Rios, this June jazz festival has been running since 1991, when it was one day. Now eight days, it draws top names in the genre.

For five decades, this tournament has attracted anglers vying to catch the biggest blue marlin. The late-fall date varies with the moon to appease superstitious sea captains. A canoe race and parties provide action for nonfishers.

Runners can test themselves on a 26.2-mile (42.1-km), 13.1-mile (21.1-km), or 6.2-mile (10-km) run along the road by the beach. This event, held the first Saturday of December, draws competitors from around the world and gets bigger every year.