Event Countdown Sept. 5th – 7th
Event Location for Kansas City Reggae Fest 2025
The Kansas City Reggae Music and Jerk Festival is a vibrant, three-day celebration of Caribbean culture, unity, and rhythm, returning to Berkley Riverfront Park this September 5–7.
Hosted for over 30 years, the festival draws thousands of attendees for an immersive experience filled with Reggae and World Music, authentic Caribbean cuisine, cultural performances, Vendor & Canna Villages and family-friendly entertainment.
More than just a music festival, it’s a joyful expression of heritage and community – welcoming all ages and backgrounds to celebrate together.
Friends of Reggae International (FORI) promotes reggae music and organizes the annual Reggae Music & Jerk Fest in Kansas City. FORI aims to unify diverse communities through reggae music, enhance the quality of life, promote commerce through tourism, and provide a positive economic environment for merchants.
You can join their VIP list for exclusive benefits
Friday, September 5th – World Music: Gates open at 5:00 pm. Featuring performances by Top Ranx Sound System (Topeka KS), Arania Nemati (KC), Jah Lion/Maganda (KC), Sajh Kaya (KC) Yasus Afari (Jamaica) and Big Mountain (California).
Saturday, September 6th – Dance Hall: Gates open at 12:00 pm. Featured artists Day Dance
Party hosted by DJ E of Energy & Jams. It is followed by main stage performances featuring Dj.Junior George, Osezua (Jamaica), Page-7 (Lawrence KS), AZ-One (KC Roots), Chyna Nicole (New York) Dj Dynamq (Somali), Luciano (Jamaica)
Sunday, September 7th – Roots & Culture: Gates open at 12:00 pm. Showcasing Ras Shumba Matsiga (Zimbabwe), Deepa Reality (KC Roots), Michael Long (spoken words) Kumar/Thrd World (Jamaica)
Affiliates & Sponsors
Featured Events
Meet The Organizers
Friends of Reggae International, a Missouri-based nonprofit founded by Jamaican native & musician Dave Clark, launched Kansas City’s first Reggae and World Music Festival in 1989 at Volker Park. The inaugural event drew over 30,000 attendees and featured global icons like Lucky Dube, Fela Kuti, Jimmy Cliff, and Richie Havens. Over the next two decades, the festival welcomed more than 500,000 music lovers from around the world.
Today, Dave, his children, and a passionate team of organizers—alongside local partners like Art Garden KC, Equally Yoked, Island Spice Caribbean Restaurant, KKFI members, Energy & Jams Studios, Port KC and more—are working together to amplify this beloved Kansas City tradition.
No Hassle. Find An Artist For Your Event
Browse List of Artists
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of reggae music at Friends of Reggae, your ultimate online destination for all things irie. Our extensive database allows you to effortlessly browse a comprehensive list of reggae artists, from legendary pioneers to exciting new voices. Explore their discographies, learn about their journeys, and connect with the sounds that move your soul.
Check Artist Profile
Within each profile, you'll discover a wealth of information to enrich your appreciation of their work. Explore their biographies, learn about their musical journeys, and gain insights into their inspirations. Discover comprehensive discographies, allowing you to easily navigate their albums, singles, and collaborations. Stay up-to-date with their latest releases, tour dates (when available), and social media links, keeping you connected to your favorite musicians.
Book Your Artist
At Friends of Reggae, we're more than just a database of incredible reggae artists – we're your direct connection to booking the perfect vibes for your next event. Beyond browsing our extensive list of reggae artists, our platform empowers you to Book Your Artist with ease. Whether you're planning a private party, a festival, or a corporate event, find and secure the talent that will bring the authentic riddim and soul of reggae to your audience.
Immerse yourself in the heart of the Caribbean with Reggae Riddim TV, the premier online television station dedicated to showcasing the vibrant sounds and rich culture of Jamaica and the islands. Whether you're a lifelong reggae lover or a newcomer to the genre, Reggae Riddim TV offers an unparalleled viewing experience that will transport you to a world of irie vibes and uplifting music.
Recent News Update
We deliver the ultimate vibes with the finest selection of reggae, dancehall, soca, and Caribbean music, showcasing iconic legends and the freshest rising stars. Immerse yourself in the authentic island sound, from timeless anthems to today’s hottest tracks. Stick around for exclusive interviews, updates on Jamaican meal prep ideas, and a whole lot more to keep you connected to the culture!
Third World brought Jamaica all the way to Kansas City tonight! 🇯🇲
@thirdworldband - We were absolutely captivated by your soul, your sound, and the genuine joy you brought to our city. Every face had a smile, all the bodies were moving, and love was felt all around- from the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!! We could not ask for a better way to close out 2025 Reggae Fest ❤️💛💚
Come back whenever you can gentlemen! KC will always welcome you with open arms🤩
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#kcreggaefest #thirdworldband #kansascityreggae #kansascityreggaefest #jamaica🇯🇲 #onelove
📷 @artgardenkc
Wow… we are at a loss for words @thirdworldband
It’s the final night of KC Reggae Music & Jerk Festival and @broddy_alan + @robtrib3 bringin` nothing but pure jams to the green stage 🍃💚💨
@artgardenkc x @friendsofreggaekc ❤️💛💚
Another great year, another great partnership ✨ #onelove #oneenergy
🌞 KC, last night was a blast—easily the best night so far 🙌🔥 The energy, the music, the love…you all made it unforgettable. 💛💚❤️
Now it’s time for Day 3, the grand finale! Gates open at noon sharp—so come early, shop the Canna Village & Artisan Markets, taste the Caribbean Flava, and get ready for a night of legends with @thirdworldband @kumarfyah and many more!! Let’s make the final day even bigger! 🎶
Tix at the gate! Kids 8 & Under FREE | Kids Zone & Escape Room sponsored by Equally Yoked 🤸♀️🤸🏾♂️
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📸Photo Credits: @d.j.b._photography
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#kansascityreggaefest #kc #onelove #kcreggaefest
And a massive thank-you to the legendary @lucianomessenjah who kept his promise to KC of another return!!
📷 @d.j.b._photography
#reggae #kc #festival #onelove
🌿 All eyes on the Green Stage 🌟 Lydia is setting the vibe just right before tonight’s headliner takes us even higher. Her sound is soulful, powerful, and pure KC magic—soak it in while you can, because the grand finale is almost here!
Green Stage Entertainment hosted by @energyandjams @onehalfofenj
Powered by @elevate.cannabis @roastedsmokeshop @artgardenkc @holladay1856 @prescribed__fire & Herbal Refreshments KC
📸Photo Credits: @d.j.b._photography
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#kc #reggae #onelove #festival #concert #concertphotos #festivalphotography #kcreggaefest
The legend himself from the homeland of Jamaica, LUCIANO.
Thank you Kansas City, it’s been a great night. We’ll see you Day 3 for the final act @thirdworldband AND @kumarfyah 🔥🔥
Gates open at noon. Get here early, it’ll be packed!
#kcreggaefest
Skankin sweet! 🌿💨👌
Reggae Tequila Sunrise from @360vodka @holladay1856
Simply Glass hand-blown pipe from @roastedsmokeshop
LemonHead local & homegrown sativa from Herbal Refreshments KC
Universal 510 battery from @elevate.cannabis
Irie! #kcreggaefest
KC Reggae Music & Jerk Fest: DAY 2 fit check 🤩
KC, the night is far from over! The final leg is heating up with incredible acts keeping the vibes alive—every beat, every lyric, every moment building toward what’s still to come. 💛💚❤️ Stay locked in, because the energy is only rising as we move closer to the grand finale. ✨🎶
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📸Photo credits: @d.j.b._photography
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#reggae #musicfestival #kc #onelove
🌞 Day 2 and KC is already buzzing! The Canna Village is alive with color, the Caribbean food market is serving up flava, and the music is rolling strong. 🎶✨
The vibes are only climbing from here—don’t miss out, gates are open and the rhythm is calling.
Who’s ready for the legendary @lucianomessenjah later tonight? 🙌
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📸Photo Credits: @d.j.b._photography / @artgardenkc
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#kc #concert #festival #reggae #onelove
Kansas City’s Reggae Music 2024
In the quest for friendship, peace, and understanding, cultural exchange had a long history of success in bridging gaps and fostering unity among distant communities. Friends of Reggae International, a Missouri not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation based in Kansas City, MO, launched Kansas City’s first Reggae Music Festival at Thies Mall in Volker Park in 1990. A diverse and vibrant audience of more than 30,000 individuals attended the first event. The annual festival thrived for over three decades. The cultural and economic impact was significant. Kansas City mayors issued proclamations to honor and commemorate the festival events. The Reggae Music & Jerk [...]
