Kansas City’s Annual Reggae Music & Jerk Festival is 3 Days of Music, Food & Community. The dates are September 5th – 7th, 2025. Featured bands include Thrd World, Kumar Fyah, Luciano, Chyna Nicole, Yasus Afari, Big Mountain, more.
Berkley Riverfront Park, Kansas City, MO is the venue for this highly anticipated event.
Friends of Reggae International is a Missouri-based nonprofit. They promise three days of non-stop entertainment, featuring renowned reggae artists, traditional jerk cuisine, and a diverse range of cultural activities.
HISTORY
Since its inception in 1989, the festival has attracted over 500,000 local, national, and international music enthusiasts. It has become a staple event in the Kansas City area. This year’s lineup includes a mix of world music, dancehall, and roots & culture performances, showcasing both established and emerging artists.
Main stage Festival Highlights
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)
MORE
In addition to the music, attendees can enjoy a traditional Jerk food cook-off, arts, crafts, poetry, cultural drummers, and dancers. The Caribbean food court offers authentic cuisine and drinks throughout the weekend. Art Garden KC and Friends of Reggae International will curate a marketplace of local artists and handmade products.
The festival will also feature a Canna Village & Marijuana Karna on the Green Stage. This area is hosted by DJ E of KKFI’s Energy & Jams and sponsored by a number of local Cannabis Companies.
“The Kansas City Reggae Music and Jerk Festival is a celebration of unity and diversity,” said Dave Clark, Director of Operations for Friends of Reggae International. “We invite everyone to join us for a weekend of incredible music, delicious food, and cultural exchange.”
Tickets
Single day and weekend passes are available now on Eventbrite
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
For updates, follow:
@FriendsofReggaeKC on Instagram
Friends Of Reggae International on Facebook.
ReggaeFestKC
About Friends of Reggae International
Friends of Reggae International is a Kansas City-based nonprofit organization. They are also the grant recipient supported by NTDF and the Missouri Arts Council which is dedicated to promoting Tourism and the arts through music. Since 1989, the organization has fostered unity and understanding within the community through its annual Reggae Music & Jerk Festival.
Contact
Dave Clark, Director of Operations Friends of Reggae International friendsofreggaekc@gmail.com
Friendsofreggae.com
Office: (816) 888-3291
Direct: (816) 315-1834
