Reggae On The River-World Reggae Day
On this year’s celebration of World Reggae Day, the Mateel Community Center & Reggae on the River proudly reflect on more than 40 years of preserving, uplifting, and expanding reggae music and culture in Northern California and beyond. Since its founding in 1984 by the Mateel Community Center, Reggae on the River has become one of the most respected and influential reggae festivals in the world. What began as a small community fundraiser along the banks of the Eel River evolved into an international cultural gathering that helped introduce generations of fans to roots reggae, dancehall, dub, lovers rock, and conscious music from Jamaica and across the globe.
For decades, Reggae on the River has served as a sacred meeting ground where music, activism, spirituality, art, and community unite beneath the towering redwoods of Humboldt County. The festival has welcomed Grammy Winning artists including Burning Spear, Jimmy Cliff, Steel Pulse, Damian Marley, Toots and the Maytals, Black Uhuru, Barrington Levy, and countless other pioneers who carried the heartbeat of Jamaica to audiences worldwide. Beyond the music, Reggae on the River has played a major role in cultivating reggae culture on the West Coast of the United States. The festival helped inspire generations of musicians, sound systems, artists, vendors, and independent promoters while championing values rooted in unity, environmental stewardship, conscious living, social justice, and cultural appreciation.
“Reggae music has always been more than entertainment. It is a force for truth, healing, resistance, and connection,” said festival organizers. “World Reggae Day is a time to honor the artists and communities that built this movement, and Reggae on the River is proud to continue carrying that torch forward.”
As reggae music continues to influence cultures around the world, Reggae on the River remains committed to protecting the authenticity and spirit of the genre while creating space for future generations to gather in celebration of peace, love, and community.
The 2026 edition of Reggae on the River returns August 14 through 16 at County Line Ranch in Piercy with a powerful lineup featuring Burning Spear, The Movement, Kabaka Pyramid, Don Carlos, Cham, Dezarie, and many more. For over four decades, Reggae on the River has remained a beacon for reggae lovers around the globe and a cornerstone of California music culture. On World Reggae Day, the festival celebrates the enduring legacy of reggae music and recommits to keeping the culture alive for generations to come. For tickets, camping information, vendor applications, and festival updates, visit https://reggaeontheriver.com
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