Montego Bay Hip Strip
$$$Mid-rangeWalk to the action
- Bars, restaurants and Doctor's Cave Beach on Jimmy Cliff Boulevard (Gloucester Avenue)
- Short taxi to Catherine Hall for Sumfest
- Busy and noisy, especially in July
Jamaica · Montego Bay
Where to stay for Reggae Sumfest 2027
Fri–Sat, Jul 16–17, 2027Starts in 248 days
Main shows usually on the third Friday and Saturday in July.
Jamaica's biggest reggae and dancehall festival: a week of parties ending in two all-night shows, usually in Montego Bay. Here's where to stay, with live prices for your dates.
Where to stay
Pick your base for Reggae Sumfest
Catherine Hall is about 2 km from the Hip Strip, so most people stay there and taxi to the shows. The main nights run until sunrise.
Rose Hall & Ironshore
$$$PremiumResorts east of the airport
- Big all-inclusives, villas and golf
- Close to Sangster airport
- Taxi into town for festival nights
Showing stays near Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex, Montego Bay
Prices are live for your dates and guests. Tap a pin to see the stay on the booking site.
Plan your nights
Reggae Sumfest at a glance
Book the full stretch and you won't miss a thing.
SunJul 11
Family Fun Day
The week opens on Sunday at the Catherine Hall stadium. Free entry in recent years.
MonJul 12
All White Party & Street Dance
Early in the week: the All White Party at Pier One on the waterfront, and a street dance. The order changes from year to year.
WedJul 14
Blitz & Sound Clash
Mid-week parties and the Global Sound Clash at Catherine Hall.
FriJul 16
Festival Night 1
Dancehall-led line-up from around 8pm until sunrise.
SatJul 17
Festival Night 2
Reggae and international acts, again running into Sunday morning.
SunJul 18
Travel home
Sleep in, then head to MBJ. It's about 10 minutes from the Hip Strip.
Reggae Sumfest publishes the official line-up and schedule at reggaesumfest.com. The main shows have been at Catherine Hall in Montego Bay, apart from a one-off in St Ann.
Getting there & around
- MBJ airport is about 10 minutes from the Hip Strip. Use a licensed taxi (red PPV plates) from the airport desk, or pre-book.
- Most taxis aren't metered, so agree the fare before you get in.
- Catherine Hall is only about 2 km from the Hip Strip, but roads around Howard Cooke Boulevard are slow on show nights.
- The main shows finish after sunrise. Book your ride back before you go in.
Booking tips
Book refundable, switch later
Lock in a free-cancellation stay now while there's choice, then keep an eye out for something better.
Compare the total price
Festival rates, cleaning fees and minimum stays add up. Compare the total for your nights, not the nightly rate.
Check AC, water and parking
Ask rental hosts about AC in the bedrooms, backup water and secure parking before you book.
Stay near what you'll do most
Roads close and taxis surge on the big days. Being close to the main events saves hours.
Lock in a refundable stay for Reggae Sumfest
Hip Strip hotels fill first for Sumfest week. The festival hasn't confirmed its next venue yet, so book free cancellation. Free-cancellation options let you book now and change your mind later.
FAQ
Reggae Sumfest: your questions
When is Reggae Sumfest 2027?
Mid to late July. It's a week of parties from Sunday, with the two main shows on the Friday and Saturday nights. The next one is Fri–Sat, Jul 16–17, 2027.
Where is it held?
Usually at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex in Montego Bay. Check the official site for the current year's venue before you book.
What time do the shows run?
Events usually start around 8pm. The main nights go on until morning.
Which night should I pick?
Night 1 leans dancehall. Night 2 leans reggae and international R&B.
Where should I stay for Sumfest?
The Hip Strip (Jimmy Cliff Boulevard) for bars, the beach and a short taxi to Catherine Hall. Rose Hall and Ironshore for resorts, about 20 to 30 minutes away.
