February Festivals in Jamaica

Sugar Cane Ball, Montego Bay

One of the most elegant events of the year is the Sugar Cane Ball, held in February at Round Hill Hotel in Montego Bay. For decades, this formal ball has raised money for local charities. Visitors can buy tickets.

Harmony Hall, Ocho Rios

This series takes place from January through March and features the works of Harmony Hall founder, Annabella Proudlock, as well as many other Jamaica artists.

Busta Cup Cricket Competition, Sabina Park, Kingston

This multi-day event is a regional competition among Caribbean countries.

Blue Mahoe Craft Fair and Beach Party, East Prospect, Kingston

This annual event features Kumina groups as well as craft demonstrations.

Bob Marley Birthday Celebration, Nine Mile (outside Ocho Rios)

A concert and celebration of the life of Bob Marley. Originally held at the home that was Marley's birthplace (and now the location of his mausoleum), the event has outgrown the site and is now held in the community.

Jamaica International Marathon, Kingston

This marathon takes places from the National Stadium around Kingston Harbour to Port Royal.

Annual National Exhibition, National Gallery, Kingston.

This event takes place from mid-December through February and features the work of both established and new Jamaican artists. For more information, contact the Jamaica Tourist Board or the National Gallery

LTM National Pantomime, Little Theater, Little Theater, Kingston

Jamaica’s rich pantomime theater is something not to be missed. It is scheduled Wednesday to Sunday, December through March.

Pineapple Cup Yacht Race, Montego Bay Yacht Club

This multi-day event is hosted by the Storm Trysail Club and the Montego Bay Yacht Club. It is considered one of the top distance sailing races in the world. Along with the race, there are also watersports activities.

Negril Fat Tire and Music Festival, Good Hope, Negril Hills

This week-long festival celebrates both downhill and cross-country mountain bike racing. Events include a night ride into a cave for a “cave rave,” a Jamaica street party, scavenger hunt by bicycle and more. Riders may compete in expert or a combined sport/beginner class. All riders are welcome to participate. Helmet laws apply; 26-inch (“big wheels”) are mandatory. There is a JA$250 race entry fee; spectators are welcome and free. The downhill race is a two-man eliminator (head-to-head racing, with one man out from each run). The cross-country race covers a scenic, four-mile, 99 single-track loop that includes one major climb. Expert-class race includes seven laps. Both the downhill and the cross-country race take place in the hills just above the Negril Bay, close to the downtown area.

This race is sanctioned by the Jamaica Cycling Federation, produced by the Jamaica Mountain Bike Association and approved by the Jamaica Tourist Board. The top Jamaican racer is declared National Champion. The best Jamaican riders may become part of the Jamaican Mountain Bike Team and may be eligible to participate in international UCI and World Cup races in preparation for the Commonwealth, Pan American and Olympic games.