BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – AS the region gears up for the summer season, Barbados is setting the tone with its 2026 Reggae Weekend, an event expected to deliver top-tier entertainment and draw strong regional and international interest.
This year’s festival will feature a robust line-up of more than 20 artistes across multiple genres and venues. Among the headliners are Barrington Levy, Capleton, Kranium, Dexta Daps, Spice, and international powerhouse Fantasia.
Scheduled for April 24–26 at Kensington Oval, the three-day event is expected to transform the venue into a vibrant, carnival-like atmosphere, catering to patrons of all ages with a mix of music, culture and high-energy performances.
Since its inception in 2014, the festival has continued to grow, weathering challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sponsorship Manager Michelle Straughn said the event has quickly become a staple on Barbados’ entertainment calendar.
“From our first staging, the goal was to produce a high-quality, three-day event that goes beyond just performances. We wanted to deliver a top-tier experience unlike anything else being offered, and based on feedback from patrons, we have achieved that,” she said.
Straughn noted that the festival continues to evolve each year.
“We have consistently expanded both the line-up and the overall experience. Last year, we introduced Ghanaian-American artiste Moliy to diversify the traditional reggae offering, and for 2026 we have raised the bar with international superstar Fantasia. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with strong interest from both locals and visitors travelling from as far as Europe and Africa.”
Organisers have secured a mix of local, regional and international acts for the weekend.
The festival opens on April 24 with the Mount Gay Legends of Reggae Show & Dance, powered by Q100.7 FM, featuring reggae stalwarts Barrington Levy, Norris Man, Sister Nancy, Super Cat, JC Lodge, and local act Biggie Irie.
On April 25, the focus shifts to dancehall with the Guinness Showdown, powered by 98.1 The One. The line-up includes Capleton, General Degree, Popcaan, and 450, alongside local performers Doejay, Weather 40, Brutal Crankstar and Idea the Artist.
The event culminates on April 26 with Hennessy Reggae in the Gardens, powered by Hott 95.3 FM. Patrons can expect performances from Dexta Daps, D’Yani, Fantasia, Kranium, Admiral Tibet, as well as local favourites Spice and Company, DJ Puffy, and Rite Side of Red featuring Buggy Nhakente and Rhesa Garnes.
Organisers say the 2026 staging is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet, with high expectations for an unforgettable weekend of music and entertainment.
SKNVibes Entertainment will be on the ground providing coverage, highlights and behind-the-scenes access throughout the festival.
