NOTE: I’ve been to this event several times. Always great sounds and smells. Bring a lawn chair and dancing shoes. Watch for dreadlocks.
Kentucky Reggae Festival Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Summer Starts with the Flavor of the Islands at Louisville Water Tower Park on May 22nd
For the First Time in Event History, Three-Day Festival Begins on a Friday
Louisville, KY (May 11th, 2015) – The Kentucky Reggae Festival brings the sound of steel drums and the savory smell of Caribbean-inspired foods back to Louisville Water Tower Park on Memorial Day weekend. The three-day festival held Friday, May 22nd through Sunday, May 24th is the premiere Memorial Day event for those longing for summer.
Featuring the region’s top live reggae performers and a wide variety of authentic Jamaican food and cocktails, the annual Kentucky Reggae Festival is designed to bring a truly Caribbean atmosphere to Louisville’s backyard.
The Kentucky Reggae Festival celebrates its 25th year in 2015 and has become one of Memorial Day weekend’s most-anticipated events in incorporating Jamaican culture and the flavor of the islands through music, ethnic food and a Caribbean Vendor Market. Also, the ever-popular Courier-Journal Kids Entertainment Area returns to provide family-friendly inflatables and children’s activities. The event is the kick-off festival to the summer’s popular Water Tower Music Series hosted each year at Louisville Water Tower Park.
Over 11 musical acts from around the region are scheduled for the three-day event. Nashville’s popular Roots of a Rebellion opens the festival Friday evening and will take the stage at 5:30 p.m. They’ll be followed at 9:30 p.m. by The Cliftones, a 10 member band with a unique blend of roots and dance hall rhythms.
JAMAICAN FOOD
The Kentucky Reggae Festival features a wide variety of authentic Jamaican food. Taste the islands with the jerk chicken, curry goat, beef patties, fried plantains, and rice & peas.
JERK CHICKEN
explore a cooking style that is a true depiction of the Jamaican culture! Jerk, referring to a spicy traditional cooking technique is commonly dry-rubbed or wet marinated. Feeling up to a challenge? Try all the vendor’s jerk recipes and choose your favorite!
CARIBBEAN COCKTAILS
There is no better way to cool down on a summer day than with one of our beers or spirits! As you vibe to the Reggae tunes, refresh with a beer from the beer garden or a featured cocktail from the bar. Cold beverages will be sold in the Budweiser and Sailor Jerry Rum bar area featuring Four Roses Bourbon, Sailor Jerry Rum, Reyka Vodka, Budweiser products and much more.
FAIR FAVORITES
A music festival is not complete without traditional fair favorites! Enjoy ice cold lemonade, funnel cakes, ice cream, ribbon fries and more at the Kentucky Reggae Festival. The festival also includes a Caribbean Marketplace that offers arts, crafts, jewelry and the Courier-Journal Kids Entertainment Area.
TICKETS / TIMES / FREE PARKING!
For the first time in the festival’s 25 year history, the Kentucky Reggae Festival begins Friday with gates opening at 5:00 p.m. and running until 11:30 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, the festival begins at 2:00 p.m. and closes at 11:30 p.m. Festival admission is $12 before 6:00 p.m. and $16 afterward. Admission is free for children 10 and under. Parking is free! Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome, but guests must leave pets, food and drink at home. A three-day pass can be purchased on online for $30 at www.kentuckyreggaefestival.com.
