Reggae on the River is returning in 2026 to Humboldt County for three days of world-class reggae music, community celebration, and unforgettable experiences in one of Northern California’s most iconic natural settings. The festival will take place from August 14 through August 16 at the Humboldt County Line Ranch in Piercy, California, along the scenic banks of the Eel River.

A Legacy of Music and Community
Reggae on the River was founded in 1984 as a fundraiser to rebuild the Mateel Community Center after the original location, the old fireman’s hall, was destroyed by fire. From its earliest days, the festival created a powerful cultural fusion of Northern California cannabis culture and Jamaican reggae music. Over the past 40 years, it has grown from a small local gathering into one of the most recognized and iconic reggae festivals in the United States, attracting thousands of fans from across California, the West Coast, and around the world.
Throughout its history, Reggae on the River has hosted legendary reggae artists including Steel Pulse, Burning Spear, Ziggy Marley, Shaggy, Buju Banton, and Luciano, alongside rising stars who continue to shape reggae music today. Each festival brings a unique mix of live performances, interactive workshops, artisan markets, and community-driven events, making it much more than a music festival. It is a cultural celebration that brings people together.

Experience the Magic of Humboldt County
Set amidst the majestic redwood forests and along the winding Eel River, Reggae on the River offers festival goers a chance to connect with nature while enjoying music, arts, and culture. Attendees can explore the scenic beauty of Humboldt County before and after the festival, from riverside hikes and forest trails to charming local towns and unique artisan shops. The festival creates a space where music, community, and nature intersect, giving fans an unforgettable West Coast reggae experience in one of California’s most stunning outdoor settings.

Supporting the Mateel Community Center
Reggae on the River is a benefit fundraiser for the Mateel Community Center, the cultural hub of southern Humboldt County for over four decades. The MCC provides access to arts, educational programs, and social services while fostering creativity in music, theatre, dance, comedy, film, and crafts. It has earned international recognition for its commitment to multicultural arts and its support of emerging and world-renowned artists alike. Through Reggae on the River, the MCC continues to bring joy, inspiration, and cultural connection to multiple generations of Northern California residents and festival-goers.

A Festival Unlike Any Other
Over the past 40 years, more than half a million people have made the pilgrimage to Reggae on the River to enjoy the river, the redwoods, the arts, the live music, the food, and the vibrant community. Attendees return year after year to be part of the festival’s unique spirit, experiencing unity, creativity, and connection that can only be found in Humboldt County. The festival continues to evolve while staying true to its roots, preserving its legacy as a West Coast reggae institution and a must attend event for fans of music, culture, and nature.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this iconic celebration of music, community, and Humboldt County’s natural beauty.