There are many events where individuals can have a social experience. In addition to many food festivals, like the Portland Jerk Festival, there are many music festivals throughout the island.

There is the Rebel Salute Music Festival that has been held the last 12 years. It has cultural roots music and focuses more on folk traditions. The crowd is large and patron of the event includes locals and international guests that show up each year. There is also the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival that is held early in the year at different locations. It brings a range of musical genres and it great for a blues or jazz lover. This festival caters to African, Cuba and reggae and has an international flavour in the tradition of jazz and blues.

International Reggae Day is a blowout festival. It is celebrated in July and hosts many talents, workshops and lectures featuring the late Bob Marley. It is broadcast all over the world. Montego Bay has the Reggae Sum fest in August. The best in reggae are brought together for a week of celebrations.