Rebel Salute 2026

Rebel Salute 2026 returns to Grizzly’s Plantation Cove in Priory, St. Ann as a one‑night roots‑and‑culture spectacular on Saturday, January 17, 2026, preserving its signature alcohol‑free, meat‑free ethos while showcasing conscious reggae on Jamaica’s scenic north coast. Official festival channels are preparing ticket tiers and on‑island outlet lists, with a streamlined format after recent multi‑night editions and a continued focus on positive messages rooted in Rastafarian values.

What Rebel Salute is

Launched in 1994 by reggae icon Tony Rebel to align with his mid‑January birthday, Rebel Salute has grown into one of the Caribbean’s most respected cultural festivals, centering roots reggae, clean lyrical content, and Ital living. The brand’s mission is “the preservation of reggae,” curating high‑class entertainment that uplifts while reflecting Jamaica’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

2026 date, venue, format

Festival updates indicate a single night on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Grizzly’s Plantation Cove, a large seaside venue known for comfortable viewing lawns, multiple vendor zones, and late‑night performances that run into the early morning. Organizers have shifted formats across years, and the 2026 staging consolidates the experience into one long overnight billed as Rebel Salute 32.

Ethos and experience

Rebel Salute is proudly alcohol‑free and meat‑free, with abundant Ital food options, herbal education, and a family‑friendly presentation even during late hours. The environment is designed for consciousness and community, guided by a Saluter’s Guide that recommends practical “must‑haves” for enjoying an overnight festival with comfort and respect for the culture.

Music and legacy moments

Across three decades, Rebel Salute has delivered historic sets from luminaries such as Jimmy Cliff, Steel Pulse, Beres Hammond, and the Marley family, plus dancehall artists presenting under given names to fit the festival’s conscious criteria. The curation blends legends with emerging voices, keeping roots at the center while welcoming clean, positive dancehall and gospel crossovers.

Tickets and outlets

The festival’s ticket page confirms that 2026 pricing tiers are “coming soon,” with a distribution network that typically includes islandwide outlets like Fontana Pharmacy and Mi Hungry Wholesome Foods, alongside online sales. Fans are encouraged to monitor official updates for VIP and general admission details, plus shuttle or transportation add‑ons that often support safe late‑night arrivals and returns.

2025 as context

Rebel Salute 2025 delivered a strong turnout at Plantation Cove with a partial lineup that featured veterans like Maxi Priest, Luciano, Tony Rebel, Richie Spice, and Queen Ifrica, illustrating the balance between heritage and current relevance ahead of the 2026 edition. The festival’s consistency and sell‑through patterns suggest that early ticket purchases are wise once tiers go live.

What to expect on site

• Stages and schedule: A main stage carries the bulk of performances through the night, with artist changeovers paced to maintain flow and minimal downtime.
• Food and craft: Ital food courts, natural juices, and artisan stalls line the grounds, with easy access from the lawns to vendor alleys.
• Herb Curb: Educational showcases and cultural vendors celebrate Jamaica’s herbal heritage with a learning‑first approach tied to wellness and tradition.

Practical tips for 2026

• Pack smart: Comfortable shoes, a light layer for predawn chill, portable seat or blanket, hydration, and cash for vendors will improve the overnight experience.
• Transport planning: Expect late finishes; look out for official transport options and coordinate rides in advance to and from Plantation Cove.
• Stay close: Base in St. Ann (Ocho Rios, Runaway Bay, Discovery Bay) to shorten transfers and rest before or after the all‑night schedule.

Family and culture

Rebel Salute’s family‑friendly stance stems from its commitment to clean content and wellness, making it a rare large‑scale festival where multi‑generational groups feel welcome. Cultural programming and respectful guidelines create a shared space where lyrics, message, and community take precedence over hype.

Why Plantation Cove works

Plantation Cove’s coastal lawns, ocean breeze, and wide footprint create natural crowd comfort, with space for vendor villages and calm zones away from the stage while keeping sightlines clear. The location is easily combined with north‑coast attractions for travelers making a long weekend around the festival.

Sample Rebel Salute weekend

• Friday: Arrive in Ocho Rios or Runaway Bay, check in, and rest up; review the Saluter’s Guide and gather “must‑haves.”
• Saturday: Head to Plantation Cove in the evening, enjoy Ital food and artisan booths, and settle in for a full night of conscious reggae.
• Sunday: Sleep in, then explore Dunn’s River Falls or local beaches, reflecting on the messages and performances.

Respecting the space

The festival’s code is rooted in Rastafarian respect: be mindful with photos, keep the grounds clean, honor the alcohol‑free, meat‑free policy, and embrace the spirit of unity that defines the show. This approach sustains the experience for artists, elders, families, and first‑timers alike.

How to stay updated

Follow the official website and social channels for the 2026 lineup drop, ticket tiers, transport options, and the Saluter’s Guide updates. The site also archives highlights and interviews to help newcomers understand the festival’s purpose and legacy.

Why go in 2026

Rebel Salute’s 32nd staging promises a concise, one‑night immersion in conscious reggae at a stunning seaside venue, backed by clear values and decades of unforgettable performances. For travelers and music lovers seeking meaning with their vibes, it remains a must‑experience cornerstone of Jamaica’s cultural calendar.

Ready to welcome the new year with roots, message, and community at the water’s edge? Save Saturday, January 17, 2026 for Rebel Salute at Plantation Cove, watch for ticket tiers to drop, and plan an uplifting north‑coast weekend that nourishes body, mind, and soul.