In a bold and exciting development for Jamaica’s entertainment landscape, Dream Weekend, the Caribbean’s most celebrated weeklong party series, is officially relocating to the vibrant city of Montego Bay in St James.
This move signals not only a new chapter for the iconic event, but also a profound transformation in the cultural and economic fabric of Jamaica’s famed north coast.
After years of hosting music lovers, partygoers, and international tourists in Negril, Dream Weekend will now call the dazzling shores and spirited town of Montego Bay home. According to Kamal Bankay, Group Chairman Dream Entertainment Limited, this strategic shift comes after extensive consultation with stakeholders, artists, sponsors, and loyal patrons, all eager to see the festival evolve and reach new heights.
“At the heart of the decision lies an unshakable commitment to delivering an even more unforgettable and immersive experience for guests—a promise that the Dream team is ready to fulfill. A new Dream rises in St James,” Bankay said during a Press Announcement at Pier 1 Montego Bay on Wednesday August 13.
Historically the event has hosted hundreds of thousands of people; this move to the second city is expected to increase that.
“Negril is one of the most beautiful locations in Jamaica but entering our 16th year we had to position ourselves for growth. The sale of the Kool Runnings Water Park led to us losing our largest venue. Our second largest venue, Waves Negril, can only accommodate 7000 people, and our numbers are growing far beyond that. We had no choice but to move to a place that could grow with our pace,” Bankay added.
““We are thrilled to bring Dream Weekend to Montego Bay, a place that embodies the spirit of celebration and togetherness. This move reflects our core belief that music and culture unite people. We’re committed to making this transition a win-win for our patrons, our partners, and especially for the wonderful communities of St James. We have venues and venue options in Montego Bay that we never had in Negril” added Ron Burke Festival Manager Dream Entertainment.
Why Montego Bay, St James?
Renowned for its breathtaking beaches, luxury resorts, and pulsating nightlife, St James—anchored by the city of Montego Bay—offers an unparalleled setting for Dream Weekend. Organizers cite several key factors driving the move:
• Accessibility: With Sangster International Airport serving as Jamaica’s primary gateway for international arrivals, St James is more accessible for global guests than ever before.
• Accommodation: St James has thousands of hotel and villa rooms available
• Infrastructure: The parish boasts a robust hospitality network, world-class venues, and state-of-the-art amenities, ensuring comfortable accommodations and seamless logistics for thousands of attendees.
• Jamaica’s most robust transport network with thousands of tour buses of all sizes along with luxury black car service available for dreamers.
• Rich Cultural Offerings: St James is steeped in Jamaican heritage, from reggae and dancehall roots to culinary delights and artisan crafts, promising deeper engagement for festivalgoers.
• Economic Growth: By moving to St James, Dream Weekend aims to catalyze local economic activity, create new jobs, and foster sustainable tourism for the region.
The Dream team has collaborated closely with local authorities, tourist organizations and community leaders to ensure the festival’s migration benefits all stakeholders.
In echoing these benefits, Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon, said that Montego Bay is ready for the economic stimulus that this event will create. “Montego Bay continues to foster the right economic conditions for businesses to be successful, and no doubt Dream Weekend will also fall into this bracket. Crime is trending down, so we are moving in the right direction,” his Worship Mayor Vernon said.
“Montego Bay has 30% of all rooms in Jamaica with 5000 more expected in five years and Montego Bay has 70% of all flights coming into the island. We are the perfect new home for Dream Weekend,” he disclosed.
The Dream Experience: Bigger, Bolder, Brighter
Dream Weekend has long been synonymous with electrifying performances, themed parties, and an atmosphere where music and joy are in constant flow. With the move to St James, the festival will amplify every aspect of the Dream experience including expanded entertainment line ups, diverse and larger venues, interactive activities and premium hospitality.
The inaugural St James edition of Dream Weekend is set to unveil on July 30, 2026, promising a festival experience that is even more dynamic, inclusive, and memorable than its predecessors. Already announced are Montego Bay artistes Tommy Lee Sparta and Shaneil Muir.
By moving to Montego Bay St James, Dream Weekend will directly support hundreds of local businesses: hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, and artisans stand to benefit from the influx of visitors and festival spending. Organizers are also working with tourism officials to create special packages that encourage guests to extend their stay and explore the parish’s natural wonders, historic sites, and vibrant communities. Speaking to the economic impact Scott Dunn Group Managing Director Dream Entertainment Limited, said that $56.8B is generated from events and festivals annually with Dream contributing over $4.3B
The relocation to St James marks a turning point in Jamaican entertainment, promising unprecedented scale, creativity, and connection. As anticipation builds for the 2026 festival, the Dream team invites everyone—locals and visitors alike—to join in this new era of celebration, community, and Caribbean spirit.
Dream bigger, dream bolder—see you in St James!