Dream Weekend Bids Farewell to Negril: Embarks on a New Chapter in Montego Bay

Dream Weekend has officially announced its relocation to Montego Bay, citing key reasons such as accessibility, the availability of hotels and rooms, and the potential to boost the local economy. The debut in the new location will take place from July 30 to August 3, with Montego Bay’s own Tommy Lee Sparta and Shaneil Muir already confirmed to perform

Kamal Bankay, Group Chairman of Dream Entertainment Limited, speaking during the launch event in Montego Bay

In a bold step for the evolution of Jamaica’s entertainment landscape, Dream Weekend—the Caribbean’s most celebrated weeklong party series, is officially relocating to Montego Bay, marking a new chapter after 16 years in Negril, Westmoreland, since its launch.

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.

According to Kamal Bankay, Group Chairman Dream Entertainment Limited, this strategic shift follows extensive consultations with stakeholders, artists, sponsors, and loyal patrons, each 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 explained, outlining the reason for leaving the Westmoreland's city.

Montego Bay, known for its its stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant nightlife, St James, anchored by the city of Montego Bay, offers the perfect backdrop for Dream Weekend.

“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”

Organizers highlight several factors behind the move, starting with accessibility, Sangster International Airport, Jamaica’s primary gateway for international visitors, makes the parish more reachable than ever. St James also boasts thousands of hotel and villa rooms, supported by a robust hospitality network, world-class venues, and state-of-the-art amenities that ensure seamless logistics and comfortable accommodations for thousands of attendees. Adding to its appeal, the parish features Jamaica’s most extensive transport network, with thousands of tour buses of all sizes and luxury black car services available for festivalgoers.

Moreover, by moving to St James, Dream Weekend aims to stimulate local economic activity, create new jobs, and promote sustainable tourism, ensuring long-term benefits for the region

In preparation, the Dream team has been working closely with local authorities, tourism organizations, and community leaders to ensure the event not only delivers an unforgettable experience but also leaves a positive and lasting impact on the parish.

“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.

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.

Richard Vernon, “We are the perfect new home for Dream Weekend.”

“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 inaugural St James edition of Dream Weekend will run from July 30 to August 3, 2026, with Montego Bay’s own Tommy Lee Sparta and Shaneil Muir already announced as headliners, bringing their hometown energy to the festival.

Relocating to Montego Bay will directly benefit hundreds of local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, and artisans, through the influx of visitors and festival spending.

Organizers are also partnering with tourism officials to create special packages that encourage guests to extend their stay and experience the parish’s natural beauty, historic landmarks, and vibrant communities. Highlighting the economic significance, Scott Dunn, Group Managing Director of Dream Entertainment Limited, noted that events and festivals generate $56.8 billion annually for Jamaica, with Dream Weekend contributing more than $4.3 billion.

Their final staging in Negril, which wrapped up just a week ago, featured performances across a series of events over five days, with headliners including Spice, Agent Sasco, Jamal, Jah Vinci, Ayetian, Stalk Ashley, Likkle Addi, and Ghanaian dancehall artist Stonebwoy.