Reggae on the River 2027: Dates, Venue and Tickets

For reggae fans who love their music with a riverside backdrop, late-night sound system sessions and the towering redwoods of Northern California, Reggae on the River has another summer gathering on the calendar. The long-running festival will return from June 25 to 27, 2027, bringing three days of reggae, dancehall, dub and community culture to County Line Ranch in Piercy, Humboldt County.

Organised by the Mateel Community Center, the 38th edition will take place earlier in the summer than the festival’s 2026 dates. The organisers are planning three performance stages, riverside camping, access to the Eel River and a range of activities beyond the music.

The 2027 announcement confirms the dates and location, but the artist lineup has yet to be revealed. For now, fans have a weekend to plan around while ticket details move into focus. Official festival announcement.

Reggae on the River Brings Its 38th Edition to June

Reggae on the River has become a familiar gathering for reggae fans on California’s North Coast, connecting Jamaican musical traditions with the independent festival culture of Humboldt County.

Founded in 1984 as a fundraiser for the Mateel Community Center after a fire destroyed its original home, the festival grew into an established event attracting artists and audiences from across the United States and beyond.

Its 2027 edition will run from Friday, June 25, through Sunday, June 27. Moving to an earlier summer weekend marks a change in the festival calendar: the 2026 event took place August 14–16.

The festival will again be held at County Line Ranch in Piercy, along the Eel River. Although the announcement describes a fresh chapter for the event, the ranch also hosted the 2026 edition, so the confirmed change for 2027 is primarily the earlier date rather than a move to an entirely new venue.

Three Stages, Sound System Culture and More

The music remains at the centre of Reggae on the River, with the organisers planning three stages for the 2027 gathering. Late-night sessions powered by the Basscraft Sound System are also part of the announced festival experience.

The programme is expected to bring together reggae and dancehall performers, roots artists and dub sounds, although specific bookings have not yet been confirmed.

That variety is part of the festival’s appeal. Live performances and sound system culture offer different ways to experience reggae: one brings artists and bands directly to the crowd, while the other puts selectors, deep bass and carefully chosen rhythms at the heart of the gathering.

Fans should wait for the official lineup announcement before making plans around particular performers.

Beyond the Music: Camping, River Access and Local Culture

Reggae on the River is designed as more than a series of stage performances. The outdoor setting is a major part of its identity, giving festivalgoers space to camp, spend time by the river and explore the surrounding festival grounds.

Planned features for 2027 include:

• Riverside camping: Options for attendees who want to stay on-site throughout the weekend.
• Eel River access: Opportunities to enjoy the river setting, including swimming access where permitted and safe.
• Artisan and vendor markets: Spaces for local crafts, artwork and independent vendors.
• Family activities: Dedicated areas intended to make the gathering more welcoming to families.
• Food vendors: Local food options alongside the musical programme.
• Late-night sound systems: Basscraft-powered sessions extending the musical experience beyond the main stage performances.

The combination of music, outdoor recreation and local participation helps distinguish Reggae on the River from a conventional concert weekend. It also connects the festival to the community that has supported it for decades.

Attendees should check the official festival website for updated camping rules, river safety guidance, access arrangements and any age-related requirements before travelling.

Rude Boy Tickets Go on Sale October 28

The organisers have announced that discounted early-bird tickets, known as Rude Boy passes , are scheduled to go on sale Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

The initial ticket offer is expected to include discounted General Admission and VIP passes, alongside camping packages. According to the announcement, General Admission pricing will increase after November 18, making the early-bird period worth watching for fans who already know they want to attend.

Availability, package details and final prices should be confirmed directly with the festival before purchase.

For ticket updates, visit the official Reggae on the River website.

Looking Ahead to the 2027 Lineup

The 2026 festival featured Burning Spear as its headliner, alongside artists including Kabaka Pyramid, Jah9, Samory I, Cham and Ding Dong. Those performances provided another reminder of the range of reggae and dancehall sounds that can share the festival’s stages.

However, none of those artists should be assumed to be returning in 2027 unless the organisers confirm their participation.

The next major announcement to watch for is the new lineup. Artist reveals will help show how the festival intends to balance established roots performers, contemporary reggae voices, dancehall acts and sound system culture across its three stages.

Until then, the dates offer fans an early opportunity to organise travel, accommodation and time away for a weekend in Humboldt County.

Reggae on the River 2027: Key Details

• Dates: June 25–27, 2027
• Venue: County Line Ranch
• Location: Piercy, Humboldt County, California, USA
• Organiser: Mateel Community Center
• Format: Three-day reggae festival
• Stages: Three, including late-night Basscraft Sound System sessions
• Tickets: Rude Boy early-bird passes scheduled for October 28, 2026
• Artist lineup: To be announced

Reggae on the River’s return gives fans another reason to look towards California’s summer festival season. With three days of music planned beside the Eel River, camping, local vendors and late-night sound system sessions, the 2027 gathering will once again bring reggae culture into the heart of Humboldt County.

The dates are confirmed. Now the next question is which artists will join the celebration.