The Mateel Community Center is proud to announce that global reggae legend Burning Spear will headline Reggae on the River 2026, taking place August 14–16 at County Line Ranch in Humboldt County, California.
The return of Burning Spear to Humboldt County marks a powerful moment for the festival and for reggae fans across Northern California. Known worldwide as one of the most influential voices in roots reggae, Burning Spear has spent more than five decades sharing music centered on cultural identity, spirituality, and the teachings of Marcus Garvey.
Born Winston Rodney in St. Ann's Bay, Jamaica, the same parish as Bob Marley, Burning Spear rose to international prominence with his landmark 1975 album Marcus Garvey, widely considered one of the most important recordings in reggae history. Over the course of his legendary career, he has released more than twenty albums and earned multiple Grammy Awards for Best Reggae Album.
Burning Spear also shares a deep history with Reggae on the River. His past performances helped define the festival's spirit and establish Humboldt County as one of the most important reggae destinations outside of Jamaica. His return to the stage in 2026 celebrates the deep roots of reggae culture that the festival has honored for generations.
Reggae on the River 2026 will also feature performances from The Movement, Kabaka Pyramid, Don Carlos, Dezarie, Jah9, Samory I, Perfect Giddimani, Big Mountain, Iba Mahr, Rik Jam, Simrit featuring Purity Attack, Subatomic Sound System, Prezident Brown, Mystic Marley, Ka$e, Teflon, Young King, Army, and Mighty Mystic, with more artists to be announced soon.
For more than four decades, Reggae on the River has brought together world-class reggae music, community, and the natural beauty of Humboldt County's river valleys and redwood forests. With Burning Spear headlining, the 2026 festival promises to be one of the most powerful editions yet.
Tickets and festival information are available now at reggaeontheriver.com.
