Carnival, plus non-stop music and cultural festivals ensure that there is never a lull in the Jamaican events calendar. Reggae music, Caribbean cuisine, and the welcoming Jamaican people help make every Jamaican event the place to be. Below is a sample of events that are well worth attending when you travel to Jamaica:

• Jamaican Carnival/Orange Carnival - 9-day event starts before Easter in Ocho Rios and works its way into Kingston. Carnival has only recently come to this island but is growing in popularity. For full information, contact the Jamaica Tourist Board (800-233-4582).
• Mobay Night Out - Every weekend in June and July features Reggae, Calypso, and steel band groups playing at locations throughout Gloucester Street in Montego Bay. For full information contact the Jamaican Tourist Board at (800-233-4582).
• Festival Week, May 20 - 29 (Memorial Day) - Ocho Rios is the host for this entertainment extravaganza featuring Reggae, R&B, and Gospel Concerts as well as Comedy and Variety shows.
• Reggae Sunsplash Festival - Annual Reggae Festival is held July 30 - Aug 5 in Montego Bay (876-940-5446 or 952-0850).
• Jamaica Independence Day Parade - Live music, costumed parades and Junkanoo dancers make up some of the great celebrations on August 6th.
• All That Heritage & Jazz Festival, October 9 - 17 - Features top international and Jamaican jazz musicians (876-960-0617).
• Heineken Startime III - "Oldies but goodies" musical showcase held October 30th. Sponsored by Heineken Beer (876-960-0617).
• Oktoberfest - 26th year of celebrating the German holiday with a Jamaican "twist." October 30th (876-960-0617).
• Caribbean Heritage Fest - Showcases the best of Caribbean food, music, art, and culture from eight different Caribbean Island nations (876-754-7605).
• Reggae SuperJam - The top four Reggae bands perform in concert Dec. 28th to help close the year with a "bang" (876-968-1089).
• Montego Bay Yacht Club's Easter Regatta - Races staged over four days before Easter. Contact the club at (876-979-8038).
• Montego Bay Yacht Club Marlin Tournament - 4th Annual tournament is held Sept. 4 - 6 (876-979-8121).
• Falmouth Fishing Tournament - Held September 14 - 16. (876.954.3338)
• Discovery Bay Marlin Tournament - Held September 22 - 23 (876-925-0893).
• James Bond Oracabessa Marlin Tournament - In its third year, this marlin tournament continues to grow in popularity. September 29 - 30 (876-975-3663).
• Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament - Held the third week of October, this is one of the premier marlin tournaments in the world and the most prestigious on Jamaica. Contact the Jamaica Tourist Board at (800-233-4582).
• Jamaica Open Golf and Pro-Am Tournament - Held the third week in November at the Half Moon Bay Resort Golf Course. Contact the Jamaica Golf Association, (876-924-1610).
• Johnnie Walker World Championship of Golf - Held the week before Christmas at the Tryall Beach and Golf Resort. Contact the Jamaica Golf Association, (876-924-1610).