Kansas City Reggae Music & Jerk Festival 2025!

🌴 Art Garden KC x Kansas City Reggae Music & Jerk Festival 2025 — Vendor Village Applications NOW OPEN! 🎨🎶

We’re thrilled to return for our 2nd year curating the Vendor Village at the iconic Kansas City Reggae Music & Jerk Festival, in collaboration with our amazing friends at Friends of Reggae International! 🌿🎶💛🤙

Now in its 30+ year legacy, this beloved festival draws thousands of attendees each year for a weekend of Reggae and World Music, Caribbean cuisine, cultural performances, cannabis and wellness experiences, and vibrant artisan markets — all set along the gorgeous Missouri River at Berkley Riverfront Park.

🎤 A Legacy of Culture & Rhythm
Friends of Reggae International, a Missouri-based nonprofit founded by Jamaican musician Dave Clark, launched Kansas City’s first Reggae and World Music Festival in 1989 at Volker Park. That inaugural event welcomed 30,000+ attendees and legendary performers like Lucky Dube, Fela Kuti, Jimmy Cliff, and Richie Havens.

Over the decades, the fest has drawn over 500,000 music lovers from around the world—and it continues to grow.

Today, Dave, his family, and a passionate crew of organizers—alongside local partners like Art Garden KC, Equally Yoked, Island Spice Caribbean Restaurant, Energy & Jams Studios, KKFI, Port KC and more—are working together to amplify this powerful cultural tradition for a new generation!

Last year’s event was absolutely magical—three days of sunshine, soul-shaking music, island flavors, and a community full of love and joy. And this year? We’re going even bigger.

If you're all about reggae rhythms, ganja vibes, handmade goods, and connecting with people who love good energy—this is your moment.

📍 WHEN & WHERE:
September 5, 6 & 7
Berkley Riverfront Park
1298 River Front Dr, Kansas City, MO 64120

⏰ TIMES:
Friday: 5:00–11:30 PM (Load-in: 2–4 PM)
Saturday: 12:00–11:30 PM (Load-in: 10–11 AM)
Sunday: 12:00–9:00 PM (Load-in: 10–11 AM)

🎟️ EST. ATTENDANCE: 1,500+ per day

💸 BOOTH FEES:
10x10 Vendor Space: $50/day (+ small cc processing fee)
Apply for one, two, or all three days! Vendors booking 2+ consecutive days may leave their booth set up overnight (event is gated and security is on-site).

🌈 WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• Handmade & Artisanal Goods

• Artists & Live Painters

• Metaphysical & Healing Arts (Tarot, Reiki, Crystal Healing, etc)

• Henna, Face Paint, Caricatures, etc.
  NO food or drink vendors — Friends of Reggae International curates all food & beverage.

✨ VENDOR REQUIREMENTS:

• 10x10 canopy w/ 20–30 lb. weights per leg

• Tables, chairs, tablecloths, & battery-powered lighting

• Display photo required with application

• You’ll receive 2 vendor wristbands per booth—additional guests must purchase tickets at the gate

• Interactive booths (live art, demos, etc.) are highly encouraged!

📝 DEADLINE & PAYMENT:
Vendor selections will be made on August 14th.
Approved vendors will be charged immediately, so make sure the card on file is ready! If payment fails, you’ll be moved to the waitlist and the next vendor in line will be selected.

This is the ultimate ONE LOVE experience—and we can’t wait to share it with you 💕✌