New era as Dream Weekend moves to MoBay

For 16 years, Dream Weekend belonged to Negril's sandy shores, a pilgrimage for party lovers from across the globe who came for music, beaches, and vibes.

But in 2026, the crown moves up the coast, and Montego Bay is getting ready to party like never before. The multi-day music and party marathon lands in the tourism capital from July 30 to August 3, 2026, and organisers aren't easing into the move. They're kicking things off with home-grown stars Shaneil Muir and Tommy Lee Sparta as the first confirmed headliners.

"They embody the spirit of this city," said Dream Entertainment Chairman Kamal Bankay. "It's only right they lead the first-ever MoBay staging."

The 2026 edition of Dream Weekend will feature at least eight parties, each with its own major performer. Organisers are keeping most of the names under wraps for now, but if past line-ups are anything to go by, fans can expect chart-toppers, surprise appearances, and themed events that keep the city buzzing from sunrise to sunrise. Festival Manager Ron Burke promised Montego Bay will get "the full Dream experience" with bigger venues, massive stages, and high-octane production spread across prime locations like Harmony Beach Park, the Montego Bay Convention Centre, and The Aqueduct.

"Montego Bay knows how to host major festivals," Burke said. "We're here to bring good vibes, good energy, and job creation."

In Negril, Dream had outgrown its spaces. The closure of Kool Runnings Water Park, the festival's largest venue, and capacity limits at other sites meant the event was bursting at the seams. With no room to expand, Bankay and his team started looking elsewhere.

"Montego Bay offers venues that can hold 20,000 to 30,000 people at a single event," Bankay explained. "We can now have bigger crowds, better infrastructure, and more options for creating unforgettable experiences."

The move isn't just about space, it's about impact. Dream 2026 is projected to pump $5 billion into Montego Bay's economy, with patrons spending on hotels, transportation, food, excursions, and shopping. On top of that, Dream Entertainment will spend $400 million directly with local suppliers, from production crews and stage builders to catering and security services.

"That's money going straight into the pockets of Montego Bay businesses," said Dream Entertainment Managing Director Scott Dunn.

Montego Bay leaders are treating the festival like a badge of honour. Mayor Richard Vernon said the city has the infrastructure, safety, and hospitality to pull it off.

"We have 30 per cent of Jamaica's hotel rooms, process 70 per cent of the country's flights, and have the largest airport in the English-speaking Caribbean," Vernon said. "We're ready to welcome the world."

Vernon also highlighted improved public safety, noting the city's per capita homicide rate is now closer to eight per 100,000, "trending toward becoming one of the safest cities in the Caribbean".

Jason Russell, president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the business community has been pushing for this for years.

"Negril was great, but it was too small. Montego Bay has the venues, the rooms, and the energy to take Dream to the next level. From the Chamber's perspective, it's 100 per cent go." Organisers are planning shuttles from hotels to venues, boat rides to select parties, and food offerings from some of Jamaica's top restaurants.

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) sees the move as a win for the entire tourism sector.

"This is a game changer," said Alisaire Anderson, JTB's business development officer. "Dream Weekend means opportunity for taxi drivers, tour operators, food vendors, and even the jerk man on the corner. Montego Bay won't just host Dream, we'll breathe life into it."

For partygoers, the change of scenery means easier access via Sangster International Airport, bigger party spaces, and more entertainment options in between events. Dream Weekend began in 2009 as a merger of top party brands like Daydreams, Wet and Wild, and Twisted Spiritz. Bankay said organisers are forever grateful to the people of Negril.

"But as we grow, we must evolve and Montego Bay is the place to take Dream Weekend to the next level."