Reggae on the River was established in 1984 as a fundraiser to rebuild the Mateel Community Center after their original location, the old fireman’s hall, was burnt down.
This event created a merger of Northern California cannabis culture with Jamaican reggae music. And since then, Reggae on the River has evolved into one of the most recognized and iconic reggae festivals in the world!

Over the course of the last 40 years, over half a million people have made the pilgrimage to this unique setting in Humboldt County on the the Eel River. They’ve come to enjoy the arts, the river, the redwoods, the excitement, the ganja, the people, the unity, and the world renowned artists that only Reggae on the River can offer!