Rosedale Park transforms once again into the grounds for the San Antonio Reggae Festival on July 27.
The 9th annual event will last from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. with plenty of activities and live music showcasing Jamaican culture in the city for families to enjoy.
The owner of The Reggae Bar on San Pedro Ave, Kevin Hogan, manages the festival.
Each year the festival promises a day of activities unique to the San Antonio area with live reggae music and Jamaican food.
This year, at least 10 bands will be showcased with possible additions to be announced as the day approaches.
The announced bands include: Ras Yama, DJ HANS, Roland & The Roots Riddim, Crucial Prophet, The Contrabandits, Lutan Fyah, Droop Lion, Audic Empire, DISH.1 and DJ Flex.
As of now, there is no scheduled order of the performances.
Julian Rhymer, founder of Austin-based Crucial Prophet, said the band has performed at the festival multiple times and he was looking forward to returning.
“I love the family outing (aspect of the festival),” said Rhymer, whose band has been performing since 1980. “I love performing in San Antonio. I used to do it a lot, back in the day.”
Additionally, there will be a number of vendors to keep guests entertained and refreshed in between the live music performances. This includes cultural vendors, food trucks, frozen treats, face painters and hula hoops. The location also offers a playground, skate park and fields for kids to enjoy near all of the festivities.
Restrooms and water fountains are located around the park for guests, and there are covered pavilions to get out of the sun.
There are numerous picnic tables under the pavilions for guests to rest at and enjoy their food, and there is plenty of space for anyone to bring their own lawn chairs for a guaranteed seating spot.
The festival plans to go on rain or shine, however, guests can turn to their Facebook page for updates on the event.
Tickets can be purchased online in advance for $30 plus fees, or they can be purchased the day of at the gate. Children 12 and under can attend free of charge.
Parking is also free, however, nearly 300 people have already noted on Facebook that they are going, so it may be wise to get to the event early in order to have a guaranteed parking spot.
