Reggae on the River’s 35th installment is days away so the countdown is officially on! To properly prepare for the long weekend ahead is to set yourself up for great festival success. Reggae’s rustic location adds to the appeal of the event but also adds to the logistics that are best worked out ahead of time. Read below for first-timer tips to make sure your Reggae on the River 2024 experience is one for the record-books.
By Mia Moore
Prepare for the Conditions
The first weekend in August in Humboldt County can get hot during the day with temperatures sometimes pushing 90’s+. Make sure to bring adequate shade and cover for the heat of the day. The river gives a great opportunity for a cool down so pack a bathing suit.
Evening temperatures can drop up to 20-30°. Bring layers to keep yourself warm. The nighttime dancehall scene is not to be missed because you’re cold!
Prepare for Limited Connectivity
Cell service can be spotty at best. Check with your carrier if you need to stay connected or, better yet, use this as a chance to unplug from it all. Tell your people the plan, live your life in the present moment and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Stay Hydrated
Dancing to fire chunes all day and night requires replenishment. Make sure you bring a reusable water bottle or come prepared with other options. It is paramount that you stay properly hydrated throughout the weekend for maximum enjoyment. Last thing anyone needs is a headache or heat stroke!
Embrace the Irie Spirit
Reggae on the River is not just about the music; it’s about the community of people who come together in the name of unity. Engage with your fellow festival-goers, participate in the One Love, and transcend the everyday. The sense of community and shared experience is a big part of what makes this Reggae so special.
Respect the Redwoods
The festival takes place in a world-class beautiful natural setting. Help keep it that way by having reverence for Mother Nature. Leave no trace and help remind others *nicely* to do the same. Use the designated recycling and compost bins, and consider bringing reusable items to minimize waste. We are in this together.
Explore the Musical Offerings
While reggae is the heart of the festival, you’ll find a diverse lineup featuring various styles and artists. Take the time to listen to both headliners and lesser-known acts. The music is the soul of the event, and discovering new sounds is part of the adventure. The organizers have taken careful consideration to curate a lineup that will take you on a journey to far away lands and to bring new and upcoming artists to keep you jamming for years to come.
Re-up your Stash
Stock up on the world’s best ganja at the Cannifest Lounge and Marketplace. Come hang with the farmers that have been growing your herb for decades and are working hard to continue doing so. These legacy craft farmers have honed their craft and put their lives on the line to bring you the high grade to keep your head and body right. Put a face to the brand and show them the love.
Support Small Business
The vendors that come out for Reggae on the River come from all over the state and the world. Allocate some of your festie budget so you can shop their eclectic offerings. And don’t forget about the food vendors. Stoke out your taste buds and try some flavors from around the world.
Enjoy the Emerald Triangle
Attending Reggae on the River for the first time is a journey into a vibrant world of music, nature, and community that is the Emerald Triangle. By preparing ahead of time and embracing the One Love spirit, you’ll create lasting memories and perhaps even a new annual tradition with lifelong friends. Enjoy the reggae, the river, and the remarkable atmosphere that makes this festival a unique experience.
