Vernon Maytone, of the Maytones, Trois-Rivières Reggae Fest organizer Paget Williams, and Francis (Morzion) Moreau of the band Okapi

This summer, the heartbeat of reggae comes to Quebec as the Trois-Rivières Reggae Fest makes its debut from August 22 to 24, 2025 at Hippodrome 3R. With over 50 performers across three days, the festival is setting out to become Canada’s premier reggae event—launching with an ambitious, world-class inaugural lineup.

At the top of the bill are reggae powerhouses: The Original Wailers, led by Bob Marley’s legendary guitarist Al Anderson; genre-blending band Third World; and the unstoppable Sister Carol. They’ll be joined by Junior Toots (son of the late reggae legend Toots Hibbert), harmony-rich roots veterans The Itals, genre-pushing innovators John Brown’s Body, and the explosive Subatomic Sound System, known for their work with dub pioneer Lee “Scratch” Perry.

The Original Wailers

Canada’s reggae scene is shaped by its multicultural makeup—a vibrant blend of Caribbean, European, Asian, and Indigenous influences—which has helped create a distinctly homegrown sound. Trois-Rivières Reggae Fest is curating a thoughtful lineup that celebrates the full depth and diversity of Canadian reggae.

A pioneer of Quebec’s reggae scene, Jah Cutta brings decades of experience, fiery vocals, and messages of unity and resistance. A commanding presence who’s shared stages with legends like Peter Tosh and Beres Hammond, he remains one of Canada’s most respected reggae voices.

Also featured is Toronto’s elder statesman of reggae, Jay Douglas—a soul-reggae icon whose smooth vocals and deep roots have made him a cornerstone of Canada’s reggae community. Douglas performs with an energy that rivals artists half his age. He was recently spotlighted in the award-winning documentary Play It Loud! How Toronto Got Soul, which explores how Jamaican music helped shape Canadian culture through his life and legacy.

Reggaddiction, a Toronto-based collective, will be backing Douglas and also performing their own set of “Canadian Classic Rock Reggafied.” Their debut album, Ganja Harvest (2023), reimagines Neil Young’s iconic Harvest through the lens of reggae. Their repertoire includes reggae-infused takes on Canadian legends like The Tragically Hip, The Guess Who, and Bryan Adams—blending Jamaican rhythm with Canadian rock to create something fresh, yet deeply rooted in both traditions.

Danny Rebel & The KGB

Also on the bill is Montreal’s Danny Rebel & The KGB, a five-piece band known for their high-energy fusion of vintage reggae, ska, and a bold punk twist. For nearly two decades, they’ve carved out a sound that’s as rebellious as it is infectious—making them an ideal fit for the vibe of a late-summer festival weekend.

Other Canadian artists performing include Mikey Dangerous, Face-T and Aldo Guizmo, Neto Yuth, Melo G and Québécois reggae act Okapi, as well as the golden-voiced Vernon Maytone, formerly of Jamaican duo The Maytones, now based in Montreal.

“Trois-Rivières isn’t exactly the reggae capital of Quebec—but that’s not the point,” says festival organizer Paget Williams. “It’s a place that’s accessible to everyone.” Williams discovered the expansive site while scouting for venues and immediately knew it was the right fit. With on-site tent and RV camping, plus affordable accommodations in town, it’s built to welcome fans from all walks of life.

“The space is enormous,” Williams recalls. “The first time I stepped onto that field, I thought, ‘This might be the most ideal festival site I’ve ever seen.’” Located in the heart of Quebec, Trois-Rivières is just 90 minutes from Montreal, Quebec City, and Sherbrooke. For U.S. fans, it’s an affordable trip thanks to the favorable U.S.-Canada exchange rate.

Taking inspiration from major destination festivals like Osheaga, Trois-Rivières Reggae Fest is aiming big. The goal is to create a world-class annual event that brings together reggae lovers from across Canada and beyond.

But this festival is about more than music. It’s about community, culture, and connection. With two stages (including a late night indoor DJ stage), a reggae-themed documentary film series, Caribbean food and drink, and camping, the festival will transform the racetrack venue into a vibrant roots village. Fans will have the chance to fully experience reggae culture—from sunrise to sundown.

Whether you’re a lifelong reggae fan or just looking for a weekend of good vibes and unforgettable performances, Trois-Rivières Reggae Fest promises an epic celebration of sound, soul, and solidarity.