A Celebration of Reggae, Unity, and Community

For five consecutive years, the One Earth Reggae Festival has brought the joyful rhythms of reggae to the ArtsQuest Campus at SteelStacks in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Presented in partnership with Movement Moves Media, the festival stands out as one of the nation's largest reggae festivals, drawing thousands of attendees to celebrate music rooted in messages of peace, love, and cultural unity. On Saturday, July 11, 2026, the event returns with performances spanning from noon until 1:30 a.m. across three dedicated stages.

The Lineup and Artistic Direction

The 2026 edition is headlined by Jesse Royal, a contemporary reggae singer and songwriter from Kingston, Jamaica. Royal has garnered international recognition for blending traditional roots reggae with modern influences and socially conscious lyrics. His acclaimed projects, including Lily of Da Valley (2017) and Royal (2021), earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album. His music combines classic reggae rhythms with hip-hop, soul, and contemporary production, introducing roots reggae to younger global audiences through energetic live performances.

Joining Royal are national acts including Fayuca, a Phoenix-based reggae-rock and Latino group that blends modern reggae melodies with Latin percussion and progressive rock elements, and The Big Takeover, a seven-piece New York band rooted in Jamaican pop, reggae, rocksteady, and ska traditions.

The festival's 2026 poster artwork was created by Adam Viola of Space Kamp, a genre-bending duo that blends alternative hip-hop, reggae, and psychedelic influences. Viola drew inspiration from Keith Haring's bold, simple visual style to capture the festival's energy and inclusivity. With everything going on in the world, I wanted to create something to uplift and reflect unity and positivity. Space Kamp, formed in 2017 with the mission to Break Rules and Spread Love, performs at the festival as well.

What to Expect

Beyond live music, the festival offers complementary programming designed to enhance the experience. The day kicks off at noon with a screening of The Harder They Come, starring Jimmy Cliff, at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas. For those seeking a calming start, an all-levels yoga session on the Levitt Lawn, led by Sophie Hami of Hanna Chakra, provides a meditative alternative.

Performances take place across three distinct stages: the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks (presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health), the Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square, and the Williams Brew Stage. The festival welcomes vibrant food vendors and unique craft vendors throughout the grounds, creating a marketplace atmosphere alongside the musical performances.

Free and Family-Friendly

One Earth Reggae Festival is a non-ticketed event, making it accessible to all. The festival's emphasis on positive vibes, community celebration, and inclusivity has made it a cornerstone event in the Lehigh Valley arts calendar. Whether attendees come for the music, the cultural celebration, or the family-friendly atmosphere, the festival embodies the core message reflected in its lineup and artistic vision: unity, empowerment, and the uplifting power of reggae music.