Reggae on the Rocks 2026
Reggae on the Rocks 2026 Returns to Red Rocks for Its 38th Year
For nearly four decades, Reggae on the Rocks has stood as one of Colorado’s most beloved live music traditions. This summer, the iconic event returns for its 38th year at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
This year’s lineup continues the festival’s legacy of blending international reggae stars with rising talent and local favorites. Reggae fans can look forward to performances from Rebelution, Maoli, Skip Marley, Third World, Etana, along with Colorado’s own Judge Roughneck and longtime ROTR crowd favorite DJ Mackle.
As always, the event promises a full day of uplifting music, conscious lyrics, and the unmistakable vibe that has made it a staple of the Colorado reggae music scene for generations.
The Legacy of Reggae on the Rocks
Since its early days, Reggae on the Rocks has brought some of the biggest names in reggae music to Colorado, helping to cultivate one of the strongest reggae communities in the United States.
Over the years, the stage at Red Rocks has welcomed legends and pioneers such as Steel Pulse, Burning Spear, The Meditations, Israel Vibration, Yellowman, Inner Circle, and Black Uhuru.
Another longtime presence is Steel Pulse, whose appearances over the years have helped anchor the event in its roots foundation.
The Marley legacy has also been a defining presence, with performances from Damian Marley, Stephen Marley, and Ky-Mani Marley lighting up the stage.
Modern reggae and crossover acts have continued to shape the event’s evolution, including Rebelution, Matisyahu, Iration, Sublime with Rome, Pepper, and Collie Buddz.
Rebelution has become a cornerstone of the festival, headlining for eight consecutive years and consistently delivering high-energy, crowd-unifying performances that close out the night in unforgettable fashion.
More recent years have spotlighted the new generation of roots revival artists such as Chronixx, Protoje, Jesse Royal, Keznamdi, and New Kingston—ensuring the culture continues to grow and evolve.
Locally, Judge Roughneck has become a beloved opening act, bringing Colorado ska energy to the stage year after year for over 20 years!
And no Reggae on the Rocks experience would feel complete without DJ Mackle, who sets the tone early with a carefully curated selection that gets the crowd moving from the moment gates open.
Reggae on the Rocks 2026 Lineup
Formed in 2004 in Isla Vista near Santa Barbara, Rebelution has become one of the leading forces in modern reggae-rock, building a dedicated following since their early days at UC Santa Barbara. The band broke through with their debut album Courage to Grow and went on to score multiple No. 1 releases on the Billboard Reggae chart, including the standout Bright Side of Life. Known for songs like “Safe and Sound,” their sound blends uplifting, feel-good melodies with conscious and introspective lyricism. Comprised of Eric Rachmany, Rory Carey, Marley D. Williams, and Wesley Finley, the group has maintained a strong independent approach through their own label, 87 Music. With a reputation for relentless touring and powerful live performances at major festivals and venues like Red Rocks, Rebelution continues to be a defining presence in the genre—and a natural headliner for Reggae on the Rocks.
Hailing from Maui, Maoli is led by singer-songwriter Glenn Awong and has emerged as one of the most successful independent acts to come out of the Hawaiian islands. Since forming in 2007, the group has built a massive following across Polynesia and the mainland U.S., blending reggae rhythms with country, R&B, and soul influences into a sound often described as “island country.” Their music, known for its heartfelt lyrics and laid-back energy, has racked up hundreds of millions of streams while producing multiple reggae chart hits and fan-favorite covers. Maoli’s success has translated to the stage as well, selling out major venues throughout Hawaii and earning top honors at the iHeartRadio Island Awards, including Group of the Year and Album of the Year. With their crossover appeal and deeply rooted island identity, Maoli continues to expand their reach while staying true to the culture that shaped their sound.
Born into reggae royalty, Skip Marley is the grandson of the legendary Bob Marley and has quickly carved out his own lane in the modern music landscape. Raised between Kingston, Jamaica and Miami, he blends reggae foundations with elements of pop, hip-hop, and R&B to create a fresh, crossover-friendly sound. He first gained international attention with his feature on Katy Perry’s hit “Chained to the Rhythm,” and later solidified his presence with tracks like “Slow Down” alongside H.E.R., which topped the Billboard Adult R&B chart. A multi-instrumentalist and self-taught musician, Skip has also earned Grammy nominations for both his Higher Place project and his songwriting work. While carrying forward the Marley legacy, he brings a new generation’s perspective rooted in messages of unity, love, and cultural pride.
Formed in Jamaica in 1973, Third World is one of the most enduring and influential reggae-fusion bands in music history, often referred to as the “Reggae Ambassadors” for their ability to blend roots reggae with funk, R&B, pop, and soul. Founded by Michael “Ibo” Cooper and Stephen “Cat” Coore, the group rose to international prominence with hits like “Now That We Found Love,” “96 Degrees in the Shade,” and “Try Jah Love,” helping bridge Jamaican music with global audiences. Over the decades, the band has undergone lineup changes while maintaining its signature polished, genre-crossing sound and commitment to musical evolution. With a career spanning more than 50 years, Third World has earned 10 Grammy nominations and shared stages with legends like Bob Marley, Santana, and Stevie Wonder. Their legacy as pioneers of reggae fusion continues to make them a powerful and respected force on stages around the world.
Etana, born Shauna McKenzie in Kingston, Jamaica, is a Grammy-nominated reggae artist widely known as “The Strong One” for her powerful vocals and uplifting, socially conscious “reggae soul” sound. She first emerged in the mid-2000s after touring as a backing vocalist for Richie Spice and quickly established herself as a leading female voice in modern reggae. Her music blends roots reggae with elements of soul, jazz, and folk, often centered around themes of empowerment, love, and resilience. Etana made history in 2018 when her album Reggae Forever earned her a Grammy nomination and marked her as the first female artist in over two decades to achieve major chart success in the genre. Now an independent artist running her own label, Free Mind Music, she continues to inspire audiences worldwide with music grounded in positivity and cultural consciousness.
Judge Roughneck has been a foundational force in the Denver ska and reggae scene since 1995, blending Jamaican-inspired ska with British 2-Tone energy and soulful, high-powered live performance. Based in Colorado, the band has become a longtime staple of the local music community and has shared stages with legendary acts such as UB40, Burning Spear, Steel Pulse, The Skatalites, The Specials, and The English Beat. They have also become a defining part of Reggae on the Rocks history, performing at Red Rocks Amphitheatre more than 20 times over the years. Their 2020 album Pick You Up marked a long-awaited return to full-length releases, showcasing both original material and creative reinterpretations like their version of “Mirror in the Bathroom” featuring Angelo Moore of Fishbone. With decades of touring, collaboration, and deep local roots, Judge Roughneck continues to represent Colorado’s reggae and ska culture with authenticity and enduring energy.
DJ Mackle is a versatile DJ and producer best known as the official touring DJ for Rebelution, where he sets the tone for the band’s live shows and festival appearances around the world. Blending reggae, hip-hop, and electronic influences, he delivers high-energy sets built for live crowds and seamless transitions
A Colorado Reggae Tradition Continues
After 38 years, Reggae on the Rocks remains more than just a concert—it’s a cultural gathering point for reggae lovers across Colorado and beyond. From roots legends to modern headliners, from local openers to global icons, the event continues to honor the past while pushing the music forward.
And in 2026, that tradition carries on once again.
