Get ready to sway to the beats of reggae as Rosedale Park shifts gears to host the 9th annual San Antonio Reggae Festival on July 27, where from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m., the park will be alive with the rhythm of live music, a smorgasbord of Jamaican cuisine, and a cornucopia of cultural activities. Managed by Kevin Hogan, the owner of The Reggae Bar, this fest has become a staple in San Antonio's cultural calendar, promising a day filled with unique experiences, live reggae tunes, and Jamaican food for families in the area.
According to the San Antonio Report, this year's musical lineup boasts at least 10 bands including Ras Yama and DJ HANS; furthermore, Roland & The Roots Riddim, Crucial Prophet, The Contrabandits, and Lutan Fyah are set to perform with more bands possibly joining as the festival nears, though as of now the schedule of performances remains up in the air, setting the stage for an improvised and jam-packed day of music.
In a statement obtained by the San Antonio Report, Julian Rhymer, the founder of Austin-based Crucial Prophet remarked, "I love the family outing (aspect of the festival)," adding nostalgia to his anticipation by saying, "I love performing in San Antonio. I used to do it a lot, back in the dreariness of yesteryears." Between the performances, festival-goers can indulge in a range of vendors offering everything from cultural artifacts to icy treats, not to mention the park’s amenities including a playground, skate park, and open fields for the youngsters.
For those concerned about the Texas heat or inclement weather, rest assured, because Rosedale Park is equipped with restrooms, water fountains, and shaded pavilions where guests can take a breather, grab a bite, and station themselves at one of the numerous picnic tables or post up with personal lawn chairs for a guaranteed seat, and in case Mother Nature decides to gatecrash, information including weather updates will be available on the festival's Facebook page, so check in there to be in the know.
Ticket-seekers can snag their passes online for $30 plus fees, or take a gamble and purchase them at the gate on the day of kids 12 and under get in free, making it a true family-friendly affair. And while parking is complimentary, with nearly 300 RSVPs on Facebook indicating they'll be there, it's a smart move to arrive early if you want to secure a spot for your ride without the hassle.
