OCHO RIOS, Jamaica — One of Jamaica’s most anticipated annual Easter holiday entertainment gatherings, Vacae Weekend 2026, has officially launched with a dynamic and colourful opening ceremony hosted at The Lawn, held inside the iconic Plantation Cove in St Ann.
Sponsored by leading beverage brand Wray & Nephew, the opening night delivered an unparalleled high-energy experience that drew crowds of partygoers from across Jamaica and international visitors alike. Attendees leaned into the event’s theme by dressing in the signature bright yellow of the brand, turning the entire venue into a vivid, eye-catching sea of colour that left a lasting visual impression on all in attendance.
From the moment gates opened in the early evening, the air at Plantation Cove crackled with excitement, fueled by pulsing music, enthusiastic crowds, and widespread anticipation for the four days of celebrations ahead. Event organizers paired a wide selection of premium local and international food and drink options with sets from some of Jamaica’s most in-demand DJ talent, including Di Unit Sound, Dj Mindless, and the duo of Dj Bankda & Poppi. The combination left attendees fully satisfied, with the opening experience living up to the months of hype that preceded it.
As the official kickoff for the full Vacae Weekend series, The Lawn holds a key role in building momentum for the five additional events scheduled across the four-day holiday weekend. Speaking following the opening night, Andrew Ellis, chief executive officer of event producer Twenty14 Ltd, shared his positive impressions of the crowd turnout and energy.
“The Lawn has always been designed to set the tone for the entire weekend, bringing that infectious energy that gets everyone in the spirit for what’s coming,” Ellis explained. “This is the moment when the whole Vacae Weekend experience truly begins, and the response we’ve gotten from attendees this year has been absolutely tremendous.”
Following the success of the opening night, the Vacae Weekend lineup will continue with a full slate of fan-favourite signature events. Upcoming gatherings include the laid-back outdoor Pic-Nic, the lively Tropical Saturday, the elegant Estate All White Soiree, the edgy Risqué experience, and the festival’s grand finale: the widely celebrated Sandz Caribbean Music Festival, which is expected to draw thousands of additional attendees to Ocho Rios before the weekend concludes.