The 2025 Jamaica Book Festival Celebrate's the Power of Storytelling in Montego Bay!

Main Street Rose Hall
2 days ago
5 min read

Updated: 2 hours ago

Opening Night and Welcome Party at The Rum Yard | October 23, 2025 | 6PM – Late

The Jamaica Book Festival (JBF) returns for its second staging from October 23–26, 2025 but for the first time in Montego Bay at the Montego Bay Convention Centre! This four-day celebration of books, ideas, and the power of storytelling promises to connect readers, writers, and dreamers from across Jamaica and beyond.

And what better way to kick off this inspiring weekend than with a night of rhythm, poetry, and creativity under the stars?

The official Jamaica Book Festival Welcome Party & Open Mic takes place on Thursday, October 23, at The Rum Yard (Shop 28, Main Street Rose Hall) — one of Montego Bay’s most vibrant spots for culture, cocktails, and connection. In partnership with @therumyard and @jaikupoetry, this event will bring together lovers of literature, live performance, and island spirit to celebrate storytelling in all its forms.

🌴 Opening Night: Sip, Share & Celebrate at The Rum Yard

The Rum Yard has long been a local favorite for those who appreciate the finer things — Jamaican rum, live music, and good company. For one special night, it transforms into a creative playground for poets, writers, and performers.

If you’ve been keeping your masterpieces tucked away, October 23 is your night to share them with the world! The open mic session invites writers, poets, and spoken-word artists to take the stage and express their voice in a warm, welcoming space.

Event Details:📍 The Rum Yard, Shop 28, Main Street Rose Hall, Montego Bay📅 Thursday, October 23, 2025🕕 6:00 PM – 12:00 Midnight💵 Admission: JMD $3,500 — includes a welcome cocktail and a donation toward the Jamaica Book Festival Young Writer’s Prize🔗 RSVP and learn more at jamaicabookfest.com

📚 Four Days of Literary Discovery

The 2025 Jamaica Book Festival builds on the success of its debut year, expanding its reach and offerings to create a truly inclusive and engaging cultural experience.

From October 23–26, Montego Bay will come alive with readings, panels, exhibitions, and creative activities for all ages. The festival’s expanded programme this year will bring together children, youth, industry professionals, educators, and book lovers from across the island and around the world.

Whether you’re a lifelong reader, an aspiring author, or simply someone who loves great conversation, this festival offers something for everyone.

Expect a full programme of events including:

Author readings & literary discussions featuring acclaimed Caribbean and international voices
Publishing and writing workshops for emerging talent
Children’s storytelling sessions and interactive youth programs
Book exhibitions showcasing Jamaican and regional publishers
Live poetry performances, music, and cultural showcases

Registration is now open for Exhibitors and submissions to the 2026 Young Writers’ Prize — an initiative that celebrates and uplifts the next generation of Jamaican storytellers.

Stay tuned to the official website and social media channels as the festival unveils its theme, featured guests, and a full line-up of activities designed to inspire creativity, connection, and community.

Mark your calendars now — October 23–26, 2025. Montego Bay will once again become the island’s literary capital!

✍️ Meet the Judges of the 2026 Jamaica Book Festival Young Writers’ Prize

The Young Writers’ Prize is one of the most exciting and impactful parts of the Jamaica Book Festival — a platform created to nurture and recognize emerging literary voices across the island. Winners gain exposure, mentorship, and the opportunity to share their work with a national and international audience.

This year’s distinguished panel of judges reflects a powerful blend of experience, creativity, and global literary influence.

Non-Fiction Judge: Keisha-Gaye Anderson

Keisha-Gaye Anderson is an award-winning poet, author, visual artist, and communications consultant based in Brooklyn, New York. Her books include Everything Is Necessary, Gathering the Waters, and A Spell for Living. A former journalist and TV producer, Keisha’s writing has been featured in Academy of American Poets, Prairie Schooner, and The Caribbean Writer. She lectures in English at LaGuardia Community College (CUNY) and leads creative writing workshops around the world.

Poetry Judge: Efe Paul Azino

One of Nigeria’s leading performance poets, Efe Paul Azino is the founding director of both the Lagos International Poetry Festival and the New York Black and African Literature Festival. His acclaimed poetry collection For Broken Men Who Cross Often was published by Farafina Books, and his works have been translated into Afrikaans, French, German, and Mandarin.

Fiction Judge: Roland Watson-Grant

Roland Watson-Grant is a Jamaican novelist, advertising copywriter, and creative director. His debut novel Sketcher won the Lightship International Literary Prize in England and earned him international recognition. Roland’s storytelling style is infused with humor, heritage, and a deep sense of Caribbean identity — qualities that make him one of Jamaica’s most distinctive literary voices.

These esteemed judges will guide and evaluate submissions from emerging writers, helping to discover the next generation of Jamaican authors who will shape the island’s literary future.

🍹 Literature Meets Lifestyle

The Jamaica Book Festival’s collaboration with The Rum Yard perfectly embodies the festival’s mission — to show that literature doesn’t only live on the page, but in our conversations, our music, and our everyday experiences.

The Rum Yard’s relaxed, artistic atmosphere and curated cocktail menu make it the perfect venue to blend creativity and culture. Guests will enjoy great company, live readings, and the authentic flavors of Jamaican hospitality in an intimate, inspiring setting.

It’s an invitation to Sip. Share. Celebrate.

🌺 Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Jamaica Book Festival 2025

Celebrate Jamaican creativity — from the written word to performance art.
Network with authors, publishers, and industry professionals in a relaxed, inspiring environment.
Support emerging writers through the Young Writers’ Prize initiative.
Enjoy the beauty of Montego Bay — a literary paradise framed by sun, sea, and culture.

The Jamaica Book Festival is more than a literary event — it’s a cultural movement celebrating the power of words to connect, educate, and uplift.

📖 Join the Story

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the 2025 Jamaica Book Festival — four unforgettable days celebrating the art of storytelling, the joy of reading, and the limitless creativity of the Jamaican spirit.

📅 October 23–26, 2025📍 Montego Bay, Jamaica🎟 Opening Night at The Rum Yard – October 23 | JMD $3,500🌐 Visit jamaicabookfest.com for registration, ticketing, and event updates.

Read. Write. Connect. Inspire.The story continues — and you’re part of it.

Visit Main Street Rose Hall, Montego Bay, located directly across the street from the Montego bay Convention Center, when next in Jamaica and "Experience The Best of Jamaica, All in One Place!" Buy unique Jamaican made art & products at several of their stores and at The Artisan Market Place. You can also enjoy our murals, installations, tax-free & souvenir stores, rums & spirits, Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee, art gallery, resort wear, Jamaican F&B options and much more while relaxing and listening to authentic Jamaican music. It’s also the perfect stopover from and to the Montego Bay Airport to pick up last minute gifts and make one more memory of your trip to Jamaica.

Take pictures, post & tag us! #MainStreetRoseHall #ExperienceTheBestOfJamaica Main Street Rose Hall support Jamaican Made products. #BuyJamaicanEmployJamaicans