The Mateel Community Center announced dates for its 2026 Reggae on the River festival this week — a second-week of August schedule that is slightly different from previous years. The organization also announced that it is parting ways with partnering organization Hot Milk Entertainment, a mutual decision, the organization said, that was made to ensure the continued profitability of the event.
The 2026 festival is slated for Aug. 14-16, a week later than its traditional first weekend of August start date, because of challenges associated with that departure.
Vice president of the Mateel Community Center’s Board of Directors, Shanon Taliaferro told the Times-Standard that Hot Milk Entertainment’s Leo Ahern had served as the events booking agent and talent liaison for the past two years, investing in the event and working with the Mateel Community Center in a 50-50 capacity. That relationship, Taliaferro said, was intended to help the event get back on its feet after challenges in recent years, which included the loss of the event’s traditional venue at French’s Camp, a property owned by event co-founder Jack Arthur.
“Leo’s main goal was to get Reggae on the River back on its feet after some turbulent times with High Times (leaving as a sponsor) and the overall cost of running the production over at the Arthur’s property, which we love and adore, and (we) admire the family lot,” Taliaferro said.
Reggae on the River festival-goers visit the Eel River in 2024. (Kat Gleason photo)“… Because of the state regulations that have been put down, we were no longer able to make money utilizing that site,” the event’s organizers announced this week.
“The Mateel Community Center, alongside Hot Milk Entertainment, want to announce a change for Reggae on the River, but never fear — the event will continue in 2026. Stay tuned for more information on next years’ dates later this week.
“Both parties express deep mutual respect and pride in what they’ve achieved together. Hot Milk has chosen to move in a new direction and fully supports Reggae on the River’s continuation, while Reggae on the River/Mateel supports Hot Milk’s future path as well. They extend a public thank-you to CLR for hosting the festival over the past two years,” that joint statement reads. “Hot Milk adds a parting message: sharing heartfelt gratitude for being part of the event’s legacy and thanking fans for their support and the joy they brought, noting that their positive impact is beyond words.”
The event’s current location, County Line Ranch, hosts Reggae on the River and other community events, and the event will take a year of intensive planning and effort on the part of the Mateel Community Center.
“I really just want to drill down on how positive of an event this is, and how much energy that this little community of Southern Humboldt has (and) how much energy we put into it and how much we do it.” Taliaferro said. “I mean, there’s a small amount of money being made, but nobody is making a large sum of money. All the money that comes in to the Mateel Community Center is sold out in benefits …. and I really just want to shine as big of a positive light as I possibly can.”
Robert Schaulis can be reached at 707-441-0585
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