ROOTS IN THE WOODS 2026
August 20–22, 2026
RTC Trije Kralji na Pohorju, Slovenska Bistrica
THE 8TH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF REGGAE, DUB AND SOUND SYSTEM CULTURE RETURNS TO POHORJE FROM AUGUST 20 TO 22
From August 20 to 22, 2026, RTC Trije Kralji on Pohorje will once again host Roots in the Woods, an international boutique festival of reggae, dub and sound system culture. The festival is going into its eighth edition and will once again draw visitors from Slovenia and plenty of European countries into the heart of the Pohorje forests.
Roots in the Woods has grown over the past few years into a well-known international festival that brings together reggae and dub lovers, sound system fanatics, families, creatives, and anyone looking for a different kind of festival experience out in nature. Around 70 percent of visitors come from abroad, including the Netherlands, Italy, Austria, Germany, Croatia and other European countries, and guests from the United States are regulars too.
Despite its growing international reputation, the festival stays true to its core idea – to create a relaxed, close-knit and inclusive community in the embrace of the Pohorje forests, where music, nature and mutual respect matter equally.
INTERNATIONAL LINEUP OF ARTISTS AND SOUND SYSTEM COLLECTIVES
This year’s lineup brings plenty of internationally acclaimed names from the reggae and dub scene. The festival’s headliners include:
RANKING JOE & IRIE ITES (JAMAICA/FRANCE)
Ranking Joe is one of the pioneers of the Jamaican reggae DJs of the 70s. He started his career at Studio One at the tender age of 15, then worked with legendary producers like Bunny Lee, Prince Jammy and Sly & Robbie. Together with Irie Ites, he brings authentic roots reggae, classic Jamaican toastin’ and decades of rich sound system history to Roots in the Woods.
MIKEY GENERAL & DJ AFGHAN (JAMAICA)
Mikey General is one of the most respected voices in conscious reggae. Born in the United Kingdom and raised in Jamaica, he earned international recognition with his powerful tenor vocals and uplifting messages. Known for his collaborations with Luciano and Xterminator Crew, Mikey General still spreads messages of faith, unity and positivity through roots reggae today.
IMPERIAL SOUND ARMY (ITALY)
Imperial Sound Army, from northern Italy, have been bringing roots and dub culture to the world since 2002. They’re known for their handmade sound system, mighty sessions and strong Rastafarian message. They’ve played numerous major festivals and events across Europe. Their one-of-a-kind selection blends deep roots reggae, heavy dub and the authentic tradition of sound system culture.
THE LIQUIDATORS (FRANCE)
The Liquidators are a nine-piece ska and rocksteady band from France, inspired by the golden age of Jamaican music. Weaving together original songs and fresh takes on classic soul, ska and reggae hits, they put on high-energy live shows full of vintage rhythms, infectious groove and unstoppable stage charisma.
ONDUBGROUND (FRANCE)
Ondubground are pioneers of modern French dub, blending traditional roots influences with electronic production, deep bass and futuristic soundscapes. As founders of ODG Prod, one of Europe’s leading independent dub platforms, they’ve built a strong international following with mighty live shows and innovative releases.
SALOMON HERITAGE (FRANCE)
Salomon Heritage is a respected roots & culture sound system and record label, founded in Montpellier by selector Roots Arna. They’re dedicated to preserving the spiritual essence of reggae music. With a selection of heavyweights on vinyl, self-built sound systems and shows all over the world, Salomon Heritage keeps spreading conscious roots reggae and its message to listeners everywhere.
GANJA TREE (JAMAICA/FRANCE)
Ganja Tree, from Portland, Jamaica, is a veteran singer and DJ deeply rooted in the Rub-a-Dub tradition. He’s been active on the music scene since the 1970s and gained international recognition with releases like Babylon Big Street and Rootsman Corner. Now living in France, he performs regularly across Europe and will join Salomon Heritage for a special session at Roots in the Woods.
ZION GARDEN SOUNDSYSTEM (GERMANY)
Founded in 2013, Zion Garden Soundsystem has become one of the leading ambassadors of reggae and sound system culture in Slovenia. Built on a passion for Jamaican music, handmade speaker systems and original productions, Zion Garden serves up everything from roots reggae and dub to deep steppers sound, always with an emphasis on positive vibes and community spirit.
TADIMAN (SLOVENIA)
Tadiman is a singer, multi-instrumentalist and producer, and one of the pioneers of the Slovenian reggae scene. As founder and frontman of Siti Hlapci and a collaborator with numerous international reggae artists, he has played major festivals across Europe, including Rototom Sunsplash, Boomtown and Sziget Festival. His music blends the roots reggae tradition with modern influences and conscious messages.
FORELOCK (ITALY)
Forelock is one of the leading figures of the modern European reggae scene. He’s known for his distinctive vocal style and collaborations with acclaimed producer Paolo Baldini. His music mixes roots reggae, dancehall and dub influences into a powerful modern sound. It has taken him to big festivals all over the world, from Europe to India, and won him a loyal international audience.
THE KONEKTORS (SLOVENIA)
The Konektors are a brand-new reggae/dub band from Ljubljana, born from a group of passionate reggae lovers coming together. Mixing heavy riddims, raw vocals and live dub mixing, they create an energetic, immersive sound. With their set at Roots in the Woods, they’ll wash over the crowd with a wave of positive vibes.
HARIS PILTON (SLOVENIA)
Haris Pilton has been a fixture of the reggae and dub scene since 1998 and is considered a pioneer of the Gypsy Balkan Dub sound. His one-of-a-kind approach connects the meditative echoes of Kingston with energetic Balkan brass and woodwinds, and traditional melodies with dub sound system culture.
With more than 20 albums and plenty of singles, he has left a major mark on the regional and international scene, and as a producer he has worked on projects such as Ufoslavians, Kali Fat Dub and Balkan Voodoo Orchestra.
His sound blends tradition and innovation, from avant-garde Balkan influences to classic roots reggae groove.
CONSCIOUS WAY OUTERNATIONAL HI-POWA (GUADELOUPE, CARIBBEAN)
Conscious Way Outernational Hi*Powa comes from the heart of Guadeloupe, a land of culture and resistance. They carry the spirit and vibes of the Caribbean straight onto the sound system scene.
With Abigene on selection and Tiqur as sound system operator, the crew brings roots and conscious selections – from the foundations to the heaviest dub.
Conscious Way Outernational Hi*Powa isn’t just about playing reggae and dub classics, but also about presenting their own productions, which bring an authentic, modern sound to every session.
Their selections are enriched with work from some of the best Caribbean artists.
JAHMOODONJE COLLECTIVE (SLOVENIA)
JahMoodOnJe Collective is a Slovenian reggae collective that brings together musicians and vocalists from different musical backgrounds to make reggae together. They’re known for their shifting lineup and community approach, mixing reggae, dub and related influences with lyrics in Slovenian and English, with a focus on original songs and live performances.
LION D (ITALY)
Lion D (David Andrew Ferri) is a reggae artist born in London and raised in Italy, with Nigerian and Italian roots, whose music bridges cultures and generations.
With his deep, soulful voice and conscious lyrics, he has become one of the leading figures of modern roots reggae in Europe. His music, with standouts like The Burnin Melody, Heartical Soul and All In This Together, blends roots, dancehall and spiritual energy and spreads messages of unity and positivity.
He performs both solo and with a band and has toured Italy, Europe and the USA, inspiring crowds with his authentic live shows.
ROUNDING OUT THE LINEUP:
Art-X, Mr Too Nice, Irie Anto, I Sens & Selecta Antwan, Black Lion Hi Vibes, Peace Messenjah, Angus Taylor, Freedom Fighters, Jahklin Selecta, Jahmessenjah, Blueseeds and many more.
Sound system culture, one of the most important foundations of the reggae tradition, has a special place at the festival. This year again, visitors can experience an authentic sound on purpose-built sound system stages, run by collectives from various European countries.
The confirmed sound system crews include: Black Lion Hi Vibes (Italy), Zion Garden Soundsystem (Germany), Imperial Sound Army (Italy), Steppers Tribe Sound System (Italy), Rise Up Hi Fi (Germany), Conscious Way Outernational Hi Powa (Guedaloupe), Cukumaka Sound System (Italy), Monodread Sound System (Slovenia), Skankin Foundation (Italy), Mufajah Sound (Italy), Peace Messenjah Sound System (Slovenia), 3Kings Soundstation (Slovenia) and many more.
Besides the main stage, the festival’s main sound will be handled by Imperial Sound Army, Roots in the Woods Sound System, Black Lion Hi Vibes, Zion Garden Soundsystem, Steppers Tribe Sound System, Monodread Sound System and Cukumaka Sound System.
THE TEMPLE – A SPACE FOR MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT
AT ROOTS IN THE WOODS
The Temple is a special daytime venue at Roots in the Woods, dedicated to exploring creativity, well-being and connecting with nature. In the embrace of the Pohorje forests, it gives festivalgoers and day hikers alike a place to step out of the daily grind, unwind, learn and connect with each other. The program mixes workshops, yoga, art, music and creative content, conversations with inspiring guests, and activities for all generations.
This year’s program will, among other things, host international creatives and speakers such as Bogdan Mak from Posestvo Sončni Raj, British music journalist Angus Taylor, certified yoga teacher Patricija Roj (SoulShine Yoga), Canadian musician and English literature professor Victor Kennedy, Austrian visual artist Nadja Kalina, Scrappy Drums creator Sebastijan Halič, poet Mateja Mohorko and many others who encourage creativity, sustainability, personal growth and genuine human connection through their work.
Visitors can take part in workshops, creative meetups, sound relaxation sessions, music talks, art projects, and circus and juggling activities for kids and adults. There will be a special focus on community, well-being, respect for nature, and creating a space where you can pause for a moment, breathe and reconnect with yourself.
The Temple is the heart of the festival’s daytime program, where music, nature, culture, sustainability and the human need for genuine connection with ourselves and the community all meet. It’s a space for inspiration, conversation and creativity that complements the festival’s music program and gives visitors a well-rounded festival experience. Entry is open to all visitors to Pohorje, completely free of charge.
A FAMILY-FRIENDLY FESTIVAL IN THE EMBRACE OF NATURE
The festival is designed as a family-friendly event, where solo visitors and families with kids alike feel right at home.
Besides the music program, it offers visitors a safe and relaxed space to hang out, explore nature and join in a range of activities.
The RTC Trije Kralji location remains one of the festival’s most recognizable features. At over 1,200 meters above sea level, in the middle of the Pohorje forests, it offers visitors a rare combination of top-notch music, fresh mountain air and unspoiled nature.
Plenty of hiking and biking trails and other natural and tourist attractions of Pohorje are right nearby, which is why many visitors combine the festival with an active getaway.
A BOUTIQUE FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE
One of the festival’s greatest strengths remains its limited capacity. This year again, the organizers will offer only 300 festival tickets, and the total capacity of the event will be capped at around 500 visitors.
That concept makes for a more personal festival experience, direct contact with the performers and organizers, and a tighter bond between visitors.
The ticket includes:
- access to all concerts,
- access to the side program,
- free camping,
- free parking,
- use of hot showers.
MUSIC, COMMUNITY AND NATURE
The festival is still organized above all with a ton of dedication, volunteer work and love for music, nature and people. That’s exactly why it offers an experience that goes beyond your typical festival, creating a space for genuine encounters, new friendships and bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures.
Presale tickets for Roots in the Woods 2026 are already on sale.
Ticket prices:
- festival ticket: €100
- day ticket: €40
- two-day ticket: €70
- three-festival-ticket bundle: €300
More info on the program, performers and tickets is available at:
www.rootsinthewoodsfestival.com
