CARRABASSETT VALLEY — Sugarloaf’s 24th annual Bud Light Reggae Festival on April 12-15 will feature headlining artist Castafari, a bevy of bands and a return of the popular reggae rave.

The rave, first introduced last year, will run from 9 p.m. to midnight Friday night on The Beach. Performing will be Boston-based Renegade Sound Station with professional lighting and sound to bring the nightclub experience to the outdoors.

Castafari, originally hailing from Jamaica and a rising star on the U.S. reggae scene, will perform in the King Pine Room on Saturday night. Now based out of Boston, he has shared the stage with Busta Rhymes, Beenie Man, Elephan Man and Capleton.

Castafari, a UMass Amherst graduate with degrees in communications and theater arts, is working as a producer, artist, songwriter and entrepreneur. He is touring in support of his most recent album, “Just Life.”

Providing free outdoor music for six hours during the day Saturday will be CuLLu, Sixth Degree and Dread Rocks. Reggae bands Pulse Prophets and Gorilla Finger Dub Band will also perform in the Widowmaker Lounge throughout the festival.

The reggae festival got its start at Sugarloaf in 1988 as a way to celebrate springtime and enjoy the warm sun and spring skiing conditions. In 2009, the festival was ranked one of the Top 10 Spring Bashes in North America by Skiing Magazine. It was the only East Coast festival to make the list.

Sugarloaf offers a number of different ticket and lodging options throughout the weekend. People may purchase a good vibes pass, providing access to the Friday night rave and  Saturday headliner show, for $39. The only pass sold in advance of festival, it is now available online.

Tickets to the reggae rave and King Pine Room show will also be available at the door (depending on availability) at $15 and $29, respectively.

The rave, King Pine Room concert and all Widowmaker Lounge shows are 21-plus only, with proper ID required. Outdoor shows on Saturday are free and open to all ages. No outside alcohol may be brought into any venue, and all bags and coolers are subject to search.

All-inclusive ski and stay packages are also available for reggae weekend. For more information on Sugarloaf and the festival, visit www.sugarloaf.com/reggae.