One of Toronto’s largest celebrations of jerk cuisine and Caribbean culture is returning for its 15th year this summer.
Happening August 5-7 at Centennial Park in Etobicoke, Grace Jerk Food Festival (JerkFest) is a fusion of jerk food, pulsating music, family-friendly entertainment and good vibes, highlighting the Caribbean culture under the hot Toronto sun.
“JerkFest has continued to grow over the years and has become a highly anticipated calendar event for residents of many cultures,” says Anthony Plummer, Executive Director of the Festival. “The amazing jerk food and live music are definitely highlights, but the festival has really gained a reputation for its community togetherness and celebration of culture. We’re excited to continue the legacy in our 15th year.”
For food lovers, JerkFest is about the unique tastes, mysterious flavours and captivating aroma of jerk cuisine. But it’s more than a food festival.
Along with the usual tantalizing tastes and array of jerk dishes—from chicken, pork and beef to lamb, seafood, vegetables—JerkFest 2016 has a stellar music lineup on Saturday and Sunday that will be headlined by reggae legends Third World, with additional acts including Etana and L.U.S.T.
There will also be a vendor market, kids zone and the Grace Experience Tent where visitors can learn how to make traditional jerk dishes, along with additional features including:
JerkFest VIP Garden – Purchase VIP tickets and enjoy a mouth watering jerk chicken meal prepared by two-time JerkFest champion vendor Bliss Tropical Cuisine, mingle with the celebrities in attendance and refresh yourself with tasty beverages from your reserved front-row seat as you enjoy the show.
The Grace Hot & Spicy Jerk Chicken Eating Competition – Patrons will get a chance to test their bravery and tolerance by testing some of the spiciest jerk chicken—so hot entrants are required to sign a health waver—in an interactive contest. Registrations are now open online at www.jerkfestival.ca and attendees can also register on-site.
The Western Union Drop-A-Six Domino Challenge – Dominos are a favourite pastime in Caribbean culture. Festival-goers can enter to play alongside their peers in the ultimate domino showdown.
TD Culture Stage - New to the festival this year is the TD Culture Stage. This stage will feature upcoming music artistes and artisans alongside non-music acts.
For more information on JerkFest, visit jerkfestival.ca.