What to know
- JerkFest Toronto returns to Centennial Park from Aug. 7 to 9 to celebrate its 25th anniversary.
- The festival features Caribbean food, cooking demonstrations, cultural exhibits, live entertainment and family-friendly activities.
- Queen of Dancehall Spice headlines the music lineup alongside Patrice Roberts, Lukie D, Mr. Lexx and 450.
- Organizers recommend taking public transit or using the designated ride-share drop-off location to avoid traffic.
One of Toronto’s biggest celebrations of Caribbean food, music and culture is returning to Centennial Park this weekend for its 25th anniversary.
Running from Aug. 7-9, JerkFest Toronto will bring together authentic Caribbean cuisine, live performances, cooking demonstrations, cultural experiences and family-friendly activities as thousands gather to celebrate the richness of Caribbean heritage.
This year’s festival will also feature a star-studded entertainment lineup, with the Queen of Dancehall, Spice, headlining alongside Patrice Roberts, Lukie D, Mr. Lexx and 450.
Whether you’re planning to come for the jerk chicken, the music or the cultural programming, here’s everything you need to know before you go.
When and where
JerkFest Toronto takes place at Centennial Park, located at 156 Centennial Park Rd. in Etobicoke.
Festival hours are:
- Friday, Aug. 7: 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (gates close at 9 p.m.)
- Saturday, Aug. 8: 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. (gates close at 9 p.m.)
- Sunday, Aug. 9: 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (gates close at 8:30 p.m.)
Once gates close each evening, no additional guests will be admitted.
Queen of Dancehall Spice headlines the entertainment
The festival’s entertainment lineup is led by the Queen of Dancehall, Spice, who will perform on Saturday at 9:30 p.m. and Sunday at 8:45 p.m.
She’ll be joined by soca star Patrice Roberts, reggae singer Lukie D, dancehall artist Mr. Lexx and reggae performer 450, along with dozens of local musicians, DJs, steel pan performers and cultural acts throughout the weekend.
More than just jerk chicken
While the food is the main attraction, JerkFest offers plenty of opportunities to experience Caribbean culture beyond the grill.
The Culture Tents will feature live cooking demonstrations from Chef Leon on Saturday and Chef Nicole on Sunday, where visitors can learn traditional cooking techniques and discover how jerk seasoning is made.
The Heritage Pavilion celebrates Caribbean history through storytelling inspired by Jamaican cultural icon Louise “Miss Lou” Bennett-Coverley, traditional drumming, steel pan performances and exhibits exploring the origins of jerk cooking and the festival’s 25-year history.
Festival-goers can also browse Island Village, where Caribbean-owned businesses will showcase handcrafted goods, artwork, clothing, specialty foods and other cultural products throughout the weekend.
Families can stop by the Kids Zone, which features face painting, carnival games, bouncy castles, cultural crafts and other interactive activities for children.
Getting there
Organizers recommend taking public transit or using ride-share services, as traffic around Centennial Park is expected to be busy throughout the weekend.
Those using Uber, Lyft or taxis are encouraged to set Hollycrest Middle School (630 Renforth Dr.) as their drop-off and pick-up location. From there, it’s a short, clearly marked walk to the festival entrance, helping reduce congestion around the main gates.
Guests with accessibility needs may be dropped off closer to the main entrance.
Tickets
Advance tickets are still available.
General admission starts at $40 for Saturday and Sunday and $70 for Friday. Organizers note that ticket prices will increase closer to the festival and at the gate, subject to availability.
