Check Out Boston’s Spiciest Festival

Photo courtesy of Boston JerkFest
Check Out Boston’s Spiciest Festival
The 10th annual Boston JerkFest brings delicious Caribbean food and lively entertainment to Allston this weekend
What?
Boston JerkFest, a Caribbean-style food festival.
When?
Friday, July 7, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm, and Saturday, July 8, from 11 am to 8 pm.
Where?
Harvard Athletic Complex, 145 North Harvard St., Allston.
How much?
The festival happens over two days, with one-day and two-day passes available, along with VIP upgrades. A portion of the proceeds goes to Cambridge Carnival International and Sustainable Food and Culture.
The Friday Caribbean Rum & Brew Tasting (21-plus) starts at $45 per ticket, which includes unlimited sampling of the drinks. Jerk chicken bites can also be purchased. Buy Friday tickets here.
The Saturday Foodie Festival admission tickets start at $35 for adults and $5 for children (ages 10 to 14, under 10 is free). Food can be purchased from the vendors. Purchase Saturday tickets here.
VIP tickets start at $110 and include admission to both days of the festival, as well as VIP fast lane entry, a welcome goodie bag, a free tasting glass, and unlimited sampling of the drinks on Friday. VIP ticket holders also receive a complimentary meal ticket on Friday and have access to the VIP Lounge on Saturday as well as free parking both days. Purchase VIP tickets here.
Why should I go?
The 10th annual two-day Boston JerkFest is packed with exciting performances, delicious Caribbean food and drinks, and activities for the whole family. The event was voted Best Food Festival in 2022 by Boston Magazine. Come try spicy jerk meats and seafood while supporting local businesses, many run by people of color.
Head to the Harvard Athletic Complex for the Friday Rum & Brew Tasting, where attendees can enjoy unlimited samples of rum, spirits, craft beers, ciders, and more from local vendors. Boston’s top mixologists will also be competing in the 2023 Caribbean Cocktail Throwdown to determine Boston’s best Caribbean rum cocktail. You can also learn some new cocktail recipes from the cocktail demos put on by local vendors, like Boston Harbor Distillery, Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co., Bully Boy Distillers, and more. Grab some jerk bites from Gentles Cuisine and The Bone Sauce.
There’s also tons of fun in store at the JerkFest Festival on Saturday. Dance to live music from headliner Luciano the Messenjah—named one of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time by Rolling Stone and other artists playing reggae, steel band, and other Caribbean music. Check out the Spice Lane (a collection of spicy sauces, herbs, jellies, and more) and the Reggae Bar (selling rum punch, craft beer, wine, and other beverages). Watch top Caribbean chefs compete in the Jerk Cook-off Competition and shop a variety of local art vendors. Kids can participate in a bunch of interactive arts and crafts projects and other activities. And of course, you can try jerk foods from numerous local restaurants (check out the full list here).
There’s really no better place to enjoy incredible Caribbean cuisine, drinks, music, and more than at the annual Boston JerkFest.
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