Eat, Drink, and Be Irie at the 13th Annual Boston JerkFest™ on July 10th from 7pm-10pm (VIP entry at 6pm) & July 11th, 11am – 8pm, 2026, at the Harvard Athletic Complex, Ohiri Soccer Field, 95 North Harvard Street, Boston, MA and near Harvard Square.
Imagine the sizzle of jerk, the aroma of island spices, and the vibrant rhythms of the Caribbean all coming together in one unforgettable weekend. The 13th Boston JerkFest Caribbean Foodie Festival is back, for 3 days this year, July 10-12, 2026 and it’s bigger, bolder and hotter than ever!
At our new location the Ohiri Field, prepare to embark on a three-day culinary adventure featuring the region’s best Caribbean cuisine, Chef Demos coupled with international and local music, and a Kids & Culture Zone. Whether you’re craving fiery jerk, savory patties, or tropical treats, this festival promises to ignite your taste buds and elevate your summer.
This year’s theme is Feme Tropikal to celebrate women in culture, food and soccer.
Headliners include:
Friday, July 10, 7-10PM – Nailah Blackman (6PM VIP Access)
Saturday, July 11, 11AM-8PM – Alison Hinds and Sister Nancy
Sunday’s Community Soccer Fest is free to attend and will have soccer drills and games, family games, Kids and Culture Zone, jerk food and arts and craft for sale.
In celebration of the World Cup games, we have added a third day this year and featuring a Community Soccer Fest on Sunday, July 12, 2026, 12-5pm. Stay tuned for more details and how to get involved.
Boston JerkFest recognized as the Best Food Festival in 2022 by Boston Magazine. The festival was noted by Zagat as one of Boston’s top 10 Summer Food Festivals.
Rum & Brew Tasting and Soca Concert featuring Nailah Blackman on Friday from 7pm-10pm (6pm for VIP). Check out our kick off event on Friday night for 21+ only attendees. Ticket includes a chance to try a taste selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic products to taste, including Caribbean themed cocktails, craft beer, cider, and mead. Jerk bites from featured local vendors as well as our Reggae Bar with drinks for sale. Come lime and jam with us to the sounds of different DJ’s. This event is a fundraiser for Sustainable Food and Culture.
Check out the Boston JerkFest and Music Festival on Saturday from 11am-8pm featuring Soca Queen Alison Hinds and Dancehall Reggae Legend Sister Nancy. Vendor applications now available. Check out our vendor page for application links! The music line up is yet to be announced! Stay Tuned.
Boston JerkFest is a family-friendly Caribbean-style food festival, and this year offering 3 days of fun in the sun and featuring Jamaican jerk spiced food and all things jerk hot!
The festival features 20+ Caribbean restaurants offering tasty Jamaican jerk dishes for purchase, specialty foods, such as authentic Caribbean drinks Seafood Throwdown and Jerk Cook-off Competitions, live reggae and DJ’s, ethnic arts and craft vendors, VIP Reggae Lounge, and Kids & Culture stage. And don’t forget the rum punch at the Reggae Bar!
Bring your friends and family and grab your lawn chair and join us for a unique and memorable experience that is full of spice, fun and food. Stay tuned for what else is happening this year. Currently parking available for $16 per car on Saturday and Sunday only across the street at Harvard Stadium. Avoid the lines and get your tickets and parking pass on the ticket web site in advance. Get ready to Eat, Drink, and Be Irie!
Want to volunteer? Sign up here
While the World Cup games would have left Boston, the soccer fever continues. Join us for a free Community Soccer Fest on Sunday, July 12th, 12-5pm. Festivities include women and soccer pick-up games, soccer drills, jerk food, DJ’s, poetry and spoken word, and free family activities in the Kids & Culture Zone. Jerk food vendors will have lots of food to purchase, as well as ethnic arts and crafts. Bring your soccer balls, your family and friends and come hang out with us! Community partners include Cambridge Youth Soccer, Hub Sports Boston, and New England Revolution. Parking available for $16 per car across the street at next to Harvard Stadium.
