The upcoming Boston JerkFest will be held at the Harvard Athletic Complex. The two-day celebration kicks off Friday evening with a Rum & Brew Tasting, followed by a full-day festival on Saturday. The outdoor event will feature live music, craft cocktails, jerk-spiced Caribbean fare, and hands-on activities for all ages.
Highlights
- Boston JerkFest will be held on July 11 and 12 at the Harvard Athletic Complex.
- The 2-day outdoor event will provide attendees with a variety of Jamaican cuisine, rum-inspired cocktails, and additional entertainment options.
- Friday’s 21+ kickoff will offer tastings of more than 60 Caribbean-inspired beers, ciders, and spirits.
Boston JerkFest Highlights
The 12th Boston JerkFest will commemorate the flavors of the Caribbean, international cuisines, and local spicy dishes, taking place on July 11-12. Both events will be held at the Harvard Athletic Complex in Allston. The outdoor foodie festival will kick off with a Rum & Brew Tasting Fundraiser event on Friday evening, from 5:30 to 8 pm (5 pm for VIP guests). The Boston JerkFest festival will take place from 11 am to 8 pm on Saturday.
Expect jerk chicken, Caribbean sweets, island-style punches, and spicy street food from local vendors. Other highlights of the event include live music entertainment, family-friendly performances, and hands-on interactive activities.
The Friday evening kickoff is open to individuals aged 21 and above and will feature an array of Caribbean-inspired spirits for attendees to sample. Guests can enjoy unlimited samples of rum, craft brews, and Caribbean-style cocktails.
Friday Rum & Brew Tasting
The Rum & Brew Tasting will bring unlimited tastings of rum, craft beer, and a variety of Caribbean-themed libations. The Cocktail Throwdown will feature some of Boston’s popular mixologists who will stir up the best, most sought-after drinks.
Each ticket includes unlimited tastings of over 60 rums, beers, ciders, and cocktails. In addition to local craft beer, wine, and artisan beverages, the tasting fest will feature Caribbean-themed cocktails, craft beer, cider, and mead.
There will be jerk bites from local vendors to accompany the drinks. The event will also include fun music played by DJs throughout the evening. Proceeds benefit Sustainable Food and Culture, Inc., a local nonprofit promoting culinary education and sustainability.
Saturday All‑Day Festival
Boston JerkFest will feature cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs, showcasing their seafood dishes in a thrilling cook-off competition.
The competition is part of a broader initiative in Boston to promote sustainability, seasonality, and the health advantages of preparing meals using locally sourced dayboat seafood that is readily available in the community.
Although the music lineup for the day is yet to be announced, the music stage will be packed with the tunes of reggae, soca, steel drums, world music, Latin rhythms, and more.
The festival features family-friendly programming with something for both kids and adults. The Kids & Culture stage will offer little ones a chance to enjoy face painting, storytelling, and arts and crafts activities.
The festival features around 15 Caribbean restaurants serving mouthwatering Jamaican jerk dishes, a VIP Reggae Lounge, and a Reggae Bar.
Tickets
Single-day general admission starts at $30, with two-day passes available for $75. VIP packages and children’s tickets are also available. Per-vehicle parking on Saturday is priced at $10. It is recommended that the tickets and passes be purchased in advance to skip the queues. To buy tickets, click here.
The family-friendly Caribbean-style food festival will provide two days of enjoyment, delicious food, and lively music. The Caribbean-style food and music festival promises two full days of flavor, rhythm, and fun for all ages.
