12th Annual Boston JerkFest is Bigger Than Ever Before

2-Day Festival Featuring Alison Hinds, Third World, Junior Toots and More!

Boston, MA (June 20, 2025) – Get ready for a two-day explosion of Caribbean vibes! Boston JerkFest returns to the Harvard Athletic Complex in Allston on Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12, 2025, with an unforgettable celebration of jerk cuisine, island culture, and world-class music. Presented by The Williams Agency, this 12th annual event continues to highlight the richness and diversity of Caribbean culture in New England and beyond.

July 11, 2025 – Rum & Brew Fest featuring Alison Hinds

Friday night kicks off the festivities with the Rum & Jerk Cocktail Party, taking place from 6:00 to 10:00 PM. This 21+ event offers tastings from over 50 local and international beverage vendors, featuring a wide selection of rum, craft beer, tropical cocktails, and creative mocktails. Guests can sample bold flavors from vendors such as Far From the Tree Cider, Boston Harbor Distillery, Rhum Barbancourt, and Mount Gay, while enjoying vibrant Caribbean music and cuisine. Headlining Friday’s festivities is Alison Hinds, the internationally acclaimed “Caribbean Queen of Soca” from Barbados.

July 12, 2025 – Boston JerkFest Caribbean Foodie Festival featuring THIRD WORLD and Junior Toots

On Saturday, July 12 from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, the all-ages outdoor festival welcomes families, foodies, and music lovers for a full day of Caribbean culture. Returning this year are the Reggae Ambassadors, THIRD WORLD, coming straight from Jamaica. Making their JerkFest this year, is the Junior Toots, son of the legendary Toots Hibbert of Toots & The Maytals. Local artists include Tjovi Ginen, Roots Alley Band, Tempo International Steel Orchestra, DJ Warlock, DJ Junior Rodigan, DJ Diamond. The festival features authentic jerk-spiced food, tropical drinks, cultural dance performances, and artisan vendors. The Cambridge Youth Steel Orchestra will be performing. Attendees can explore the Kids & Culture Zone, enjoy chef demos, and dance the day away to live music from local and international artists. The event is family-friendly, festive, and a foodie’s dream. With Bouquet Appétit with tropical drinks, Goodway Gourmet Bakery will bring their world-renowned rum cakes; and of course, all things Jerk are on deck: Murl’s Kitchen, R&S Jamaican Restaurant, Reggae Foods, Hartley’s Jamaican Restaurant, and more. We even have liquor-infused frozen custard by Crème de Liqueur.

Boston JerkFest is produced by The Williams Agency, and supported by Harvard University and sponsored by: Cambridge Office for Tourism, Mount Gay Rum, Rhum Barbancourt, Jamaica Tourist Board, The Word Boston, Tropical Foods, and SparkFM, and 98.1FM The Urban Heat.

Tickets for both events are on sale now at www.bostonjerkfest.com. A portion of the proceeds of this event supports Sustainable Food and Culture, a 501-c-3 organization supporting cultural initiatives in Massachusetts and beyond.

Advance tickets for Boston JerkFest are free for children under age 10. Early bird tickets for Boston JerkFest are available now! General Admission tickets are just $40.00 for adults and $6.00 for children ages 10–14. For attendees 21 and over, the popular Rum & Brew Tasting experience is available with advance General Admission tickets priced at $40.00. VIP tickets are offered as 2-day passes for $125.00 and include premium perks. If you’re planning to enjoy the full weekend, take advantage of the advance sale 2-Day Festival Pass for only $65.00 for General Admission. Stay connected and get the latest updates by following us on social media @bostonjerkfest on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

For press passes, media inquiries, vendor information, interviews, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Williams Agency at 617-395-7680