After a two-year hiatus, the 21st annual TD International Jerk Food and Music Festival returns to Centennial Park in Etobicoke, 256 Centennial Park Road from Friday August 5th to August 7th with phenomenal musical headliners: R&B Heartthrob Brian McKnight on Friday night; Reggae Legend Maxi Priest, Soca Queen Alison Hinds and Dancehall Superstar Konshens on Saturday and Sunday. A full slate of local performers will keep audiences entertained throughout the day and a kidzone makes this the perfect outing for the whole family.

“We can’t wait to see everyone back at Centennial Park – it will be like a massive family reunion,” exclaimed Anthony Plummer, Executive Director of Caribbean Promotions Arts and Culture Inc. “Our audience grew tremendously during the pandemic with more than 75 000 people each year watching our virtual broadcasts in 2020 and 2021. We expect our best turnout ever in 21 years of the festival!”

Also back, is the TD JerkFest Boat Cruise aboard The River Gambler on Thursday August 4th, boarding at 7pm. Guests will be joined by Maxi Priest, Alison Hinds and Konshens as they cruise Lake Ontario under the moonlight and attendees will also have a chance to win a backstage meet and greet with Brian McKnight.

Let’s not forget the delicious jerk cuisine! On Saturday and Sunday there will be six food demonstration sessions with Chef Noel, Chef Kareema and Chef Selwyn, showcasing a variety of easy recipes along with new and returning vendors serving up favourites such as jerk chicken, fish, lobster and a few surprise delicacies!

“At TD, we believe when people are connected through music, good things can happen. That’s why we’re proud to support TD Jerkfest through the TD Ready Commitment, our global corporate citizenship platform, to help bring people together to experience the vibrancy and diversity of our communities. This year’s festival sets the stage for connection and helping to amplify diverse voices across the country through music, food, and culture,” said Amy Hanen, Associate Vice President, Social Impact, TD Bank Group.

TD JerkFest Toronto is an annual event celebrating jerk cuisine and Caribbean culture organized by not-for-profit organization Caribbean Promotions Arts & Culture Inc. More than 60 000 people attend each year in Etobicoke’s Centennial Park. TD JerkFest has been voted by BlogTO as one of Toronto’s top 50 must attend summer events in 2018 and 2019, and one of Ontario’s top 100 festivals since 2011

Over the years, TD JerkFest has always given back to the community through scholarships, international donations and supporting local food banks. This year is no different with patrons encouraged to bring a non-perishable food donation with added incentive of a special discounted price on Saturday and Sunday between 10am-2pm of $5 for adults and $2 for children under 12.

Admission and hotel accommodation packages and tickets are available at Jerkfestival.ca 

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