TD JerkFest Toronto Gets Set to Heat Up the Weekend

International Headliners, Top Chefs, Jerk Food Vendors and Family Fun

August 3, 2022 (Toronto – ON) – The 21st annual TD International Jerk Food and Music Festival is back in-person at Centennial Park in Etobicoke, 256 Centennial Park Road from Friday August, 5th to Sunday August, 7th with headliners R&B singer Brian McKnight (Friday Night Only), Reggae legend Maxi Priest, Dancehall superstar Konshens and the Queen of Soca Alison Hinds on Saturday and Sunday nights!

“We are thrilled to be back in-person this year. Even though we kept the Jerk Festival vibe going virtually throughout the pandemic, it wasn’t the same thing,” said Anthony Plummer, Executive Director of Caribbean Promotions Arts and Culture Inc. “For the past 20 years, this festival has been a tourism boost to the local economy – giving vendors an opportunity to increase their sales substantially in one weekend. We also offer a professional stage to our local artists and our Caribbean chefs.”

On Saturday and Sunday, Chef Kareema and Chef Selwyn will be showcasing their culinary talents at The JerkFest Demonstration Tent presented by Food basics. There will be giveaways, prizes and food sampling. Show times are 1,3, and 5pm. Chef Noel will be providing the jerk cuisine in the VIP Garden.

This year’s giveback initiative focuses on helping families dealing with high grocery costs and food insecurity. TD JerkFest organizers are encouraging patrons to bring a non-perishable food donation, with an added incentive of a special discounted price on Saturday and Sunday between 10 am to 2 pm of $5 for adults and $2 for children under 12. Donations can also be made directly on the JerkFest website  or by texting the word “GIVE” to 647-372-2238.

The two donation recipients are Afri-Can FoodBasket, located in North York and the Regen Outreach Community, which is located throughout Brampton.

There will also be a special celebration of the 60th anniversary of Jamaica’s independence.

This year’s sponsors are: TD Ready Commitment Program, The City of Toronto, OLG, Wray and Nephew, Raymond Foster Realtor, Donovan McLean Mortgage Broker, Charton Hobbs distributor of Hennessy, Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, Federal Government of Canada, Food Basics, Flow 98.7, SOCAN Foundation, TicketPro, ByBlacks, Covenant, Sweet ‘n Nice, JA Bank, JA Money and Travellers Beach Resorts. Funding provided by the Government of Ontario.