Jamaicans love a good meal. Why not join them at some of the best five food festivals in Jamaica?

If you're a foodie, you'll fit right in because the restaurants and executive chefs always offer generous samples of their best dishes.

If you've always wanted to learn how to prepare Jamaican meals, you should make a trip to a food festival on the island.

You're sure to gain a wealth of knowledge and culinary inspiration so you can be transformed into a master chef in your kitchen at home. 

Here’s a little info on each to help you enjoy a day of fun, family, and food!

The Jamaica Food & Drink Festival, Kingston

It is modeled after international food festivals such as the Aspen Wine and Food Festival. It is a celebration that draws every foodie in Kingston as well as from other parts of Jamaica.

Five themed nights with contributions from some of the island’s best restaurants and chefs, that feature everything from exquisite meals paired with wines, to a pork extravaganza and all things fried, culminating in a weekend of numerous events, including the very inexpensive food truck specialty event.

Your biggest problem will be figuring out how you’re going to be able to attend every single event as they are all noteworthy.

Save some room as Jamaica Restaurant Week with sampler menus at participating restaurants all over the island kicks off just one week later. 

Port Royal Food Festival, Kingston

Staged in one of the most historic communities in Jamaica, this family fun day serves up more than just delicious food. The scent of the cooked food draws you but so does the variety of entertainment on hand.

The musical performances are one of the most varied lineups of any festival in Jamaica, with popular Reggae and Dancehall artistes as well as gospel favorites, from contemporary to older crowd favorites.

If you’re in Jamaica in October, check it out.
 

Clarendon Seafood Festival, Clarendon

Children enter free before 2 pm at this seafood festival held in Clarendon deep in the heart of the island, with Jamaican artistes performing later in the night.

If it comes from the sea, it’s yours to sample; shrimp, lobster, conch, fish, crab, and some Jamaican favorites this March in Woodleigh, Clarendon.

Get out of the main tourist centers and go sample another taste of Jamaica. 

Milk River Seafood and Jerk Festival, Clarendon

The second annual Milk River Seafood and Jerk Festival is on in December at Farqhar's Beach in Milk River.

The community festival welcomes visitors to the area with the succulent fare, delicious dishes, and mouth-watering treats.

This is an ideal experience for those looking to experience a local food festival, although you’ll find a strong community turnout for pretty much any festival surrounding food on the island!


Montego Bay’s Jerk Festival, Montego Bay

It is an outdoor family event at the end of July which starts in the daytime and goes on through the night.

All are welcome to join in this community event which includes jerk meats, treats, activities for the entire family, a celebrity cook-off, and a stage show.