Wondering when to visit Jamaica in 2025? If you’re a foodie, it’s hard to pick just one time – Jamaica’s culinary scene is vibrant year-round with a range of food festivals that celebrate the island’s rich heritage. Whether you’re into jerk, seafood, coffee, rum or all of the above, there’s always something to enjoy. No matter the season, Jamaica offers exciting cultural, culinary experiences for food and drink lovers of all kinds.
Maroon Jerk Festival
Food lovers can discover the history of jerk cuisine and savour a variety of gourmet jerk dishes.
Held in early August at Katawud Village at Ginger House, located in Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, the Maroon Jerk Festival is a celebration of Jamaica’s most iconic dish: jerk chicken. The history of jerk cuisine dates back to the Maroons, who escaped to the mountains in the 17th century. The Maroons developed the distinctive cooking technique of jerking, where meat is marinated in a unique blend of spices, then slow-cooked over pimento wood that gives it a smoky, flavourful punch. This method was originally used to preserve meat, but it eventually became a celebrated part of Jamaican culinary heritage.
At the festival, food lovers can indulge in a variety of jerk dishes, with some of the island’s top chefs showcasing their take on this traditional cooking method. In addition to the mouthwatering food, visitors can immerse themselves in the history and culture of the Maroons, who continue to preserve this culinary art.
Guests can also take tours of the upper Rio Grande Valley of the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the area that played such a crucial role in the development of jerk cuisine.
Maroon Jerk Festival
Jamaica Food & Drink Festival
Jamaican specialties are reimagined with creative twists.
Jamaica’s cultural capital of Kingston comes alive every November as it hosts a celebration of the island’s rich food and drink scene. Hosted by the Jamaica Food + Drink Kitchen, this annual event brings together chefs, restaurateurs, local producers and purveyors of fine spirits and wine for an unforgettable experience. Expect exclusive multi-course dinners, rum tours, live cooking demos and a street food market offering authentic bites. Dive into Jamaican classics like ackee and saltfish, spicy curries, savoury beef patties and much more, all while experiencing the island’s infectious rhythm and flavours.
Not traveling to Jamaica in November? Not to worry. The Jamaica Food + Drink Kitchen hosts a full calendar of immersive culinary activities, including cooking classes, a weekly Sunday Spritz Brunch, mixology and food pairing dinners and more.
jafoodanddrink.com
Treasure Beach Food, Rum & Reggae Festival
Experience unique flavours and locally-grown delights in the island’s thriving farming region.
Each November, Jamaica’s South Coast offers a feast for the senses, blending the island’s rich culinary traditions with its stunning landscape and vibrant culture. Set against the backdrop of rolling hills and lush farmlands, this three-day celebration invites visitors to explore the flavours of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica’s ‘breadbasket’ parish. Known for its fertile soil, the region produces a bounty of fresh, locally grown produce including fruits, vegetables and tubers. These local ingredients are at the heart of the island’s diverse cuisine.
Throughout the festival, guests can experience culinary excursions, cocktail tastings, live stage shows and more. There’s also the opportunity to visit local farms, sample premium spirits from renowned rum producers and watch live cooking demonstrations by local culinary legends. The festivities are centred around Jakes Restaurant in Treasure Beach, where a special Saturday-night dinner promises to showcase the best of Jamaica’s rich food culture, all while immersed in the laidback charm and natural beauty of the area.
foodrumreggaefestival.com
Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival
Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee FestivalStunning views and the world’s best coffee is guaranteed in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains.
The Caribbean’s top coffee festival is held in the heart of the Blue and John Crow Mountains, a stunning region known for producing one of the world’s most sought-after coffees. This annual festival celebrates not only the coffee itself but also the deep cultural connection between the land and its people.
Farmers, baristas, chefs, musicians and mixologists gather to honour the island’s coffee heritage. Blue Mountain Coffee is prized for its smooth, mild flavour and lack of bitterness. Coffee trees are grown at high altitudes in volcanic soil, which contributes to the flavour profile of this legendary coffee bean. Visitors have the chance to sample a variety of brews made from beans grown in this unique region, watch skilled baristas compete in brewing challenges, and explore coffee-related products. The festival also offers the perfect setting to take in breathtaking views of the verdant landscape that makes Jamaica unique.
