The beloved MoBay Jerk & Food Festival is back for its 16th staging, promising to once again transform the Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre into a vibrant showcase of Jamaica’s rich culinary traditions, culture, and community spirit on Friday, August 1, 2025.

This year’s festival carries the bold theme ‘Jamaica: Food Capital of the World’, positioning Jamaica not just as a destination for authentic flavours, but as a nation with a food culture that has impacted the world.

At the official media launch on Wednesday, July 2, mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon underscored the festival’s cultural and economic significance to Montego Bay.

“After 16 years, we are no longer merely hosting an event, we’re building a movement, a jerk and food festival movement. Jamaica is a flavour you taste, a rhythm you feel, and a story you carry long after the last bite.”

Mayor Vernon also praised the festival’s role in sustaining the local economy and supporting entrepreneurship.

“Each year this event supports over 100 vendors, dozens of entertainers, and countless small businesses. How many events do we have in Montego Bay that do that for local entrepreneurs? This festival is more than a weekend of fun and cooking; it’s a season for opportunities and local economic enhancement,” he said.

Festival Director John Lindo, echoed this sentiment: “This festival has always been about showcasing who we are as a people — resilient, creative, and ready to share our unique taste of Jamaica with the world. Our theme this year isn’t just a tag line; it’s a challenge and an invitation for Jamaica to stand tall as the food capital of the world,” he said.

A highlight of this year’s event will be the Celebrity Cook-Off powered by Walkerswood, featuring Chef Wenford “Patrick” Simpson, the renowned Jamaican chef who has cooked for global icons such as Barack Obama, Beyoncé, and Bon Jovi.

Festival organisers invite families, food lovers, and visitors to experience authentic Jamaican flavours, live entertainment, local crafts, and the warmth of Montego Bay’s community — all in one place.

MoBay Jerk & Food Festival will open its gates at 10:00 am on August 1, with activities running throughout the day.