International Festival of Life + Jerk, Seafood & Vegan Festival event image
Union Park, West Loop, Downtown & the Loop

International Festival of Life + Jerk, Seafood & Vegan Festival

Spend a Union Park afternoon with African and Caribbean culture, music and food at the joint Festival of Life and JSVFest.

Photo: soundfromwayout · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

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The long-running Festival of Life joins the tenth Jerk, Seafood & Vegan Festival, bringing African and Caribbean cultural celebration together with a food-centered outing.

What to expect

Three days of music, arts and food at Union Park, with general and VIP ticket options. Check the organizer for performer announcements before choosing a day.

Good to know

  • The festival runs September 25–27, noon–10 PM each day.
  • Use Union Park, not Washington Park, when planning your trip.
  • The ticket listing uses 1501 W. Randolph; the organizer also lists the park’s Washington Boulevard side.
  • Buy through links on the official festival sites; check the current ticket tier and fees.
  • Tickets are nonrefundable, and the organizer says ID details must match online purchases.

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Common questions

Are these two separate festivals?

They are presented together: the thirty-third International Festival of Life and tenth Jerk, Seafood & Vegan Festival.

Is the full music lineup confirmed?

The official site’s daily performer sections still say announcements are forthcoming. Check there for updates.