Cape Cod Jerk Fest brings a taste of Jamaica to Hyannis

On Aug 20, 2026

Aug. 20, 2026, 5:02 a.m. ET

Caribbean people, food and culture will take center stage at the inaugural “Cape Cod Jerk Fest” this Saturday at the Hyannis Village Green.

“I don’t think that a lot of people know that Cape Cod is a melting pot of culture,” said local entrepreneur Zavia Walker, who has been planning the event for three years.

The “Jerk Fest,” which will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Aug. 22, is a collaborative cultural experience, said Walker, that will feature cuisine from local food vendors like the Island Cafe and Grill, Karibbean Lounge Express, Bolt Grocery, and Backyaad Jerk & Pastry Co.

Artisans will also be selling clothing, jewelry, home décor, candles, and perfumes. The Hyannis Public Library will also be on hand to hold book giveaways.

A family atmosphere wouldn’t be complete without music. Caribbean rhythms through reggae, dancehall, and soca bands will play throughout the event.

“We want people from all different types of backgrounds and cultures to come together to have fun — that’s what this day is all about,” said Walker.

Why a Jerk festival?

“Jerk Fest” is a project that grew through Walker’s partnership with Pop Up Street and Coxswain Media, which are two community-driven platforms committed to elevating local voices, small businesses, and cultural expression, she said.

Jamaicans believe it’s important to affirm love, loyalty, wisdom, courage, and service to fellow citizens, said Walker. Brotherhood, peace, and prosperity are rooted in the country’s national pledge, as well as Jamaica’s identity and heritage, she said.

“In Jamaica, we are always taught to help advance the welfare of the whole human race,” said Walker, who owns a jewelry and clothing business under her Zavia Walker Brand.

The festival, she said, is also about storytelling through performances, music, and connection. The event is designed to welcome both locals and visitors into a shared space where culture is not only experienced but felt, she said.

“It’s about celebrating culture in an authentic and inclusive way,” she said. “The festival is a form of support.”

Festival can help promote understanding

Allannah Bodah, owner of Karibbean Lounge Express, which has locations in Hyannis and Falmouth, said she has mostly been embraced by the local community since she arrived on the Cape from eastern Jamaica in 2010. But there have been times, she said, when people have been startled when they see mostly people of color dining at her restaurants.

“They would come in, look around, see mostly people of color, and get up and leave,” she said.

But the festival can help people understand that they are welcome within Caribbean communities, she said.

“There are challenges when it comes to racism and prejudice. And that can hurt small businesses owned by people of color,” said Bodah.

At the festival Bodah will be cooking roasted yams, jerk whole stuffed roasted fish, and a red bean soup with cow skin and chicken feet.

“Sharing culture can lead towards understanding,” said Bodah.

What is jerk?

Jerk is a style of seasoning and cooking meat — especially chicken and pork, she said.

“It’s a part of our Jamaican culture. It’s smoky, it’s natural herbs, it’s spices,” she said. “Sometimes it’s bold flavor, and slightly sweet.”

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