SATURDAY, AUGUST 8th, 2026
3:00PM – 9:00PM EST
DOWNTOWN CENTRAL PARK:
501 Foster Street, Durham, NC 27701
••• Free To Attend •••
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
A Likkle Jerk Spice Mek Ev’ry Ting Nice!®
Experience a vibrant day of culture, food, and entertainment at the North Carolina Jerk Festival. This free family friendly event brings the community together for live music, authentic jerk cuisine, and flavors from across the Caribbean and around the world. Enjoy a lively cultural stage, browse arts and craft vendors, and explore a wide variety of food vendors serving jerk favorites, Caribbean classics, and international dishes. Relax with friends and family while the kids enjoy fun activities, then stop by the bar for Jamaican and Caribbean favorites including the famous Jerk Fest Rum Punch. It is a full day of great food, great vibes, and celebration in Downtown Durham.
NUFF FOOD
We are bringing you the very best Jamaican jerk alongside all your other Caribbean favorites.
Wi have suphmm fi ev’ry body! Yuh nuh believe mi come si fi yuh self!
PRIZES & SURPRISES
Win free food and drinks at NC Jerk Fest 2026. 45 winners. Three prize tiers. Winners are selected by random drawing.
Must be 21 or older to enter. One entry per person.
Official Rules and Terms
Sponsor
CaribSplash organizes this sweepstakes in connection with NC Jerk Fest 2026. Contact: caribsplashnc@gmail.com
Eligibility
Open to U.S. residents 21 years of age or older at the time of entry. Employees, volunteers, and immediate family members of CaribSplash are not eligible.
Entry period
The entry form opens upon publication and closes at 11:59 PM ET on Friday, August 7, 2026. Late entries are not considered.
How to enter
Complete the official entry form at the published link. One entry per person. Duplicate entries are disqualified. Entry requires a name, email address, and phone number.
Prizes
45 winners will be selected across three tiers:
Tier 1: 1 rum punch — 25 winners
Tier 2: 1 jerk chicken and festival plate — 10 winners
Tier 3: 1 jerk pork and festival plate — 10 winners
One prize per winner. No cash value. Prizes are non-transferable. CaribSplash reserves the right to add prizes or prize tiers at any time prior to or during the festival.
Winner selection
Winners are selected by random drawing from eligible entries. Drawings take place between the form launch date and August 7, 2026. Additional drawings may occur at any point up to and including the day of the festival. Prize tier assignments are made by draw order or at the discretion of CaribSplash. Prize preferences submitted on the entry form are considered but not guaranteed. Odds of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received.
Prize claim
Winners must be physically present at NC Jerk Fest 2026 at Durham Central Park, 501 Foster Street, Durham, NC on Saturday, August 8, 2026. Winners not present forfeit their prize. Winners are notified in advance by email or phone using the contact information provided at entry.
Notification
CaribSplash is not responsible for undeliverable notifications resulting from incorrect or outdated contact information submitted at entry.
Data use
Contact information collected through this sweepstakes is used by CaribSplash for event communications and future marketing. It is not sold to third parties.
Publicity
By entering, participants grant CaribSplash the right to use their name for promotional purposes without additional compensation. Winners may be announced on CaribSplash social media pages and related online channels.
General conditions
CaribSplash reserves the right to cancel, modify, or suspend this sweepstakes at any time. This sweepstakes is not affiliated with, administered by, or endorsed by Meta, Facebook, or Instagram.
Governing law
This sweepstakes is governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina.
MAIN STAGE
More to come!
SyyChronic Sound
Mr. Magnum
Luv Mac Jr
Alexandra Valladres
Cherrie Garden
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Bring all a di pickney dem!
Egg & Spoon Race
Competition & Free Play Domino
Ludi Game
Free Bounce House in the Kids Zone
SPONSORS
Thank you!
SyyChronic Sound
Localicious Caribbean Ice Cream
Triangle Tax Group
Joenate INC
Capital Vacations
Canna Collective
Lee's Kitchen Jamaica
Restored Hope
Bull City Inflatables
Nuvo Bar
Paper Coconuts
Nina Sky
Wah Gwaan?
Moe Moe Creations
REVIEW
My name is TuShea, and I want to take a moment to highlight something important about NC Jerk Fest.
When this festival first started, I met a young man named Dwayne Francis. Because of his character and what he believed in, I’ve been a part of this team ever since — and I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon.
I encourage everyone to come out and experience what he’s built. We’ve been through ups and downs, but no matter what, Dwayne always delivers. The people who show up year after year are a testament to that.
I’m a vendor here — I sell hair and body butters — and this festival has genuinely helped my business grow. But more than that, I’m grateful to be part of something that’s building a real community.
What makes NC Jerk Fest special is that it’s a true family experience. It’s not often you go to an event and see dedicated activities for children. Most events are adult-focused, but here, the whole family is welcome — bring your kids, your parents, your grandparents. Everyone belongs.
And of course, the food is amazing. Take your time, walk around, shake hands, meet people. This is a family that’s been brewing for years — come be a part of it.
Shout out to Dwayne Francis, his family, and his entire team. I appreciate you.
— TuShea
My name is Sheldon Mitchell, Owner and President of Joenate Incorporated, a licensed general contractor here in North Carolina.
I’ve been a sponsor of NC Jerk Fest for the past two years, and the experience working with Dwayne and his team has been extraordinary. He is incredibly organized, and watching how they transform Durham Central Park into a vibrant Caribbean atmosphere is something to see every single time.
This year, I’m not only returning as a sponsor — I’ll also have a booth on-site representing Joenate Incorporated. Come by, ask questions, and get to know us.
Mark your calendars: August 8th. We look forward to seeing you there.
— Sheldon Mitchell, Joenate Incorporated