The free community celebration on October 18 offers a preview of what's to come at the main festival on November 9

VP Records will host Taste of Jerk, the official kickoff for the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival, at its retail store in Miramar, Florida, on Saturday, October 18, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. The free community event will feature live music, food samples, and giveaways.

Held at the VP Records Retail Store (6022 SW 21st St, Miramar, FL), Taste of Jerk offers a glimpse of the food, music, and culture that make the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival one of South Florida's leading Caribbean events. Attendees can enjoy jerk and other island favorites from Grace Foods, HTB, Nocturnal Shrimp Shack, and more. Voice of the Caribbean will broadcast live with radio and TV personality Suzie Q and DJ OD, selecting reggae and soca tunes throughout the afternoon. Family-friendly activities and ticket giveaways to the main festival will round out the day.

Now in its 23rd year, the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival, presented by Publix and VP Records, is the largest Caribbean food festival in the United States. The annual event blends culinary showcases and live performances from top Caribbean entertainers with cultural exhibitions, games, and activities for all ages. This year's festival takes place on Sunday, November 9, at Miramar Regional Park.

For more information, visit: www.jerkfestival.com.

Join us for a local history presentation uncovering the underground music scene that once flourished in Downtown Riverside.

Presented by John "Riverside's Plumber" Dixon and 98 Posse - @riversidesplumber

Learn more about this event on Instagram 

Let your creativity flow as you paint your stress away. We will begin with a few tips on managing the stress that occurs in your daily life. Then the Sparkling Artist, Viveca Mays will give you step-by-step instructions to create something calming and beautiful to take home and be proud of.

No experience necessary - just bring your enthusiasm and we'll provide all the supplies, instructions, and snacks to keep you energized.

A collaborative event presented by:

• African Heritage Connection Club

• Black America Resource Directory

• African American Family Wellness Advisory Group

• The Black Arts Museum