What makes Kalamazoo a cool city and great weekend destination? Events like the Island Festival!

Escape from day-to-day routine and kick off summer with entertainment for all ages. From its humble beginnings, the Island Festival has grown to be the largest celebration of Caribbean Culture in Michigan. Also known as “A Taste of the Caribbean”, the Island Festival brings the unique cuisine of the Islands to Kalamazoo!

Entering its 14th year, the Island Festival has expanded to three days, and is slated for Thursday, Friday and Saturday June 18-20 at the Arcadia Creek Festival Place at the corner of Kalamazoo Ave. and Edwards in downtown Kalamazoo, MI. The Island Festival is sponsored by the Kalamazoo Jaycees and managed by Events, Inc.

The festival begins at 11:00am each day with regional vendors selling Caribbean cuisine and beverages. Walk through “little Jamaica” and experience the arts and crafts vendors selling items ranging from woodcarvings to handmade drums, t-shirts to jewelry and everything in between.

The music and food are complimented with Caribbean style beverages and are all served until 12:30am Thursday and 1:30 am Friday and Saturday.

This year’s entertainment line-up brings international talent to Kalamazoo with live entertainment throughout the festival.

Thursday
Mystic Rebel
Indika Tribute to Doggy Ranks
Zion Lion Tribute to Nathan Ndjharine
Dread 1 Sound System

Friday
Ras Soul Jah
Universal Expression
Ifficial Reggae Movement
Pato Banton (UK Reggae Legend)
Zareb (Straight from Jamaica/1st Michigan Appearance)
Dread 1 Sound System

Saturday
DeHurricane
The Work Shop
The Pocket Band
Taj Weeks and Adowa
Culture (Jamaican Reggae Legends)
Zion Lion
Dread 1 Sound System

Saturday afternoon will feature family activities including face painting, storytelling, hair wraps, limbo and more. Parents bring your kids down and enjoy the Family Workshop where we encourage everyone to get involved in the music!

Caribbean regional cuisine from Jerk Chicken to Mango Papaya Chutney, fresh oysters with Cajun sauces, steamed Crawfish, Coconut Shrimp, Black Bean, Veggie and Lou Lou Burgers, Chimichurri Pork, plus various breads and desserts will be served by area vendors.

In addition, many vendors from across the region will be displaying their artwork, crafts and island wares, jewelry, clothing and more.