South and Hickory Facade

Area Activity Guide: Carifest

August 2018

A Caribbean Celebration

Can’t make it to the Caribbean anytime soon? Or maybe you go every year and can’t get enough? During Carifest on Saturday, August 11th, you can experience Caribbean culture right here in Rochester. Head to Martin Luther King Jr. Park from 1 to 10 pm for live music, authentic food, crafts, and much more. It’s a one-day celebration that supports tourism, culture, heritage, and the arts in a bold and innovative way. This festival is designed to appeal to a wide audience and features outstanding international and regional talent.

A Long-Standing Festival

The largest Caribbean Festival in Upstate New York has been held in the City of Rochester since 1985! The Carifest Parade and Festival is a cultural explosion of Caribbean music, cuisine, visual and performing arts. Discover new musical genres with performances of Reggae, Soca, Calypso, and more, by live entertainers that include Barrington LEVY and Frisco Kid from Jamaica and Kerwin Dubois from Trinidad & Tobago. The all-ages show offers fun for everyone. The festivities kick off at 10 am with a parade that starts at N. Plymouth Avenue and Main Street.

After Party

After the all-day party, dance into the wee hours of the night. This year’s Official Carifest After Party will be held August 11th from 10 pm to 2 am at Platform 21 Dance & Night Club.  It’s an 18+ party with a $15 cover before 11 with a Carifest wristband.

Vital Info

Carifest is sponsored by Rochester West Indian Festival Org., an organization comprised of local members from different Caribbean islands. Tickets are $30 at the event or $20 in advance. Get tickets online or at 761 Records, Livie’s Jamaican Restaurant, New York Stylee, Peppa Pot, Ricky’s World, or Reggae Jamaica Restaurant & Bakery. Kids 10 and under get in free.