African/Caribbean Festival of Life

This festival has wrapped for 2026 — it typically returns September 2027.

The 33rd African/Caribbean International Festival of Life, combined with the 10th Jerk, Seafood & Vegan Fest, runs Sept. 25–27 in Union Park after moving from its usual July 4th weekend.

  • Dates: September 25–27, 2026
  • Where: Union Park
  • Neighborhood: West Loop
  • Cost: Ticketed

How it was

This year's edition is over — the schedule and practical notes below are kept as the record of 2026.

Schedule

  1. Sep 25 — Friday: Noon–10pm, Union Park. Check the official site for the Unity Stage lineup.
  2. Sep 26 — Saturday: Noon–10pm, Union Park. Check the official site for the Unity Stage lineup.
  3. Sep 27 — Sunday: Noon–10pm, Union Park. Check the official site for the Unity Stage lineup.

What to expect

Three days of reggae, soca, Afrobeat, gospel, R&B and more on the Unity Stage, plus jerk, seafood and vegan food vendors, crafts and cultural programming in Union Park, noon–10pm daily. Founded in 1993, the festival moved from July 4th weekend after the city denied its summer permit and is combined this year with the Jerk, Seafood & Vegan Fest.

Transit

Green or Pink Line to Ashland/Lake, right at Union Park; the #9 Ashland and #20 Madison buses also stop nearby.

Bag policy

Check the official site for security and bag rules before going.

Family-friendly

Historically family-friendly during daytime programming, with food, culture, dance, and music celebrating African and Caribbean communities. Re-check the fall schedule and venue before planning with kids.

Local tips

  1. Performer announcements are posted on the official site; check before you go.
  2. Tickets bought for the original July dates are honored on the September dates.

Frequently asked questions

When is African/Caribbean International Festival of Life 2026?

The official event page currently lists September 25–27, 2026. Older July 3–5 guide listings should be treated as stale unless organizers publish a newer correction.

Why did the date change from July?

Local media reported that organizers said the July Union Park permit plan was denied because of police staffing constraints, forcing the festival to move to the fall.

Is the lineup announced?

Not yet. The official page lists the 2026 Unity Stage lineup as to be announced for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Official festival information