Kalamazoo Island Festival

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! Visit this article on myKalamazoo.com.

Entering its eleventh year, the 2007 Island Festival is slated for June 22-23 at the Arcadia Creek Festival Place at the corner of Kalamazoo Ave. and Edwards in downtown Kalamazoo, MI.

This outdoor festival is intended as a celebration of Caribbean music, food and culture and will bring much of the best of the Caribbean to Kalamazoo. In the past, beverages included Red Stripe beer and many of the flavored juices and liquors from Bacardi and Minute Maid. 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 including Francois Steak and Seafood, Caribbean Corner, Jazzy’s Catering, Cajun Grille, Niskers, and Q-it-Up and many others.

The festival begins each midday 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. Visit the Island Festival's Site