Calgary's Inaugural
Caribbean Grill Festival · Jerk Chicken Edition
The Fire Starts In
Before You Arrive
The Quonset is heated and we're expecting mild weather — but there's in-and-out traffic, so dress in layers.
Stick around — we're giving away prizes throughout the event. You have to be present to win.
Arrive early for the best spots. Watch the grills fire up and soak in the vibes from the start.
Winners announced on the main stage. Be there when the Smokey & Spicy Champion is crowned.
Vendors accept both. ATM on-site at Crossroads Market if you need it.
Passport sold out? No worries — individual tastes available for $3 each from any chef.
What is this
Smokey & Spicy is a food-first celebration of Caribbean grill culture, bringing together hand-selected chefs, restaurants, and caterers for one bold day of live-fire competition. No shortcuts. No compromises. Authentic Caribbean grilling, the way it was meant to be done.
Beyond the competition, immerse yourself in traditional Caribbean games like dominoes and ludi, soak in the sounds of the islands, and sample eats, sweets, and drinks rooted in culture and community.
The Competition
Eight chefs to sample — 7 compete for the crown, 1 featured. Passport holders sample all 8. Everyone else: $3 per taste.
Competitor
Competitor
Competitor
Competitor
Competitor
Competitor
Competitor
Featured Chef
People's Choice
Vote for the chef that delivers the best overall experience — not just one thing. Here's what to look for:
Rich, bold Caribbean taste. Balanced spice, savoury, and herbs. Authentic — not just BBQ chicken.
Has a kick but doesn't overpower. Heat should enhance flavour, not kill it.
Juicy and tender inside. Nice char on the outside. Cooked evenly — not dry or underdone.
Smells amazing right away. Spices and smoke hit you immediately. Makes you excited to eat.
Did it stand out? Would you go back for more? Did the chef bring the energy?
🏆 The Simple Rule
Vote for the chef you enjoyed the most overall. Not the spiciest. Not the biggest portion. The one that made you say: "Yeah… that's the one."
The Experience
7 chefs compete for the title. 1 featured chef joins. One charcoal grill each, one signature jerk. The people decide who wins.
$20 gets you 8 tastings — 7 competitors + 1 featured chef. SOLD OUT — individual tastes $3 each at the event.
Live DJ spinning reggae, soca, dancehall & afrobeats all day long. Bring your dancing shoes.
Traditional Caribbean table games under the tent. Pull up a seat, slam some bones.
Local artisans showcasing homemade pepper sauces, seasonings, and spice blends to take home.
Bring the whole crew. Free admission, good vibes, and food that brings everyone together.
Day Of
Gates Open
Arrive early for the best experience and to watch the grills fire up.
Grills Fired Up Competition
The cook-off officially begins. Smoke, flame, and jerk magic commence.
Cooking Demo Live
Watch and learn from the pros. Tips, techniques, and Caribbean cooking secrets.
Cooking Demo Live
Second demo session. More fire, more flavour, more knowledge.
Voting Closes
Last call to submit your People's Choice ballot before the judges deliberate.
Winner Announced Main Stage
The Smokey & Spicy Champion is crowned. Glory, bragging rights, and prizes.
Festival Close
Last call for eats. Pack up, head home, dream of jerk.
Your Hosts
Master of Ceremonies
Entertainment Lead
Culinary Host
Join Us
Tasting Passport
$20 got you 8 tastings — 7 competing chefs + 1 featured chef — plus voting power. This year's passports are officially sold out.
Don't worry — individual tastes available for $3 each at the event.
Free Admission
No ticket needed. Come experience the cook-off, live music, Caribbean games, pepper sauce vendors, and all the vibes. Individual tastes $3 each.
FREE
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