INTL FESTIVAL OF LIFE/JSVFest -COMBINED, SEPT. 25-27, UNION PK-Promo tix

African/Caribbean Intl Fest of Life moved from July 4th to Sept 25-27, 2026 to combined JSVFest for a grand music & cultural celebration!
About this Event

UPDATES: BREAKING NEWSSSS!!! FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO, Ill. (August 2026) — Martin’s International has announced that acclaimed hip-hop recording artist Ace Hood, has officially been added to the entertainment lineup for the 2026 International Festival of Life (IFOL) / JSV Fest, taking place September 25–27 at Union Park in Chicago. Plus two legendary reggae powerhouses, Chalice, Jamaica’s internationally acclaimed reggae band, and Big Mountain, the Grammy-nominated reggae group best known for global hits including Baby, I Love Your Way, elevates this year’s festival to an even greater level.

The announcement marks one of the festival’s biggest artist additions this year, bringing one of hip-hop’s most recognizable voices to an event that has spent more than three decades celebrating music, culture, and community.

Known for his authenticity, lyrical determination, and energetic live performances, Ace Hood has built a career rooted in perseverance and purpose. His music has inspired millions around the world with messages of ambition, resilience, and self-belief. Fans can expect to hear some of his biggest hits, including “Hustle Hard,” “Bugatti,” “Go N Get It,” “Top of the world,” and “Cash Flow,” songs that helped establish him as one of hip-hop’s most respected artists.

His addition further strengthens an impressive entertainment lineup that includes legendary reggae bands Chalice and Big Mountain, along with more than 30 additional performers scheduled to appear throughout the three-day festival.

Since its founding, the International Festival of Life has become one of the Midwest’s premier multicultural celebrations, attracting thousands of attendees with a unique blend of live music, cultural performances, international cuisine, educational exhibits, artisan vendors, community organizations, and family-friendly activities. Each year, the festival brings together people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate heritage, creativity, and unity through the universal language of music.

The addition of Ace Hood broadens the festival’s musical reach while continuing its tradition of presenting internationally recognized talent alongside emerging artists and cultural performers.

Festival organizers say additional artist announcements and special programming will be revealed in the coming weeks as anticipation continues to build for one of Chicago’s signature cultural events.

Event Information

Dates: September 25–27, 2026

Location: Union Park

1501 W. Randolph Street Chicago, IL

Tickets:

http://FestofLife.org http://JSVFest.com

Phone: (312) 427-0266 Phone: (877) 9-REGGAE

Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Media Contact

Aminah “MzMinah” Sillah

CEO, MzMinah Media

Phone:

Email: [email protected]

[email protected]

SPECIAL NOTE: DATES ADJUSTMENT! THE CHICAGO POLICE HAS FORCED THE JULY 4TH WEEKEND AFRICAN/CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF LIFE (IFOL) DATES TO SEPT. 25, 26 AND 27TH, 2026. THIS IS A RESULT OF THE LACK OF POLICE RESOURCES FOR THE INDEPENDENCE WEEKEND. MARTIN'S INTERNATIONAL WILL COMBINED THE THIS YEAR'S IFOL WITH THE JERK, SEAFOOD & VEGAN FESTIVAL (JSVFest) WHICK WAS ALREADY SET FOR SEPT 25TH -27TH AT THE SAME UNION PARK LOCATION. ALL TICKETS ALREADY PURCHASED WILL BE HONORED ON EITHER OF THE SEPTEMBER DATES. Prices are subject to change. Location is subject to change. The event dates and number of days are subject to change. Some restrictions apply. THE GOOD NEWS IT IS THE LAST FESTIVAL CLOSING OUT THE SUMMER, AND YOU ARE GETTING TWO FOR EVENTS FOR ONE.

The African/Caribbean International Festival of Life (IFOL) is a multicultural, family-friendly event that celebrates the music, food, arts, and culture from all around the world. Held annually in Chicago, this vibrant festival is known for showcasing a diverse mix of live entertainment, including reggae, R&B, Gospel, Latin, Afrobeat, jazz, and Caribbean music, alongside cultural dances, fashion, and spoken word performances.Founded in 1993 by Martin’s International, IFOL also features a marketplace with international cuisine, crafts, health and wellness booths, and activities for children. The festival aims to promote peace, love, and unity through cultural exchange and community gathering. It typically takes place close to the Fourth of July weekend in a city park, drawing attendees from across the U.S. and abroad.

family-friendly event that celebrates music, food, arts, and culture from all around the world. Held annually in Chicago, this vibrant festival is known for highlighting a diverse mix of live entertainment, including cultural dances, fashion, spoken word, games and more.

BREAKING NEWS Alert! FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

NOT JULY 4th WEEKEND, BUT SEPT. 25TH -27TH , IN UNION PARK FOR THIS YEAR’S 2026, 33rd AFRICAN/CARIBBEAN INTL FESTIVAL OF LIFE, TO COMBINE THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY JSVFEST ENDING THE SUMMER. Visit or

Chicago, Illinois — June 22nd, 2026:

For more than three decades, primarily on July 4th weekend, the merry-making African/Caribbean International Festival of Life (IFOL), the peaceful cultural yearly celebration, serving peoples of the Caribbean and African Diasporas, along with fans from the Chicagoland, other parts of the country and overseas, without incident or complaint.

However, the lack of resources at the Police 12th District forced the IFOL change its dates, and the organizers have decided, for the 3rd time in the last ten years to combine the IFOL with its 10th Anniversary of the Jerk, Seafood and Vegan Fest (JSVFest) and to close out the summer on September 25th through the 27th in the same Union Park venue at 1501 West Randolph, Chicago West Loop with a grand festivity, from noon to 10:00pm daily.

The Jerk, Seafood & Vegan Fest has likewise become a highly anticipated destination for food lovers and culture enthusiasts, highlighting diverse culinary experiences and vibrant entertainment.

Important Notice for July Ticket Holders, sponsors, and Vendors

All tickets purchased for the previously scheduled July 4th weekend International Festival of Life, along with sponsors and vendors will be fully honored for the September 25–27, 2026 combined IFOL and JSVFest festival celebration.

“All are invited, as we continue to celebrate the culture, heritage, and lifestyle of the people from Africa, the Caribbean and the America’s. The music, food, arts, crafts, games and more. Learn about our culture and celebrate as one big family. If you would like to become a sponsor, vendor, get over 50% early promo tickets or make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.festoflife.org, www.jsvfest.com, email [email protected] or you can call 312/427-0266.” Dr. Ephraim Martin, President of Martin’s International, said.

The festival is in memory of the late Hon. Shelvin L.M. Hall, (Ret.) Appellate Court Justice and Director/First lady of Martin’s International, It is dedicated to Health Awareness, and Chicago’s Founding Father, Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable, and we are celebrating the 5th anniversary of Martin’s International- black heroes matter coalition, along Ald. David Moore, Ordinance sponsor, renaming of lake Shore Drive, as Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

Sponsors, Vendors, and Community Supporters Welcome

Businesses, organizations, and community members interested in sponsorship opportunities, vendor participation, ticket purchases, or tax-deductible donations are invited to connect with the festival team.

Website: FestofLife.orgWebsite: JSVFest.orgEmail: [email protected]: (312) 427-0266

Media/ Contact

Aminah Sillah (“MzMinah BrownDivah”)MzMinah MediaEmail: [email protected], and [email protected]: (773) 886-7756 or 312/427-0266

Organizer Contact

Martin’s International is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting cultural awareness, community development, economic empowerment, and global understanding through education, arts, entertainment, and public engagement initiatives. Through signature events such as the International Festival of Life, the organization continues to create opportunities that celebrate diversity and strengthen communities throughout Chicago and beyond.

“Martin’s International, Bringing Nations Together Through Music and Culture”

Martin further said, “Coincidentally, for the first time in our 40 years of special events, this IFOL is falling on my 69th birthday, July 13th. The year, also, marks my 51st Anniversary in Media, Music, and Social Justice, and the fourth year of my Martin’s International- Blach Heroes Matter Coalition, and ordinance sponsors, 17th Ward Alderman David Moore and former 4th Ward alderwoman, Sophia king’s historic victory that renamed Lake Shore Drive as Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive. With that, I am extending a special invitation to all my friends, family, fans, Cancerians, especially those born on July 13th for a grand birthday celebration amidst the 32nd IFOL.

I want to extend our special thanks to our sponsors for over thirty years: NBC 5 Chicago/Telemundo Chicago, Old World Market, and Rogers Park fruit Market for their outstanding contributions through the years. Although Martin’s international special Events are still standing, we are in desperate need for more sponsors, grants and donors. Also, keep in mind that your donation is tax deductible. Please visit www.Festoflife.org or www.Martinsinternational.com to donate. No amount is too large or too small. Whatever you do will help to keep the African and Caribbean culture alive.” Ephraim Martin, concluded.

LAST YEARS PERFORMERS

JAH VINCI

ELEPHANT MAN - THE ENERGY GOD says:

"Bring Yah Queen and Leave Yah Machine."

RUPEE - TEMPTED TO TOUCH - SOCA

RICHIE STEPHENS

VIDA MAGZ - BELIZE - PUNTA

YOUNG JAMES BROWN

MOTOWN SPECIALS with Musical Reviews of

THE TEMPTATIONS, THE FOUR TOPS, THE O'JAYS & CHAKA KHAN.

SPECIAL NOTE: Prices are subject to change. Location is subject to change. The event dates and number of days is subject to change. Some restrictions apply.