Caribbean Fest returns to Linn Park

The flavors, sights and sounds of the Caribbean will be coming to Linn Park this month for the seventh annual Magic City Caribbean Food and Music Festival.

This year’s festival will be held on June 9 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and organizers said growing attendance over the past several years made it necessary to hire an event planner for the first time in 2018. The day will include music, dancing, food, family-friendly activities and a Caribbean parade at noon, with costumed participants representing various countries. There will be demonstrations of hula hooping, salsa, Zumba and line dancing.

“Ulato’s charisma and ability to engage the crowd has made him a staple over the years and a huge hit with the audience,” said Pauline Ford of the Central Alabama Caribbean American Organization (CACAO).

Ford said a delegation from Kingston, Jamaica, which is Birmingham’s Sister City, will attend the festival, including the mayor of Kingston.

Musical performers will include the Pansonics Steel Band and the Revolution Reggae/Soca band. Revolution will close the show with a performance of Bob Marley’s “One Love.”

The festival is free and open to the public. Visit cacaoonline.org/caribbean-festival for more information.