About this Event
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.
The 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.
Martin’s International, 32nd African and Caribbean International Festival of Life (IFOL), is set and ready for another year of hosting its vibrant festivities. Thanks to the long-term partners and dedicated team members whose dedication has shaped its legacy.
The 2025 International Festival of Life will continue its proud tradition of celebrating global music, arts, health awareness, and cultural education from Friday to Sunday, July 11–13, 2025, at WASHINGTON PARK, located at East 51st & South Cottage Grove - Chicago, Illinois. The IFOL starts daily from 12 Noon to 10 PM, featuring more than 30 diverse performing acts from Reggae, Caribbean, Afrobeat to Pop, R&B, Hip Hop, Blues, Jazz, House, Latin and Gospel among others to take the stage.
Just added to the powerful lineup is reggae’s premier superstar and IRAWMA Award winning, Jah Vinci, dancehall energy God and multiple IRAWMA winner Elephant Man, Soca Star Rupee IRAWMA winner and with his Certified Gold Record “Tempted to Touch”, IRAWMA winner and legendary reggae singer Richie Stephen, Belize Punta Star Vida Magz, House music top DJ and Chicago Music Awards winning Gene Hunt, Young James Brown with JB Tribute, and top Radio DJ Malik Shabazz, multiple Chicago Music Awards winner. In addition, there will be the Motown salute, featuring the Temptation, Four Tops, O’Jays and Chaka Khan Reviews. See the full lineup of performers at www.festoflife.org .
The International Festival of Life (IFOL) is a multicultural, 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.
Dr. Ephraim Martin, President of Martin’s International, discussed some of the current challenges with sponsoring major outdoor events in Chicago. “It’s is a difficult time right now to sponsor events primarily due to production costs and other factors but we remain committed to bringing people together to celebrate Chicago’s diversity through music, food, and the arts.
Nevertheless, under our banner of “Bringing Nations Together Through Music and Culture”, the Festival of Life will opens its door to invite and give exhibit/vendor space to the leaders and organizers of those cancelled festivals to interact with our festival attendees, and to let them know that they will be back next year or soon. Their fans who will be missing the events and looking for where to go are invited to get the promo tickets now on Eventbrite for us to celebrate the July 11-13th Fest of Life as one big family,” Dr. Martin stated.
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.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Martin's International Special Events, 1325 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago, United States
USD 20.98 to USD 156.37
