The culinary heartbeat of Nigeria’s Middle Belt is about to pulse stronger than ever. The Jos Food Festival, Plateau State’s premier celebration of food, culture, and community spirit, is gearing up for its most spectacular edition yet the “Owambe Edition” happening this Saturday, July 26th, 2025.
Since its inception, the Jos Food Festival has transformed from a simple food celebration into a cultural phenomenon that showcases the rich culinary heritage of Plateau State. From the vibrant 2022 “#StreetFest #BackToTheTrenches” edition to the expanded three day “Welcome To Jos” celebration in 2023, each festival has elevated the city’s status as Nigeria’s emerging food tourism destination.
What started as a community gathering has evolved into a dynamic platform that brings together food lovers from all walks of life different ethnicities, religious backgrounds, and cultural groups united by their passion for exceptional cuisine and authentic cultural experiences.
2025 Marks a Milestone: The 5th Festival This Year
This year has been exceptional for the Jos Food Festival family. The upcoming July 26th celebration will mark the fifth festival of 2025, demonstrating the incredible momentum and growing popularity of this culinary showcase.
Each edition has brought something unique to the table, and the “Owambe Edition” promises to be the crown jewel of this remarkable year.
What Makes the “Owambe Edition” Special?
The “Owambe Edition” isn’t just about food it’s about celebration, community, and the infectious joy that defines Nigerian party culture. Here’s what awaits you:
Culinary Excellence
• Immersive Food Tours: Journey through Jos’s diverse culinary landscape with guided tastings that showcase both traditional delicacies and modern interpretations
• Live Cooking Demonstrations: Watch renowned chefs, including the celebrated Chef Walis, create magic in real-time
• Specially Curated Festival Menu: Experience dishes that tell the story of Plateau State’s rich agricultural heritage
Cultural Showcase
• Vibrant Cultural Displays: Traditional performances that celebrate the diversity of Plateau State’s communities
• Fashion Showcases: A celebration of Nigerian fashion and style
• Live Music: Rhythms that will keep you dancing from afternoon till late night
Community Spirit
The festival continues its tradition of fostering connections, supporting local entrepreneurs, and creating networking opportunities for emerging food businesses. It’s where established vendors meet aspiring chefs, and where food lovers discover their next favorite dish.
Environmental Consciousness
True to its values, the 2025 edition maintains its focus on sustainability, encouraging attendees to party responsibly while keeping Jos clean and beautiful.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, July 26th, 2025
Time: 3 PM till late (because great parties don’t watch the clock!)
Venue: Tamarald Event Centre, Rayfield, Jos
Theme: Owambe Edition where food meets festivity
The Jos Food Festival has consistently embraced innovation to enhance the attendee experience. From partnering with Recon, the indigenous fintech app that revolutionized festival payments, to collaborating with sponsors like Airtel and GBFoods, the festival has always prioritized seamless, enjoyable experiences for everyone involved.
The festival’s commitment to supporting local businesses while providing world-class entertainment has made it a model for food tourism across Nigeria.
Why You Can’t Miss This
Whether you’re a Jos local, a food tourist, or someone seeking an authentic Nigerian cultural experience, the Owambe Edition offers something for everyone:
• Food Enthusiasts: Discover flavors you never knew existed
• Culture Seekers: Immerse yourself in authentic Plateau traditions
• Party Lovers: Dance to live music in a festive atmosphere
• Business Networkers: Connect with like-minded entrepreneurs
• Families: Create memories in a safe, welcoming environment
Join the Movement
The Jos Food Festival isn’t just an event it’s a movement that’s putting Jos on Nigeria’s tourism map. With each edition, it strengthens the city’s reputation as a destination where tradition meets innovation, where communities celebrate diversity, and where food becomes the language that unites us all.
As Festival Director Chef Elvis Katlong Henry has consistently emphasized, this celebration showcases “the essence of Plateau state through food” while highlighting the warmth and hospitality that make Jos truly special.
The countdown to July 26th has begun. The “Owambe Edition” promises to be more than just a festival it’s going to be an unforgettable experience that celebrates everything beautiful about Jos, Plateau State, and Nigerian culture.
Come hungry, come ready to dance, and come prepared to be part of something special. The Jos Food Festival “Owambe Edition” is waiting to welcome you to the ultimate celebration of flavor, culture, and community.
See you at Tamarald Event Centre on July 26th let’s make this Owambe legendary