On February 9, the week of Bob Marley’s birthday, the Marley Gras Jerk Chicken Festival returns to celebrate Jamaican music, food, dance and more.

Taking place at Central City BBQ (1201 S. Rampart St.), the indoor/outdoor festival is not sponsored by nor affiliated with the Marley Family but is indeed a tribute to the culture of Jamaica. But it also infuses the energy of New Orleans.

At the Marley Gras Jerk Chicken Fest, attendees can expect to taste jerk chicken with ya-ka-mein and gumbo, plus hear reggae blended with brass and bounce. There will also be vendors selling handmade arts and crafts from New Orleans and Jamaica.

The festival will also host New Orleans’ only Scotch Bonnet pepper eating contest and Jerk Chicken Cook-Off Competition with celebrity guest judges.

The full lineup will be announced in the near future. Entry is $20 before 3 p.m. and cash only. Children’s tickets are $5. Pre-sale tickets can be purchased at www.marleygrasfestival.com/tickets.