Boston jazz fans enjoyed a day of music and family activities at the Third Annual BeanTown Jazz Festival on Saturday in the South End, hosted by D’Ventures Unlimited Foundation, a nonprofit organization which distributes festival money to charities.

‘This year we are remaining true to our mission to celebrate the diversity of our community and the threads that tie us together through art and music, as well as giving back to the community,’ said D’Ventures president and festival founder Darryl Settles.

Sixteen acts, including Wannetta Jackson, Pieces of a Dream, Average White Band, Black Sole and Groove Authority, played on four stages along Columbus Avenue from noon until 6 p.m.

The event was free, but attendees could donate $5 toward prostate cancer research and receive a purple festival bracelet and complimentary festival brochure.

African, Middle Eastern, Thai and American foods were among the many different ethnic foods available for festival-goers. An ‘African vibe’ was the most prominent theme at every table. Many vendors sold African unity sculptures portraying three human figures connected to each other by their arms and legs.

‘You can tell where one person ends and another one begins, but you cannot see the end,’ explained one vendor, who did not wish to be named. ‘It’s a symbol of unity among man. There is no color, it is just an everlasting bond.’

Four stages showcased a variety of bands. Whether it was lyrical jazz, Jamaican or strictly instrumental, each stage entertained a crowd that delved into the rhythm of the music. After each performance, people had the opportunity to purchase bands’ CDs.

‘This festival is awesome,’ said Pam Siren of Boston, who was waiting in line to purchase a CD of Myanna, one of the popular instrumental bands present. ‘We’ve been here for a couple hours walking up and down the street and we always find some new booth to look at or new music to listen to.’