Congo Square Rhythms Festival & Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival

Considered by many to be the birthplace of New Orleans music, historic Congo Square in Louis Armstrong Park will once again host one of the city's most vibrant festivals—the Congo Square Rhythms Festival. For two days, attendees can immerse themselves in mesmerizing musical performances from the world over, playing alongside some of the Crescent city's most beloved bands. This year's musical acts include Rebirth Brass Band, Hot 8 Brass Band, Tremé Brass Band, Original Pinettes Brass Band, Shake Em’ Up Jazz Band, and a drum circle featuring acts like The Rumble, MCs Alfred Banks and Kaye the Beast, and African dance troupes. An arts market will round out the agenda. Free parking at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre. Ahead of the event on March 20 there will be a Congo Square lecture on African lineage at 6:30 pm, and a concert featuring Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and the Golden Eagles March 22 at 8 pm for $10 at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center. Details at jazzandheritage.org.