It’s always festival time in New Orleans, but especially when cooler weather rolls around and fall finally arrives to reward us for making it through another summer. And just as pumpkin spice and pumpkin patches return every fall season, so too do the city’s top-notch festivals.
In October, at the top of that list is the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival. A reveler’s favorite for 17 years, the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival fills Lafayette Square Park with the sounds of authentic Southern blues, and the aromas of delectable dishes. From October 11 through 13, festival-goers get to enjoy three days of live music, craft barbecue from a dozen different chefs, and original work by regional artists.
The fun kicks off on Friday, October 11 at 5:30 pm, when Louisiana-raised blues singer Marcia Ball takes the St. Charles Avenue Stage. That’s just the beginning; around 20 bands will keep the best of Louisiana and Mississippi blues coming from the festival’s two downtown stages all weekend long.
Indulge in craft barbeque from award-winning New Orleans restaurants.
Several award-winning New Orleans restaurants will also be gracing the festival grounds. Hungry festival-goers get to indulge in all the classic barbecue dishes—think smoked brisket and fall-off-the-bone ribs, while sampling exciting new barbecue creations, like BBQ Gumbo, too.
Between snacking on BBQ bites and swaying to soulful blues, attendees also browse booths presented by around two dozen local and regional artisans. From paintings to jewelry to music-themed wares, every festival-goer can find a take-home souvenir.
The Arts Market is back, showcasing and selling the works of local and regional artists.
The Blues & BBQ festival is free and open to the public. For an enhanced festival experience with up-close seating, complimentary drinks and hospitality lounge access in Gallier Hall, check out the VIP Experience package.
Can’t make it in person? Watch Live at www.jazzandheritage.org/live or Listen Live on WWOZ New Orleans 90.7 FM
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation established the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival in 2006. As a nonprofit organization, the foundation’s mission is to promote, preserve and celebrate the culture of New Orleans. The Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival is one of the many ways it accomplishes this. Proceeds from festival events support the Jazz & Heritage Foundation’s year-round educational, economic and cultural programs. For more information on the foundation’s music education programs and entrepreneurial support services, visit www.jazzandheritage.org.
