Barbecue lovers better be hungry! The Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival serves up a huge spread of luscious, juicy barbecue, surrounded by the soulful sounds of top blues musicians serenading New Orleans’ Lafayette Square October 14—16, 2022. Presented by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, this free, family-friendly event features two stages of live bands, the distinct flavors of local barbecue, and an arts market showcasing regional handmade art, jewelry, and crafts.
This year’s festival places fresh emphasis on Louisiana barbecue, highlighting slow-cooked meats prepared by local restaurants including New Orleans’ own Central City BBQ, Luling’s Gonzo’s Smokehouse & BBQ, and New Orleans East’s Walker’s Southern Style BBQ—home of the cochon de lait po boy. From renowned Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House to notable food trucks Cocoa & Cream and Dirty Dishes, there’s sure to be something here to delight everyone’s palate. After you’ve gotten your fill, save room for some dessert delight courtesy of Hen.E Sweets, JB’s Softee Treats, or Keyala Pralines.
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Belly full? Wander through the Blues & BBQ Fest’s Arts Market to discover curated fine arts and crafts from some of the city’s most talented vendors. A handcrafted electric guitar from Mercury Lab Guitars makes a lasting investment, as does the guaranteed conversation starter of a turntable coffee table built by Audiowood. Add a pop of color to your décor with a mosaic sculpture by Mosaic Bayou, or bedeck your wrists with a brightly designed cuff from GoGo Jewelry. You can even revisit iconic moments in musical history, through the selection of documentary photos offered by Jose Fernandes photography.
If three days of blues and BBQ aren’t quite enough, pick up a festival t-shirt at the Jazz & Heritage Merchandise Tent to wear while listening to CDs of your favorite artists’ music, picked up from the Louisiana Music Factory tent. What better way to keep the blues alive after the festival ends?
For more information about participating food, music, and arts & crafts vendors, click HERE.