The Beat that Shaped Music
The Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival, established in 2006, keeps the vibrant blues and R&B traditions of New Orleans alive. This festival showcases the top performers from southern Louisiana and Mississippi, along with mouth-watering food and exceptional visual art.
About the Festival
Presented by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, the 16th annual Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival promises three days packed with live blues and jazz performances, a local art market, and the best BBQ vendors in the Crescent City. The festival takes place at the scenic Lafayette Square Park, nestled between Poydras Street and St. Charles Avenue. This beautiful park sits across from the historic Gallier Hall, which has played host to music events throughout the years. With two stages of music, a sprawling arts market, and an abundance of BBQ, the festival is a must-attend event.
VIP Tickets
While general admission is free, this year’s festival offers an exclusive opportunity to purchase VIP guest area access. The revenue generated from these ticket sales helps cover the enormous expenses of organizing the festival. However, please note that the festival does not generate a profit. The costs of staging the event far exceed what is earned through concessions, sponsorships, VIP Experience ticket sales, and donations.
Explore the Arts Market
Get ready to immerse yourself in a massive arts market featuring the finest local and regional artisans. Discover hand-crafted artworks, unique jewelry, and other exquisite crafts created by some of the best artisans in the region.
Savor the Flavors
As a celebration of barbecue, the festival offers a diverse spread of mouthwatering delicacies, including various regional styles. With the rise of barbecue restaurants in New Orleans, there will be a special emphasis on Louisiana flavors. Vegetarians, vegans, and those with gluten-free diets will also find suitable options to indulge in.
Join the Festival as a Volunteer
Want to be part of this incredible festival? Join the Krewe and volunteer! We are seeking enthusiastic and friendly volunteers who know how to have a good time. Check out the available volunteer opportunities by clicking the link below!
Tune In to the Live Broadcast
For those who can’t attend the festival in person, Jazz & Heritage community radio station WWOZ New Orleans 90.7 FM will broadcast the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival live from Lafayette Square. You can also stream the performances at www.wwoz.org.
Collect CDs, T-Shirts, and Autographs
As always, the Louisiana Music Factory will be on-site selling CDs and other merchandise. After their performances, many of the artists will visit the tent to sign autographs. Additionally, official Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival t-shirts will be available at the Jazz & Heritage Merchandise Tent.
Media and Press
Media and photo pass credentials are available for those on assignment from established media outlets or with a documented history of publishing photos in mainstream media. Apply for a Media/Photo pass by clicking HERE.
Keeping the Festival Safe and Free
To maintain the festival’s open and inclusive atmosphere, we kindly request that you refrain from bringing outside food, beverages, or pets. With the exception of those with small children or dietary restrictions, please avoid coolers as well. Smoking, including cigarettes, cigars, and pipes, is prohibited in Lafayette Square as per the City of New Orleans regulations.
Please Respect the Performers
To ensure the best experience for everyone, please refrain from audio or video recording during performances. Let’s savor these special moments together.
Parking and Public Transit
Parking is available at the Poydras Center (650 Poydras Street) for a flat fee, and several street-level parking lots are nearby. Conveniently, Lafayette Square is located along the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line and the Magazine Street (No. 11) bus route.
Hotel Partner
Make the most of your stay at the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival with our partner hotel, Virgin Hotels New Orleans. Enjoy special rates exclusively extended to festival goers. Located in the lively Warehouse District, Virgin Hotels New Orleans embodies the city’s unique personality, combining a passion for food, beverage, music, and culture in an inclusive environment. Hotel space is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Enhancing the Festival Experience
To ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the onstage action, we are implementing a “no chairs” perimeter within 75 feet of both stages. While we understand many attendees prefer to bring chairs and set up camp near the stages, this policy allows other guests to get a closer look at the performances. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
ADA Access
We provide reserved areas at both stages for guests who use wheelchairs. Additionally, there is a special deck with views of both stages exclusively reserved for wheelchair users. An ADA drop-off area is located on Camp Street for vehicles carrying passengers with special needs. ADA compliant toilets are available at three locations, equipped with appropriate facilities. For access, please visit our Foundation Information booth or approach any of the greeters at the three park entry points.
Brought to You By
The Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival is presented by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, in partnership with WWOZ New Orleans 90.7 FM. We extend our gratitude to our sponsors, including Cathead Vodka, Urban South Brewery, Oxbow Rum Distillery, Luzianne Tea, Evamor Water, Chillzone, WGNO, Louisiana Office of Cultural Development, Louisiana Lottery, and the National Endowment for the Arts.