[Courtesy of Gretna Fest's Website]

Gretna Fest to Celebrate its 30th Anniversary in October

07:00 July 18, 2024
By: Lillian Foster

Fun on the Westbank

Gretna Fest 2024 invites attendees to celebrate the greatness of Gretna with live music, food, arts & crafts, games and much more from October 4 through 6. With headliners like Dierks Bentley, the Steve Miller Band, and The Revivalists, this three-day, three-stage festival is set to be a weekend for the books.

What started in 1994 as a small, community event has since grown to be one of the largest festivals in Louisiana, attracting thousands of attendees every year. With nearly 100 vendors spanning 20 blocks and an around-the-world culinary experience, Gretna Fest features German, Asian, Italian, and Latin food, offering festival bites to satisfy all attendees. In addition to local performances, international artists including Chase Rice, Natasha Bedingfield, Morris Day & the Time and Foghat will take to the stages.

[Courtesy of Gretna Fest, Facebook]

Themed sections of the festival include:

  • Italian Village: Italian music rings throughout this village as cultural foods, wines, and cookies are prepared and served by the St. Joseph's Women's Club.

  • Asian Village: Multiple vendors will offer authentic Asian foods, drinks, and more.

  • Margarita Village: Featuring margaritas by El Gato Negro, this street is dedicated to Latin culture, music, and food.

  • German Village: Alongside German food and beer, the official opening of the Oktoberfest season will occur in this village on October 4 at 5 p.m. Sponsored by the German-American Cultural Center, local celebrities and elected officials will stop by to enjoy the Village's free beer and ceremonial keg.

  • Gretna Fest Food Court: Sponsored by Zatarain's, over 40 vendors will be offering a variety of foods from local restaurants, non-profits, and others.

  • Craft Beer Area: Port Orleans Brewing will offer craft beer along with games and a lounge area.

  • The Club Backstage: Fest-goers can enjoy an indoor venue at the Gretna Cultural Center for the Arts as local acts perform, in addition to a Gospel set on Sunday morning.

  • Craft Vendors: Lining both sides of Gretna City Hall along Huey P. Long Avenue, nearly 50 craft vendors will offer homemade pieces, apparel, pictures, candles, and other locally made items.

  • Art Tent: Over 12 artists will sell original artwork in addition to a live Gretna Fest art piece and subsequent auction.

  • Kids' Corner: Inflatables, games, face painting, and more will be offered in this section of the festival.

[Courtesy of Gretna Fest, Facebook]

Additional Info

A variety of ticket options are available for purchase, including $40 single-day passes, $90 three-day weekend passes, $5 child three-day weekend passes, $225 VIP passes, and VIP River Club Suite options. Free public parking will available at the Third Street & Derbigny Street Parking Garage and handicap parking can be found at the Courthouse Parking Garage on Derbigny Street and Huey P. Long Avenue.

Get ready to revel on the river, and don't miss out on this unique opportunity to explore Gretna's abundance of culture and community. For more information about Gretna Fest, visit gretnafest.com.

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