What's happening this weekend in New Orleans?
This coming weekend, June 11 and 12, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation will host its annual Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival at the city's Louis Armstrong Park on North Rampart Street.
What is the Cajun-Zydeco Festival?
Each year, the festival celebrates and honors the unique heritage and cultural tradition of Southern Louisiana and its Cajun roots. Attendees are able to enjoy all that makes the spirit of the state— from two-step, to Zydeco music, to local eats, and beyond. There are also numerous art markets, children's activities, and dance floors to join.
The festival itself will run for two full days (June 11 and 12) from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the park and is free of charge, though donations will be accepted at all park entrances. A paid portion will take place on Friday night at 8 p.m., when The Savoy Doucet Cajun Band will play at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center; admission to this special kick-off event will be $10.
Saturday and Sunday will be chock-full of local music performed by the region's premiere Cajun and Zydeco musicians and bands, including acts like Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience and Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers. These live performances will continue all day, each day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will be free and open to all festival-goers.
Cajun-Zydeco Festival Food
The festival food menu is better than ever this year, including Cajun bites and local flavors from nearly 15 different restaurants and caterers in and around the New Orleans area. Menu items include zesty crab burgers, classic shrimp and grits, Big Easy inspired ice cream, and much, much more. Due to the high quantity of snacks and drinks provided, the Jazz & Heritage Foundation asks that attendees to not bring outside food and beverage to the event. Also forbidden are pets, with the exception of licensed service animals.
Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival provides Southern Louisiana with the opportunity to celebrate and embrace its history, culture, cuisine, and tradition. And, in classic Louisiana fashion, it's also destined to be an undoubtedly good time, cher.
For more information on line-ups, artists, and food options, visit the website here. For more fun, come see for yourself and attend the festival this weekend!
