Instead of adding extra stress to your life by trying to figure out who has the cheapest crawfish by the pound or commit to going to that co-worker’s house who you really don’t care for but their dad knows how to boil, sometimes it’s best to just pay a flat fee and eat all the crawfish your greedy little heart desires. I say that with love and without judgement. Thank the goddesses you live in New Orleans, where this time of year there’s a crawfish fest almost every other weekend. Pull out your festival calendar, and make another note. May 11 from 11-5 p.m., The University of New Orleans will throw its 7th annual Crawfish Mambo.

The first batch will drop when the gates open at 11 am. Indulge in dozens of different crawfish boils cooked by teams competing for cash prizes, unique trophies, and the greatest gift of all, bragging rights. If you can peel and eat crawfish in your sleep, consider showing your talents at the crawfish eating competition. Shop at the Mambo Artists Village, let your kids burn off some energy at the kids tent, and dance to the tunes of Young Pinstripe Brass Band, Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes, and the Bucktown All-Stars.

The Crawfish Mambo is put on by UNO’s Alumni Association and has turned into its primary fundraiser. They aim to build positive PR, and raise funds for mentorships, scholarships, and professional development programs for UNO students.  

The UNO Crawfish Mambo is family friendly and if your young’ns are under 7, they get in free. Tickets range from $15 for students, $25 general admission in advance ($35 day of), and if feasting with the commoners isn’t your style VIP will cost you $75. For more info and to purchase tickets, click here.