The 17th edition of the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival is set to return to Lafayette Square Park from October 11-13, 2024. Presented by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, the event will feature headliners Lil Ed & the Blues Imperials and Irma Thomas & the Professionals. Admission to the festival is free and open to the public.

This award-winning festival boasts two stages of music, an array of the best barbecue vendors in the region, and a local arts market. The 2024 lineup includes prominent blues artists such as Lil Ed & the Blues Imperials, Irma Thomas & the Professionals, Kenny Neal, Marcia Ball, Sue Foley, Nikki Hill, and a James Cotton Tribute with Mark Hummel & Steve Freund. Additional performers include Chris Thomas King, Eric Lindell, Little Freddie King, James Rivers Movement, Joe Krown Trio with Papa Mali, Sierra Green & the Giants, Mitch Woods & his Rocket 88s, Billy Iuso, Les Getrex & Creole Cookin, and Sunpie Barnes & the Louisiana Sunspots. More performers and daily schedules will be announced soon.

Making a comeback after several years, the oral history stage at Gallier Hall will feature artist interviews in an intimate setting. These interviews will be held indoors on the afternoons of Saturday, October 12, and Sunday, October 13, allowing attendees to connect with festival performers on a personal level.

The Jazz & Heritage Foundation will auction off a customized guitar by Painted Axe, signed by the festival’s performers. Proceeds from this auction will benefit the Foundation’s programs, including music education initiatives in New Orleans.

While the festival is free, VIP Experience Passes are available for those seeking a premium experience, offering access to a private lounge in Gallier Hall, festival seating, two complimentary bars, indoor bathrooms, and air conditioning for the entire weekend.

For more information, visit crescentcitybluesfest.com.