Are you still trying to get your life together after Mardi Gras? Well, hop to it. Festival season is in full swing. Make a note in your festivals calendar for May 25 and 26 for the 2nd Annual Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival. The family friendly fest will go down from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. at North Blvd. Town Square next to the old state capitol. There will be live music on two stages, a vendor’s village, a soul food cooking competition and the most magical part: it’s free.

Founder and headliner Henry Turner, Jr. said, “The Soul Food Festival is fast becoming a regional phenomenon, with multi-cultural acceptance and an appreciation for our regional food. This year’s event is expanding on to two stages and having more room for vendors and entrants into the judged Soul Food Cooking Competition.” Are you always told you have the best mac n cheese, maybe you were lucky to snag your grandmas cornbread recipe, or your greens are from the heavens? You can register now, contest is open and downloadable forms are available online at www.brsoulfest.com. Dishes will be judged on taste, presentation and the story behind it. Vendors slots are still available as well.

Between bites enjoy not one but two stages this year of blues, soul, gospel, funk and r&b music, dance troupes, spoken word artists and comedians. Headliners include Henry Turner Jr & Flavor, Kenny Neal, Uncle Chess and the Groove Band, Larry “LZ” Dillon, Soul & Parliament, Smokehouse Porter and Miss Mamie, Wyanda Paul, Nspire, and Lee Tyme to name a few.

The festival is lawn seating so bring your chairs and blankets. Need a level up?  VIP tickets are available for purchase and include food, soft drinks, and reserved seating. Prices range from 25-100 dollars. To buy tickets and for more details, click here.