The Bayou Classic Fan Fest is the tailgating and musical prelude to a highly-anticipated annual football game that started as a rivalry between two historically Black universities (Grambling and Southern), and now the Bayou Classic defines post-turkey day celebration in New Orleans. The match-up between the Tigers of Grambling State University and the Jaguars of Southern University is revered as the “Granddaddy” of HBCU college matchups, and is now entering its 49th year. Like any big football game, tailgating highlights the culture with local food and music from some of the city’s most beloved hip-hop artists, making the main event outside the dome each year the Bayou Classic Fan Fest, where what matters is local hip-hop, DJs and the battle of the high school bands.

Artists Allie Baby, Denisia, Fresh x Reckless, Flagboy Giz, DJ Jubilee, Kr3wcial, Neno Calvin, Stone Cold Jizzle and Wild Wayne will perform this year. The event will also feature a ticket giveaway, a “beauty experience,” where attendees can get free haircuts, merchandise and also participate in sweepstakes. Bayou Classic Fan Fest will occur November 26, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Champions Square. The High School band battle takes place at 11 a.m.