On March 3 and 4, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation will be holding its annual Congo Square Rhythms Festival at Armstrong Park. The festival celebrates the music and culture of the African diaspora in the historic Congo Square site, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In the 18th century, Congo Square served as a meeting place for enslaved Africans and free people of color to convene and play music. It was here where history was created: in carrying on the millenia-old traditions of drumming and dance, African culture merged with the new face of America, bringing together old and new. This in turn made New Orleans fertile soil as the birthplace for American music, influencing the development of the city’s jazz, blues, and gospel.

The Congo Square Rhythms Festival will feature unique live musical performances, a large arts market, and an authentic Soul Food Court. Highlights of the festival include the annual Mardi Gras Indian “battle”– a gathering of multiple local tribes as an expression of unity– and the Class Got Brass competition, challenging student brass bands to perform for an all-star judging panel. And of course, this unique festival wouldn’t be what it is without its special performances from African dance troupes. This year, four troupes will be performing a collaborate piece, “Bricks: From the River to the Bayou.” On both Saturday and Sunday, you can catch the African drum circle and dance workshop in action, open to everyone and anyone.

For more information on the daily festival schedule, parking, bike valet and other details, check out the Festival website here. More on the The Jazz & Heritage Foundation and calendar of events celebrating New Orleans culture can be found on the foundation’s website.