The 17th annual Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival is set to take over Lafayette Square Park from October 11 to 13, 2024, offering a weekend filled with soul-stirring blues and mouthwatering barbecue. Presented by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, the free festival will feature an impressive lineup of local and national blues artists alongside some of the region’s best barbecue vendors and a local arts market.
Headlining the festival will be Chicago’s Lil Ed & the Blues Imperials, known for their high-energy performances, and New Orleans’ own legendary Irma Thomas & the Professionals. Irma, often hailed as the “Soul Queen of New Orleans,” will bring her timeless vocals to the festival’s two stages, adding to the rich lineup of blues talent.
Other performers include renowned blues artists such as Kenny Neal, Marcia Ball, and Sue Foley, as well as fan-favorites like Nikki Hill, Leyla McCalla, Chris Thomas King, and Little Freddie King. The 2024 edition will also feature tributes to blues greats, including a James Cotton Tribute with Mark Hummel & Steve Freund.
In addition to top-tier blues, attendees will enjoy performances by Sierra Green & the Giants, Mitch Woods & his Rocket 88s, Billy Iuso, and Sunpie Barnes & the Louisiana Sunspots, among others. The festival’s lineup promises a diverse range of sounds from classic blues to contemporary blues-rock and roots music. More performers will be announced soon, along with the release of daily schedules.
The Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival isn’t just about the music. It’s a celebration of Southern cuisine, with a strong focus on barbecue. Attendees can savor a large selection of slow-cooked meats, spicy sauces, and smoked delicacies from top barbecue vendors in the region. The festival’s popular arts market will also return, showcasing local artisans and offering a range of handmade crafts, jewelry, and artworks.
Presented by the nonprofit New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival is committed to supporting local artists, musicians and culture bearers. Admission to the event is free, making it accessible to the public and ensuring a vibrant atmosphere for all who attend.
For more information on the festival and updates on the lineup, visit jazzandheritage.org.
Event Details:
- Date: October 11–13, 2024
- Location: Lafayette Square Park (602 St. Charles Ave.), New Orleans, LA
- Admission: Free and open to the public
