Family Gras is a free music festival that takes place two weekends before Fat Tuesday on the neutral ground of Veterans Memorial Boulevard in Metairie across from Lakeside Shopping Center. The 2022 event will be held from Friday, February 18, through Sunday, February 20.

With crowds surpassing 80,000 each year, it’s big family fun in the suburbs just minutes from downtown New Orleans. The celebration includes Mardi Gras parades, New Orleans cuisine, a local art market, a kids’ court with face painting and interactive games, and free outdoor concerts by both national artists and Louisiana’s own.

The musical lineup includes:

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18

Start time 5 p.m.
New Orleans Artists’ Tribute to Allen Toussaint
Marie Osmond & Orchestra

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19

Start time 1 p.m.
David Batiste and the Gladiators
Sister Sledge
Girl Named Tom
Ann Wilson of Heart

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20

Start time 1 p.m.
Amanda Shaw
Lauren Alaina
Martina McBride

A three-day Family Gras VIP Royal Pass may be purchased for $99 per person that includes premium front of stage viewing, backstage access, limited hors d’oeuvres, two non-alcoholic beverages per day, and access to VIP-only comfort stations. For more information, visit here.

Carnival parades that will pass by the Family Gras viewing area include Excalibur at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, February 18, followed by Symphony. The Madhatters will roll at 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 19, followed by Centurions. Atlas will get take to the streets at 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 20.