Hogs For The Cause 2025, returns April 4- 5, 2025 with a can’t-miss combination of music, barbecue and community spirit. This two-day event celebrates the best in live entertainment and mouthwatering food, all for a good cause.
The 2025 event at the UNO Lakefront Arena Festival Grounds will be headlined by Charley Crockett, who spent most of the year at the top of the Americana Albums chart and was hailed as a “must-see live performer” by Rolling Stone and a “force to be reckoned with” by CMT; the versatile singer/songwriter Stephen Wilson, Jr., who was a Country Music Awards (CMA) semi-finalist for Album of the Year; and Zach Top, a CMA finalist for Newcomer of the Year and described by Rolling Stone as one of the “hottest acts right now.”
Other notable performers include breakthrough singer, songwriter, and musician Willow Avalon, who is setting out on her first-ever headline tour in 2025; JD McPherson, who brings a deep affinity for foundational rock ‘n’ roll, rockabilly, and R&B; and Eddie 9V, sharing his fresh, fiery spin on Southern soul, blues, rock, and funk. Nearly two dozen artists will perform at this year’s festival, joining more than 90 barbecue teams serving mouth-watering BBQ as they compete for the title of Grand Champion.
“Every year, we strive to bring our fans the best music from around the country, and 2025 is no exception,” said Becker Hall, co-founder and CEO of Hogs for the Cause. “From Charley Crockett’s electric live performances and Stephen Wilson, Jr.’s soulful storytelling to meteoric rising stars like Zach Top, this lineup reflects the heart and soul of Hogs for the Cause—community, creativity, and celebration. With many of these artists debuting new music or making waves on tour, we’re thrilled to present an event where their talent can shine while we rally together to support families in need.”
2025 Hogs For The Cause will also bring together over 90 local and regional BBQ masters and backyard chefs to compete in seven mouthwatering categories:
- Whole Hog
- Ribs
- Pork Butt/Shoulder
- Porkpourri
- Sauce
- Fan Favorite
- Fundraising Champion
From Alabama white sauce to cracklin cochon de lait nachos, this is a barbecue festival like no other. The event invites you to pair craft beer and a lively music lineup to keep you dancing while you explore the culinary options.
Hogs For The Cause is more than a festival—it’s a movement. Voted Best Local Charity Event in New Orleans, the event raises vital funds for families of children fighting pediatric brain cancer. They have raised over 12 million dollars supporting charities throughout the region and have become a premiere nationwide fundraising source for Pediatric Brain Cancer services to families.
The organization collaborates with local and national hospitals, including:
- Children’s Hospital of New Orleans
- Ochsner Hospital for Children
- Duke Children’s Hospital
- MUSC Children’s Hospital
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite
- Children’s Hospital of San Antonio
By attending Hogs For The Cause, you’re not only enjoying a weekend of unforgettable food and music but also contributing to a life-changing cause.
The 2025 lineup has been announced! Get ready for incredible performances from an exciting lineup that includes :
- Charley Crockett
- Stephen Wilson Jr.
- Zach Top
- Willow Avalon
- JD McPherson
- Eddie 9V
- The Thing
- Giovannie & The Hired Guns
- Clay Street Unit
- The Droptines
- Lola Kirke
- Billy Allen and The Pollies
- John Hollier
- Vandoliers
- The Rumble
- The Telescreens
- Britti
- Nether Hour
- River Eckert
- Hotel Burgundy
“We talk a lot about where we have come from over the years—our humble beginnings at The Fly with just one pig on a pit and $7,500 raised,”said Rene Louapre, co-founder and COO of Hogs. “What our teams, volunteers, and attendees have done for Hogs for the Cause is nothing short of outstanding. To continue to grow and provide an amazing experience and more flexibility, we have incorporated credit cards and Apple/Google Pay into our payment options this year. It’s looking to be another record-breaker for everyone.”
Tickets are on sale now! Don’t wait to secure your spot at this one-of-a-kind festival. (Lineup subject to change). Visit the Hogs For The Cause website for tickets and full event details.
