The Bywater Neighborhood Association’s annual Mirliton Festival will return this weekend with performances by Kermit Ruffins & The BBQ Swingers, Washboard Chaz Blues Trio and more.

The main event is slated to take place in Markey Park at the corner of Piety and Royal Streets on Saturday, November 7. The free performances will begin at 11am and last until 7pm.

After the day festival wraps up, the party will move to Port, where Pirate’s Choice will headline the Mirlition Masquerade Ball. The band will be joined by special guests Full Orangutan and DJ Black Pearl 504 during their performance. Attendees will be requried to wear masks, and a costume contest will determine the King and Queen of the Mirliton Ball. The celebration will begin at 9pm and go until 2am. Tickets will be available for $10.

The Mirliton Festival is part of the Positive Vibrations Foundation’s Bywater Heritage & Rhythms Week. The series also includes free percussion classes at Port for kids ages 10-16. This Congo Kids Heritage & Rhythms Workshop began on Monday, November 2 and will continue until Friday, November 6. Percussion instructors include Luke Quaranta (of Toubab Krewe, Benyoro, humanBEING, Pirate’s Choice), Raja Kassis (of Antibalas, Raja Kassis’ humanBEING, Pirate’s Choice), Sam Dickey (of Benyoro, Toumani Diabate, Pirate’s Choice), Morgan Price (of Duke Ellington Orchestra, FELA! on Broadway), Eric Vogel (of Big Sam’s Funky Nation) and more.

Tickets and other informations can be found via the Positive Vibrations Foundation’s website.