Little Freddie King. Photo by Kim Welsh

11th Annual NOLA River Festival Celebrates Mississippi Delta Blues and Community Preservation

The 11th annual NOLA River Festival is in New Orleans on Saturday, June 10. This year’s festival, which is a production of the New Orleans Jazz Museum, aims to honor the cultural, economic, and environmental impacts of the Mississippi River and its inhabitants on the Crescent City and the Gulf South region. The event will be held at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at 400 Esplanade.

This year’s festival theme is “Mississippi Delta Blues,” which highlights one of the earliest forms of blues music originating in the Mississippi Delta. In addition to providing entertainment with performances by Little Freddie King, Lynn Drury, Ed Wills and Blues 4 Sale, and more, the NOLA River Festival has a strong educational focus. The Jazz Museum will host panels, walking tours, and children’s activities centered around the seafood industry, coastal restoration, and sustainability.

The festival allows attendees to hear from leaders in business sustainability, water management, urban reforestation, fishing, and water transportation. These educational sessions aim to raise awareness about preserving culture and community and encourage individuals to take responsibility for their environment. The NOLA River Festival is known for its commitment to community engagement and environmental preservation. It has been free and open to the public for over ten years, distinguishing itself as a festival that combines entertainment with education. The event draws locals and tourists, creating a platform for exchanging ideas and fostering collaboration among various organizations.