Last Updated on September 25, 2026
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation is thrilled to welcome festgoers from near and far for the 20th anniversary celebration of the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival taking place October 9-11, 2026, in New Orleans’ Lafayette Square Park. Friday’s performances run from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 8:30 pm. The three-day festival presents music performances by some of the Gulf South’s best, culinary delights ranging from savory barbecue to New Orleans’ Creole traditions, an arts market offering uniquely crafted glassware, jewelry, clothing, and more from local artisans, and a festival experience that welcomes festgoers of all ages.
“The Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival is a long-standing monument of culture and community in the Crescent City. Its resilience over the last 20 years is a testament to the enduring power of music, traditions, and the spirit of the city that brings people together,” says Foundation Interim Executive Director Sarita M. Carriere. “Blues music is deeply woven into New Orleans’ cultural fabric, and as stewards of culture, we remain committed to honoring and preserving the contributions of blues for generations to come.”
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT & A SPECIAL TRIBUTE
The Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival spans every corner of Lafayette Square Park, with the festival kicking off Friday evening on the St. Charles Avenue Stage and performances across both the St. Charles Avenue and Camp Street stages on Saturday and Sunday. Among the weekend’s headliners are Grammy Award winner Ruthie Foster, acclaimed singer and guitarist Samantha Fish, and legendary musician Booker T. Jones, a multi-Grammy Award winner and recipient of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award…