Are you seeking an exquisite and unforgettable experience?
If so, you need to book a plane ticket and head to New Orleans during one of its fantastic food festivals.
The city’s long and rich culinary history comes alive every year.
New Orleans, or `The Big Easy` as it is commonly referred to, hosts a ton of events celebrating its flavors and traditions.
8 Spectacular Food Festivals In New Orleans
The streets of New Orleans are known to bustle with the sounds of jazz.
However, they are also filled with tantalizing scents of delicious street food!
Here are the top-rated food festivals that you must attend next time you visit the city.
1. Taco Festival
Taco lovers, it’s time to get saucy!
The New Orleans Taco Festival is here to satisfy your taco cravings.
In March, the city comes alive with the smell of delicious tacos, the sound of mariachi music, and the sight of colorful decorations.
The event is held at the Spanish Plaza, Canal St, New Orleans.
Vendors from all over the city come together to show off their creative and delicious taco creations.
There are plenty of taco options, from classic beef tacos to gluten-free and vegan tacos, so none of your taste buds will be left behind.
And if you’re looking to learn more about Mexican cuisine and culture, this is the place to be!
There are also plenty of drinks, including margaritas, beers, and even tequila tastings.
So, take advantage of this unique experience.
Grab some tacos, kick back, and soak up the culture and flavor of New Orleans for only $3 to $10!
You can also participate in fun activities like taco-making competitions, and salsa dancing lessons as you enjoy great music.
There are also local vendors selling traditional Mexican crafts and souvenirs.
2. The Crawfish Mambo
The Crawfish Mambo festival is held in May at The Cove on the University of New Orleans campus.
It is a one-of-a-kind event that will leave you with a lasting impression of the culture and spirit of Crescent City.
Whether you’re a crawfish aficionado or just looking to have a great time, you’ll find something to enjoy at the festival.
As you enter the festival, you will be welcomed with the smell of fresh crawfish and the sound of zydeco music.
The sight of the partygoers getting lost in the rhythm of the music and the aromas is another thing to look get your groove going.
The atmosphere is filled with an infectious energy that will have you dancing and grooving to the beat.
It’s a day full of delicious, fresh crustaceans cooked in various styles by some of the city’s most renowned chefs.
Additionally, these chefs compete for the coveted Mambo Master title.
It’s a great way to get a taste of Louisiana’s culture and unique flavors for only $5 – $10 per plate.
Some of the popular foods you can get include:
- Crawfish etouffee
- Jambalaya
- Gumbo
- Po’Boys
- Crawfish Boil
Along with the mouth-watering food and music, the festival also offers a variety of carnival rides and games, as well as craft booths and art galleries.
There is also face painting, balloon animals, and even an inflatable bouncy house for the kids.
3. Beignet Festival
The Beignet Festival is an incredible celebration of the beloved French pastry.
Held every October in the iconic New Orleans City Park, the festival is a spectacle of sights, sounds, and flavors.
The air is filled with the sweet scent of fried dough and sugar.
The streets buzz with excitement as people of all ages and backgrounds come together to enjoy the sweet treats.
Here, beignets come in all shapes and sizes, from traditional square-shaped treats to inventive creations with delicious toppings.
From savory beignets served with various dipping sauces to sweet and fluffy beignets sprinkled with powdered sugar.
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You’ll find a variety of beignet flavors and presentations at the festival.
You can expect to pay between $7-15 for a single beignet and around $10-20 for a meal.
Some options include:
- Crawfish beignets
- Chocolate Beignets
- Fried Chicken Beignets
- Bacon Beignets
- Cheese Beignets
During the festival, you can’t help but take in the atmosphere as people dance to the music and the children run around playing games.
The sight of colorful costumes and floats is truly a unique experience that captures the spirit of New Orleans and its love of beignets.
4. The Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival
The Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival is a barbecue and music event.
It has been taking place in New Orleans every October for the past 15 years.
This annual celebration brings together a variety of blues artists from around the world, as well as local barbecue favorites.
It is held in Lafayette Square Park, a beautiful and historic space located in the heart of the city.
What to Expect? The festival’s atmosphere is one of family, friends, and fun. Live music fills the air, and the aroma of mouth-watering BBQ wafts through the streets.
The vendors offer unique dishes and drinks that will tantalize the taste buds of festivalgoers.
From the classic pulled jambalaya to the savory pulled pork sandwiches, the selection of food is unparalleled.
But the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival isn’t just about the food.
There are also performances from some of the most talented blues musicians in the country.
In addition, there are special featured events such as art exhibitions and craft demonstrations.
The cost of food at the festival is typically around $7 to $10 for most items. Food vendors offer a range of options, from traditional barbecue dishes to vegetarian options.
Popular dishes include:
- Cornbread
- Brisket
- Barbecue chicken
- Smoked ribs
- Mac and cheese
There are also plenty of desserts, drinks, and snacks available.
5. Fête des Fromages
This fun and flavorful event celebrates the art, craft, and culture of cheese-making.
The festival brings aficionados to sample and purchase the finest handcrafted cheeses. It hosts more than 100 local and international cheese makers.
The festival takes place in November at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, where visitors get to indulge in some of the best cheeses worldwide.
Among the 200 varieties of cheese featured, you can find everything from soft, creamy Brie to hard, nutty Parmigiano-Reggiano.
You can also try some of the region’s best artisan cheeses.
Essentially – You can find everything from the classic French cheese, Mimolette, to local favorites like Deux Chevres and Peche.
There is also an array of food and drink vendors offering a variety of delicious treats.
Aside from the cheese, Fête des Fromages also offers an array of fun activities for the entire family.
Attendees can learn about the history and art of cheese-making, participate in cheese-tasting sessions, and shop for artisanal varieties from local creameries.
The festival also features cooking demonstrations, cheese-pairing seminars, and more.
6. Oak Street Po-Boy Festival
If you love Po-boys, then you’ll be in for a treat at the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival.
This annual event has been popular for more than a decade and continues to draw in crowds from all over town.
It is held on the 1st Sunday of November along Oak Street in Carrollton neighborhood.
The festival features a wide range of Po-boys from some of the best eateries in New Orleans.
You can find everything from traditional shrimp Po-boys to veggie options and even some unique takes on the classic dish.
Additionally, you can enjoy live music, local art, and fun activities such as face painting and games.
The Oak Street Po-Boy Festival has various options for Po-boy sandwiches and other food items.
With prices ranging from $2 to $10, you’re sure to find something within your budget.
You can expect food such as:
- Fried Oyster Po-Boys
- Roast Beef Po-Boys
- Muffaletta Po-Boys
- Catfish Po-Boys
- Hot Sausage Po-Boys
- Alligator Po-Boys
- Pecan-Crusted Chicken Po-Boys
- Vegetarian Po-Boys
7. The Fried Chicken Festival
The Fried Chicken Festival is the ultimate experience for fried chicken lovers.
The festival takes place in the unique and vibrant city of New Orleans Lakeshore Drive in September.
This event is an eye-opener on different ways of cooking chicken.
The Fried Chicken Festival has everything from classic southern-style fried chicken to spicy Nashville-style hot chicken.
At the Festival – You can try fried chicken dishes such as; chicken sandwiches and tacos from multiple vendors.
There are also plenty of sides to choose from, such as coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, and more.
The atmosphere at the festival is filled with excitement as people enjoy live music, dancing, and good company.
People come from all over to experience delicious fried chicken creations.
Depending on what you order, food prices at the festival vary.
For a single plate, you can expect to pay about $10-$15. There are also a variety of vendors offering drinks, desserts, and other items.
8. Treme Creole Gumbo Festival
The Treme Creole Gumbo celebrates the city’s rich culture and the surrounding areas.
The festival is held in the historic Treme neighborhood in November. It’s an event to celebrate all things Creole, from food to music, and art.
The festival’s main focus is gumbo, an essential part of the local culture.
This is a traditional Creole soup that is made with a combination of meats and vegetables in a flavorful roux-based broth.
In addition to the gumbo, the festival features an array of other local dishes such as:
- jambalaya
- red beans and rice
- and po’boys
There are also plenty of activities for the whole family, such as carnival rides, live music, and other entertainment.
The average cost of food at the Treme Creole Gumbo Festival is around $10-$15 per plate, depending on the dish. The drinks and snacks can vary, but generally around $5-$10.
There may be additional fees for certain activities, such as art performances.
Final Thoughts
New Orleans is a great place for food lovers.
It’s an excellent destination for those looking to experience the city’s unique flavors.
With its vibrant festivals, you can explore the city’s rich food culture while having a great time.
So, if you’re looking for a unique food adventure, New Orleans is definitely the place to be!
