Bayou Boogaloo Marks 20 Years with Expanded Two-Venue Celebration

New Orleans’ Bayou Boogaloo returns for its 20th anniversary this May with an expanded footprint, bringing three days of music, food, and local culture to both the The Broadside and the Pitot House.

This year the Boogaloo is switching from its floating on the water format and free admission format. An Axios exclusive with Jared Zeller, interim Friends of Bayou St. John, told the publication that insurance costs climbed, and attendance has decreased over the years. He pointed out that the younger attendees aren’t drinking as much alcohol, further cutting into profits.

More than 20 artists will now perform across three stages, with The Broadside hosting the main music programming from Friday, May 15 through Sunday, alongside a free, family-friendly outdoor market featuring local vendors. Ticketed guests can access multiple stages of live music all weekend, while VIP Canopy Club passholders will also receive entry to both venues and additional beverage perks.

Last year’s headliners included Big Freedia’s Gospel Revival, Honey Island Swamp Band’s Dark Side of the Bayou and a special 4:20 p.m. set on Sunday from the 420 Funk Mob featuring members of Parliament/Funkadelic.

The Canopy Club VIP experience unfolds at the historic Pitot House, offering an intimate, shaded setting along Bayou St. John with local musicians, complimentary food and drinks, and a relaxed, patron-style atmosphere.

Tickets for the Bayou Boogaloo event May 15-17 start at $22 and are available here.