Presented by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, the 18th annual Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival is back October 18–20 at Lafayette Square Park, bringing three days of live blues, sizzling BBQ, and local art to the heart of downtown New Orleans.
Known as one of the city’s most beloved free festivals, this year’s event once again features two stages of nonstop music, a sprawling arts market, and some of the best barbecue vendors in the region — from smoky Texas-style brisket to Louisiana’s own flavor-packed favorites.
The festival remains free and open to the public, but attendees can upgrade with a VIP Experience, which includes up-front seating, access to a private hospitality lounge, complimentary drinks, and more. The line up is as follows:
Friday, October 10
St. Charles Ave. Stage
5:30–6:45 p.m. — Sierra Green & the Giants
7–8:30 p.m. — Tab Benoit
Saturday, October 11
Camp St. Stage
11 a.m.–12 p.m. — Wolfe Johns
1–2 p.m. — Mem Shannon & the Membership
3:15–4:30 p.m. — Ed Wills & Blues 4 $ale
5:45–7 p.m. — Leo Nocentelli of The Meters
St. Charles Ave. Stage
12–1 p.m. — Eric Johanson
2–3:15 p.m. — Jontavious Willis
4:30–5:45 p.m. — Carolyn Wonderland
7–8:30 p.m. — Devon Allman’s Blues Summit featuring The Devon Allman Project, Larry McCray, Jimmy Hall & Sierra Green
Sunday, October 12
Camp St. Stage
11 a.m.–12 p.m. — Tyron Benoit Band
1–2 p.m. — Joy Clark
3:15–4:30 p.m. — Hubby Jenkins
5:45–7 p.m. — Vasti Jackson
St. Charles Ave. Stage
12–1 p.m. — Mia Borders
2–3:15 p.m. — The Top Notes featuring Ernie Vincent
4:30–5:45 p.m. — Cindy Cashdollar, Brian Mitchell & the Woodstock All-Stars w/ special guest Sonny Landreth
7–8:30 p.m. — Bobby Rush
Each year, the Foundation also hosts a Painted Axe guitar auction, featuring a custom, performer-signed instrument with proceeds benefiting local music education programs. Festivalgoers can also explore a massive arts market featuring regional makers, artisans, and crafters, plus a Louisiana Music Factory tent where artists will sign CDs and merchandise after their sets.
WWOZ 90.7 FM will broadcast and stream the festival live all weekend long at wwoz.org, ensuring fans near and far can tune in to the soulful sounds from Lafayette Square.
Festival organizers remind guests that outside food, beverages, pets, and smoking are not permitted. ADA access and special viewing areas will be available.
The Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival is part of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation’s ongoing commitment to keep local music alive and accessible.
For more information, including schedules, VIP passes, food vendors, and volunteer opportunities, visit www.jazzandheritage.org/bluesfest.
