The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club will host its annual Lundi Gras Festival in Woldenberg Park on Monday, February 28. The festival began in 1993 from an idea proposed by George Rainey of the Zulu organization and and Karen Noles of the Audubon Nature Institute. The festive event along the riverfront on the Monday preceding Mardi Gras Day allows the public to meet Zulu float characters and culminating with the arrival of King and Queen Zulu while also enjoying live music and food options.

Parade characters, including Mr. Big Stuff, the Parade Duke, Province Prince, Mayor, Ambassador, Witch Doctor and Big Shot will arrive at all three stages at staggered times throughout the day beginning at 11 a.m. and proceeding until 4:45 p.m. For a schedule of appearances, visit here.

LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE

King Zulu Stage (Woldenberg Park Great Lawn)

10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. DJ Polo
12:30–1:30 p.m. Rachelle Cook & The ReGeneration Band
1:40–2:40 p.m. Louisiana Soul Sista-Connie G
2:50–3:50 p.m. The New Orleans Mystics
4-5 p.m. Gina Brown & Anutha Level
5 p.m. Arrival of King Zulu
5:30–6:30 p.m. Brass-A-Holics

Zulu Golden Nugget Stage (Pavilion)

10–10:45 a.m. The Zulu Ensemble
10:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m. DJ Polo
1:40–2:40 p.m. Rick David & The Funky 5
2:50–3:50 p.m. TNT
4–5 p.m. Dave Lemon & Fleaux
5:10–6:30 p.m. Tereasa B & N Style

Liberty Bank Kids Stage (Aquarium Plaza near Canal Street)

11 a.m.–3 p.m. DJ Dirty Red
1–1:20 p.m. XMS Martial Arts Dojo
1:30–1:50 p.m. Center Stage School of Dance
2–2:30 p.m. The Red Dog Collaborative
2:40–3:10 p.m. Young Audiences
3:20–3:40 p.m. Kelly School of Dance
3:50–5 p.m. Young Pin Stripe Brass Band

The Zulu Lundi Gras Festival will also include numerous food vendors offering such dishes as gumbo, red beans and rice, fried seafood, crawfish pasta and king cake among other specialties. A craft market will also be on site. For more information about this free event, visit here.

The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club was established in 1909 and remains the oldest predominantly African American Carnival parading organization in New Orleans. for more information about the club’s history, visit here.