Brews, Boils & Bubbles Festival: A New Culinary Delight in New Orleans

Who: Seafood and beer lovers, 21+
What: Seafood boils, craft beer, champagne
Where: 15 mins drive from The Natchez New Orleans
When: May 11, Noon to 8 p.m.
How much: $30 General Admission, VIP options available

Dive into the heart of Louisiana culture at the Brews, Boils & Bubbles Festival, where the spirit of communal dining meets the joy of local brews and sparkling wines. This event, brought to life by the creators of the National Fried Chicken Festival, celebrates the state's beloved tradition of seafood boils with a twist, offering a variety of local craft beers and champagne to complement your meal.

Despite an early-season crawfish shortage, organizers are optimistic about a bountiful supply by May, ensuring an abundance of seafood for all. Not a seafood fan? No worries—there will be plenty of other boiled delights to enjoy.

Experiences to look forward to include indulging in spicy, flavorful boils prepared by top boilers from across the state, sipping on your favorite local beers or champagne, and getting lost in a day filled with music, games, and more. Upgrade your festival experience with VIP access to luxurious lounges offering exclusive food and beverage options, including the Brews & Bugs VIP Lounge and the Rosé & Lobster VIP Lounge.

VIP Experiences:

• Brews & Bugs VIP: Enjoy 2 lbs of boiled crawfish, an open bar, and VIP perks.

• Rosé & Lobster VIP: Savor a boiled lobster meal with premium champagne or rosé options.

This festival not only promises a taste of Louisiana's best but also a chance to come together in celebration of food, drink, and community. Whether you're a local or visiting, the Brews, Boils & Bubbles Festival is a must-add to your spring itinerary. For more details and updates, be sure to check the festival's website. Don't miss out on this unique blend of flavors and fun—see you at the Lakefront!

Hogs for the Cause: A Festival of Barbecue, Music, and Charity

Credit: Instagram @hogsforthecause

• Who: BBQ enthusiasts, music lovers, families

• What: BBQ competition, music festival, charity fundraiser

• Where: About a 15 minute Uber to the UNO Lakefront Arena festival grounds

• When: April 5-6, 2024

• How much: From $50 for one-day passes

Hogs for the Cause represents the epitome of New Orleans' spirit: a vibrant blend of culinary artistry, musical talent, and community service. Since its inception in 2008 by locals Rene Louapre and Becker Hall, the festival has grown from a traditional pig roast into one of the country's largest barbecue and music festivals. Attracting over 30,000 attendees, the event offers a weekend of indulgence in over-the-top meat dishes, eclectic music from Americana staples to emerging artists, and an opportunity to support a noble cause.

The heart of the festival lies in its mission: raising funds for children battling pediatric brain cancer. Through partnerships with local and national children's hospitals, Hogs for the Cause has distributed over $11 million in grants and aid, directly supporting over 200 families. The festival's unique blend of joy and generosity provides a platform for barbecue aficionados and music fans to enjoy an unforgettable experience while making a significant impact on families in need.

Attendees can look forward to a cook-off competition with categories like whole hog, ribs, and sauce, alongside a music lineup featuring Band of Horses, Shane Smith & the Saints, The Record Company, and Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country. Beyond the barbecue and beats, the festival offers exclusive experiences such as access to a Bourbon Lounge with rare samples, ensuring a truly immersive festival atmosphere.

For those eager to be part of this exceptional event, two-day tickets are available online, with the promise of single-day tickets closer to the event date. Whether you're a barbecue enthusiast, a music aficionado, or simply in search of a meaningful way to enjoy the best of New Orleans, Hogs for the Cause invites you to join a community united in good food, great music, and a great cause.

For more information visit https://hogsfest.org