It wouldn't be a weekend in the New Orleans area without festivals to celebrate food and music.
And, there are some tasty items on this weekend's menu. The treats include backyard favorites and down home specialties.
Pork is the featured item outside the UNO Lakefront arena Saturday.
The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation presents another of its free events this weekend at Armstrong Park.
"The Congo Square Rhythms Festival celebrates the cultural and historic importance of Congo Square as what we really consider to be the birthplace of American music," says spokesman Scott Aiges.
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The festival features the Mardi Gras Indians, African dancing and music, brass bands, jazz, soul music and soul food.
"We have an array of wonderful local restaurants and caterers that all offer different takes on Louisiana soul food," says Aiges. "Everything from fried grits and shrimp with andouillle sausage to Jamaican jerk chicken to fried catfish and red beans, bell peppers and fried chicken wings with sweet potato fries."
Aiges says the festival features the authentic music and food that makes New Orleans so special.
WEEKEND EVENTS
3/27-31
Tennessee Williams New Orleans Literary Festival (Various locations) — There are literary discussions, speakers, workshops, walking tours, a Stella and Stanley shouting contest, and book, culinary and music events. Speakers/performers include Pulitzer Prize winner Robert Olen Butler, Dorothy Allison, Jami Attenberg, Douglas Brinkley, Alafair Burke, Val Kilmer, Maureen Corrigan, Michael Cunningham, Silas House, Bernice McFadden, Kent Wascom and others. Hours and admissions vary.
3/29-30
Hogs for the Cause (UNO Lakefront Arena, 6801 Franklin Ave.) — There are 90 teams serving barbecue, competitions in various barbecue categories, more than 20 bands on three stages, local beer and Southern food. 3:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-8:45 p.m. Saturday. $55 and up.
3/29-31
Saints and Sinners (Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal St.) — The festival includes LGBT publishers, writers and readers from across the country, as well as panel discussions, book launches and master classes. Hours vary. Registration $150, partner party pass $25.
3/30
Big Bass Fishing Rodeo and Fishtival (New Orleans City Park, 56 Dreyfous Drive) — The oldest freshwater fishing rodeo in the country features exhibitions, raffles, vendors with fishing tackle and other goods and fishing competitions. 9 a.m.-noon (Fishtival). Free.
www.neworleanscitypark.com/big-bass-fishing-rodeo-and-fishtival
3/30
Camellia City Kids Fun Fest (Heritage Park, 1701 Bayou Lane, Slidell) — The fourth annual festival includes pony rides, a petting zoo, inflatable structures, a maze, obstacle course, arts and crafts, food and entertainment. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $5.
www.facebook.com/camelliacitykidsfunfest
3/30
International Festival (Benjamin Franklin High School, 2001 Leon C. Simon Blvd.) — The nod to countries around the world includes food from a variety of countries and cultures, live music, karaoke, crafts, palm and tarot readings, kite building and more. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free.
3/30-31
Congo Square Rhythms Festival (Armstrong Park, 701 N. Rampart St.) — The 12th annual festival has Mardi Gras Indians, African dancing and music, brass bands, jazz, soul and funk music. There's an arts market, food court, special events and a "Class Got Brass" competition featuring middle and high school brass bands. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. Free.
3/30-31
New Orleans Spring Fiesta (826 St. Ann St.) — The celebration of New Orleans culture includes a parade of horse-drawn carriages in the French Quarter, presentation of the queen at Jackson Square and tours of private home, gardens and courtyards. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $15-$20 in advance, $20-$30 day of event.
3/30-31
Olde Towne Slidell Spring Antique Street Fair (First, Second and Erlander streets, Slidell) — The two-day shopping festival features more than 200 vendors offering antiques, collectibles, art, crafts and food. There also are three stages of live music. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.
3/31
Music Under the Oaks (Audubon Park, Newman Bandstand) — The free Sunday concert series includes performances by Loyola Jazz Ensemble (March 31), the LPO String Quartet (April 7) and New Orleans Concert Band (April 14). Food and drinks are available for purchase. 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Free.
