2024 FESTIVALS
April 6-7, 2024 — St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival (St. Augustine, FL)
Celebrating their 41st year in 2024, this festival offers something for EVERYONE! There will be seafood, of course, with the lots of other cuisines and county fair dishes. You certainly won’t go hungry! Fun activities include the Arts & Crafts Village with all sorts of ‘goodies’ to buy. Then there’s the Live Music with a diverse line-up of local and regional acts. Headliners for 2024 to be determined. Let’s not forget the Fun Activities including Family Shows, Rides / Kids Zone and More. Of course, there will be Pirate Magic with Captain William Mayhem, face painting, balloon sculptures. https://www.oldcity.com/st-augustine-seafood-festival/
April 3-7, 2024 --- Cycle Zydeco Bicycling Tour (Lafayette, FL)
Bicycle, dine and dance your way through Acadiana. https://www.cyclezydeco.org
April 11-14, 2024 --- French Quarter Festival (New Orleans)
Irma Thomas, Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience, Ivan Neville.
https://www.neworleans.com/event/french-quarter-festival/3268/
April 12-14, 2024 --- Tampa Bay Blues Festival (St. Petersburg, FL)
Artists include Tab Benoit, Grace Potter, Beth Hart, Blood Brothers, Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials, Anson Funderburgh and the Rockets. Website: tampabaybluesfest.com
April 12-14, 2024 --- Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival (Ponchatoula, LA)
Louisiana's largest free harvest festival. Ponchatoula Memorial Park, North 6th Street, Ponchatoula, Louisiana. https://www.lastrawberryfestival.com/festival-details
April 24-28, 2024 --- Festival International de Louisiane (Lafayette, LA)
Bands will include Lil’ Nathan & Zydeco Big Timers, Jourdan Thibodeaux, Ann Savoy, Corey Ledet, Rusty Metoyer, Horace Trahan, Blake Miller, Jesse Lege, Cajun and zydeco dance lessons. Each April, Downtown Lafayette comes alive for a 5-day cultural celebration. Festival International boasts top-notch music from around the world, gourmet food, handcrafted artworks and so much more! People of all ages come from near and far to experience Festival’s magic. Where else can you enjoy authentic Asian, Cajun or Greek food, while listening to an acclaimed African band, as beautifully costumed French stilt walkers dance by?! Come experience the world of Festival with us! festivalinternational.org
April 25 through May 5, 2024 --- New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (New Orleans, LA)
Bands include Rock'n Dopsie Jr. and the Zydeco Twisters, Marcia Ball, Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers, Terrance Simien, Nickel Creek, Patrice Rushen, Foo Fighters, Chris Stapleton, Neil Young, Queen Latifah, Jon Batiste.. Visit nojazzfest.com
April 26-28, 2024 --- Arnaudville Étouffée Festival (Arnaudville, LA)
Location: Little Flower Auditorium, 370 Main Street, Arnaudville, Louisiana 70512. Bands include Corey Ledet, Jamie Bergeron, Kevin Naquin. Enjoy life like a local in Arnaudville, Louisiana at the Annual Étouffée Festival. Étouffée is a “smothered” dish and a favorite among locals. Love for the dish is strong enough to stir up a friendly rivalry every year at this festival cook-off. Traditionally, étouffée is made with crawfish. However, at this event, you can enjoy a variety of étouffées including crawfish, seafood, vegetable, and even wild game! The cook-off takes place on Saturday with judging beginning at 11:30am. Taste great cooking, ride carnival rides, dance to live music, play bingo, or shop at St. Therese’s Boutique. The boutique is open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. It features antique and vintage items for sale in the Little Flower Gym. On Sunday, enjoy an auto show from 8am to 12pm with all makes and models on display. https://www.explorelouisiana.com/events/culinary-events/annual-etouffee-festival
April 26-28, 2024 --- Pensacola Crawfish Festival (Pensacola, FL)
Friday, 6–8 p.m. Greg Martinez & The Delta Kings
Friday, 8:30-10:30 p.m. Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers
Saturday: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Curley Taylor
Sunday, noon-2:00 p.m. The Babineaux Sisters Band
Sunday, 2:30-5 p.m. Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band
Admission: Adults: $5 per day, Kids 6-12: $2 per day, 5 and under: Free
https://www.fiestapensacola.org/crawfish-festival
April 27, 2024 --- Adams Avenue Unplugged (San Diego, CA)
60 live musical performances inside restaurants, bars, and coffee houses along a two-mile stretch of Adams Avenue from University Heights on the West, through Normal Heights, and into parts of Kensington to the East. It also has performances outdoors at various patio locations, including the Smitty’s Food Court and Lestat’s Coffeehouse. The AABA hopes to treat musical aficionados and foodies to the rich neighborhood culture. https://www.adamsavenuebusiness.com/event-info/adams-avenue-unplugged/
May 2-5, 2024 --- Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival (Pittsboro, NC)
Donna the Buffalo, Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, Cimafunk, Sierra Hull and others. Location is Pittsboro, North Carolina. For more information: https://www.shakorihillsgrassroots.org
May 3-5, 2024 --- Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival (Breaux Bridge, LA)
Bands include Rusty Metoyer, Pine Leaf Boys, Keith Frank, Chubby Carrier, Geno Delafose, Jourdan Thibodeaux, Corey Ledet, Horace Trahan, Leroy Thomas, Joe Hall, Poisson Rouge. Location: Parc Hardy, Breaux Bridge. bbcrawfest.com.
May 9-12, 2024 --- Gator By the Bay Festival (San Diego, CA)
More than 100 performances on 7 stages. Headliners include Geno Delafose & French Rockin Boogie, Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys, CJ Chenier, Sonny Landreth, Marcia Ball, Rosie Flores, Deke Dickerson and the Whippersnappers, and Mitch Polzak and the Royal Deuces. Saturday Night Dance in the adjacent Sheraton Hotel 9 p.m. to midnight features several headlining artists, often on the stage together. Up-to-date info at gatorbythebay.com.
May 23-26, 2024 --- Jacksonville Jazz Festival (Jacksonville, FL)
Free multi-day riverfront festival features award-winning artists performing on two stages in the heart of Jacksonville. https://jacksonvillejazzfest.com
May 24–26, 2024 --- Florida Folk Festival (White Springs, FL)
71st annual Florida Folk Festival will be held Memorial Day weekend at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs, FL The festival is a three-day celebration of the music, dance, stories, crafts and food that make Florida unique. https://www.floridastateparks.org/FloridaFolkFestival
June 6-9, 2024 --- Orange Blossom Dance Festival (Orlando, FL)
Shawn Swaithes and Donna Bonham Steinfeld wish to invite you to a fun-filled weekend of dancing! Country and swing competitions and performances, workshops and social dancing. https://www.orangeblossomdance.net
June 7-9, 2024 --- Bayou Boogie Festival 2024 (Marlborough, CT)
Bands: The Revelers, Ruben Moreno and Zydeco Re-evolution, Pine Leaf Boys, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, Geno Delafose and French Rockin Boogie, Jesse Lege & Bayou Brew. Produced by Steve Riley. Location: Chateau Le Gari' Winery, 303 S. Main Street, Marlborough, CT. https://steverileyproductions.com/shows.html
July 4-7, 2024 --- Waterfront Blues Festival (Portland, OR)
Artists include Curley Taylor, KC Jones, Sunpie Barnes & Louisiana Sunspots, Daiquiri Queens, Wayne Singleton. https://waterfrontbluesfest.com
July 7-12, 2024 --- Cajun and Classic Country Week (Elkins, WV)
Visit augustaartsandculture.org
July 18-21, 2023 --- Finger Lakes Grassroots Music & Dance Festival (Trumansburg, NY)
4 days, 4 stages, 80 bands. Donna The Buffalo and others. Visit grassrootsfest.org
July 19-21, 2023 --- Camp Zydecow 2024 (Cherryfield, ME)
2 day Cajun Zydeco Extravaganza in Downeast Maine (Cherryfield, close to Acadia National Park). Artists include Jimmy Jo and the Jumbolayahs, Planet Zydeco, Le Winston Band, Yvette Landry and Paula Bradley, Bruce Daigrepont and Gina Forsyth, Dennis Stroughmat with Guests. Awesome potluck and jam on July 19. $175 for fun and frivolity, $25 extra for lobster dinner. Pre-rejgistration only. Contact supeck6@gmail.com, phone 860-460-8348.
August 1-4, 2024 --- Buffalo By the Bayou
Artists include Joe Hall, Steve Riley, Ruben Moreno. At Buffalo Gap Retreat. https://www.buffalogapretreat.com/general-8-1
August 16-18, 2024 --- Cotati Accordion Festival (Cotati, CA)
https://cotatifest.com
August 30-Sept. 1, 2024 --- Rhythm & Roots Festival (Charlestown, RI)
Rhythm & Roots Festival is a recurring music festival held in Charlestown, Rhode Island.
Visit https://rhythmandroots.com
October 11-13, 2024 --- Festivals Acadiens et Creoles (Lafayette, LA)
Visit festivalsacadiens.com
Late October 2024 --- South Louisiana Blackpot Festival & Cookoff (Lafayette, LA)
Dates not yet posted. blackpotfestival.com
November 1-3, 2024 --- Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival (Pensacola)
The Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival is one of the best-regarded, most popular arts festivals in the United States. The three-day, juried art show draws more than 200 of the nation's best painters, potters, sculptors, jewelers, graphic artists, craftsmen and other artists. The Festival is ranked #30 in the nation by Sunshine Artist Magazine. Location: Seville Square, Pensacola, Florida.https://www.ggaf.org
November 2-3, 2024 --- Halifax Art Festival (Daytona Beach)
2nd oldest continual art festival in the state of Florida and attracts well over 30,000 visitors annually. This free festival, open to the public, on historic downtown Beach Street from Orange Avenue to Bay Street n front of the Riverfront Shops of Daytona Beach. The Festival will have over 200 juried artists and artisans exhibiting original two-dimensional art, photography, sculpture, jewelry, textiles, ceramics, wood, metal, and glass pieces for purchase. The Festival has expanded to celebrate seasoned as well as emerging artists and craftsmen. There will be two distinct exhibit areas. International street cuisine and good old-fashioned festival food will be featured for the hungry festival attendees. Beach Street cafes and restaurants will be open and featuring festival specials. There will, also, be live entertainment with musicians playing a variety of popular music. Website: http://halifaxartfestival.com/
November 8-10, 2024 (Projected) --- Cracklin Festival (Port Barre, LA)
The annual Cracklin Festival is held the second weekend in November every year. Ice chests, glass containers, and pets are not allowed. https://cracklinfest.com
November 22-24, 2024 --- Suncoast Jazz Festival (Clearwater Beach, FL)
Featuring Tom Rigney & Flambeau, and several danceable jazz ensembles with a dance floor. The Friday Night Swing Dance starts with a Lindy swing dance lesson with Forrest and Andrea Phoenix about 6:15 p.m., followed by several dance bands playing until midnight. Visit suncoastjazzfestival.com
December 7-8, 2024 (Projected) --- Balboa Park December Nights (San Diego)
Balboa Park December Nights, the nation’s premier holiday festival. https://www.sandiego.gov/december-nights
[Uncertain] --- Bradenton Blues Festival
This event may return. Planners are working on this. Stay tuned.
Includes New Years Eve, 2024 (Projected) --- Floorplay Swing Vacation (Orlando, FL)
Rosen Plaza Resort, 9700 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819. West coast swing workshops, competitions, late-night social dancing. Visit https://floorplayswingvacation.com
These unique listings are compiled by Jim Hance directly from prominent band and festival websites. Changes in lineups and times are common. Refer to both the event websites and websites of your favorite artists appearing at the festivals prior to making your travel plans.
Celebrating their 41st year in 2024, this festival offers something for EVERYONE! There will be seafood, of course, with the lots of other cuisines and county fair dishes. You certainly won’t go hungry! Fun activities include the Arts & Crafts Village with all sorts of ‘goodies’ to buy. Then there’s the Live Music with a diverse line-up of local and regional acts. Headliners for 2024 to be determined. Let’s not forget the Fun Activities including Family Shows, Rides / Kids Zone and More. Of course, there will be Pirate Magic with Captain William Mayhem, face painting, balloon sculptures. https://www.oldcity.com/st-augustine-seafood-festival/
April 3-7, 2024 --- Cycle Zydeco Bicycling Tour (Lafayette, FL)
Bicycle, dine and dance your way through Acadiana. https://www.cyclezydeco.org
April 11-14, 2024 --- French Quarter Festival (New Orleans)
Irma Thomas, Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience, Ivan Neville.
https://www.neworleans.com/event/french-quarter-festival/3268/
April 12-14, 2024 --- Tampa Bay Blues Festival (St. Petersburg, FL)
Artists include Tab Benoit, Grace Potter, Beth Hart, Blood Brothers, Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials, Anson Funderburgh and the Rockets. Website: tampabaybluesfest.com
April 12-14, 2024 --- Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival (Ponchatoula, LA)
Louisiana's largest free harvest festival. Ponchatoula Memorial Park, North 6th Street, Ponchatoula, Louisiana. https://www.lastrawberryfestival.com/festival-details
April 24-28, 2024 --- Festival International de Louisiane (Lafayette, LA)
Bands will include Lil’ Nathan & Zydeco Big Timers, Jourdan Thibodeaux, Ann Savoy, Corey Ledet, Rusty Metoyer, Horace Trahan, Blake Miller, Jesse Lege, Cajun and zydeco dance lessons. Each April, Downtown Lafayette comes alive for a 5-day cultural celebration. Festival International boasts top-notch music from around the world, gourmet food, handcrafted artworks and so much more! People of all ages come from near and far to experience Festival’s magic. Where else can you enjoy authentic Asian, Cajun or Greek food, while listening to an acclaimed African band, as beautifully costumed French stilt walkers dance by?! Come experience the world of Festival with us! festivalinternational.org
April 25 through May 5, 2024 --- New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (New Orleans, LA)
Bands include Rock'n Dopsie Jr. and the Zydeco Twisters, Marcia Ball, Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers, Terrance Simien, Nickel Creek, Patrice Rushen, Foo Fighters, Chris Stapleton, Neil Young, Queen Latifah, Jon Batiste.. Visit nojazzfest.com
April 26-28, 2024 --- Arnaudville Étouffée Festival (Arnaudville, LA)
Location: Little Flower Auditorium, 370 Main Street, Arnaudville, Louisiana 70512. Bands include Corey Ledet, Jamie Bergeron, Kevin Naquin. Enjoy life like a local in Arnaudville, Louisiana at the Annual Étouffée Festival. Étouffée is a “smothered” dish and a favorite among locals. Love for the dish is strong enough to stir up a friendly rivalry every year at this festival cook-off. Traditionally, étouffée is made with crawfish. However, at this event, you can enjoy a variety of étouffées including crawfish, seafood, vegetable, and even wild game! The cook-off takes place on Saturday with judging beginning at 11:30am. Taste great cooking, ride carnival rides, dance to live music, play bingo, or shop at St. Therese’s Boutique. The boutique is open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. It features antique and vintage items for sale in the Little Flower Gym. On Sunday, enjoy an auto show from 8am to 12pm with all makes and models on display. https://www.explorelouisiana.com/events/culinary-events/annual-etouffee-festival
April 26-28, 2024 --- Pensacola Crawfish Festival (Pensacola, FL)
Friday, 6–8 p.m. Greg Martinez & The Delta Kings
Friday, 8:30-10:30 p.m. Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers
Saturday: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Curley Taylor
Sunday, noon-2:00 p.m. The Babineaux Sisters Band
Sunday, 2:30-5 p.m. Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band
Admission: Adults: $5 per day, Kids 6-12: $2 per day, 5 and under: Free
https://www.fiestapensacola.org/crawfish-festival
April 27, 2024 --- Adams Avenue Unplugged (San Diego, CA)
60 live musical performances inside restaurants, bars, and coffee houses along a two-mile stretch of Adams Avenue from University Heights on the West, through Normal Heights, and into parts of Kensington to the East. It also has performances outdoors at various patio locations, including the Smitty’s Food Court and Lestat’s Coffeehouse. The AABA hopes to treat musical aficionados and foodies to the rich neighborhood culture. https://www.adamsavenuebusiness.com/event-info/adams-avenue-unplugged/
May 2-5, 2024 --- Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival (Pittsboro, NC)
Donna the Buffalo, Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, Cimafunk, Sierra Hull and others. Location is Pittsboro, North Carolina. For more information: https://www.shakorihillsgrassroots.org
May 3-5, 2024 --- Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival (Breaux Bridge, LA)
Bands include Rusty Metoyer, Pine Leaf Boys, Keith Frank, Chubby Carrier, Geno Delafose, Jourdan Thibodeaux, Corey Ledet, Horace Trahan, Leroy Thomas, Joe Hall, Poisson Rouge. Location: Parc Hardy, Breaux Bridge. bbcrawfest.com.
May 9-12, 2024 --- Gator By the Bay Festival (San Diego, CA)
More than 100 performances on 7 stages. Headliners include Geno Delafose & French Rockin Boogie, Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys, CJ Chenier, Sonny Landreth, Marcia Ball, Rosie Flores, Deke Dickerson and the Whippersnappers, and Mitch Polzak and the Royal Deuces. Saturday Night Dance in the adjacent Sheraton Hotel 9 p.m. to midnight features several headlining artists, often on the stage together. Up-to-date info at gatorbythebay.com.
May 23-26, 2024 --- Jacksonville Jazz Festival (Jacksonville, FL)
Free multi-day riverfront festival features award-winning artists performing on two stages in the heart of Jacksonville. https://jacksonvillejazzfest.com
May 24–26, 2024 --- Florida Folk Festival (White Springs, FL)
71st annual Florida Folk Festival will be held Memorial Day weekend at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs, FL The festival is a three-day celebration of the music, dance, stories, crafts and food that make Florida unique. https://www.floridastateparks.org/FloridaFolkFestival
June 6-9, 2024 --- Orange Blossom Dance Festival (Orlando, FL)
Shawn Swaithes and Donna Bonham Steinfeld wish to invite you to a fun-filled weekend of dancing! Country and swing competitions and performances, workshops and social dancing. https://www.orangeblossomdance.net
June 7-9, 2024 --- Bayou Boogie Festival 2024 (Marlborough, CT)
Bands: The Revelers, Ruben Moreno and Zydeco Re-evolution, Pine Leaf Boys, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, Geno Delafose and French Rockin Boogie, Jesse Lege & Bayou Brew. Produced by Steve Riley. Location: Chateau Le Gari' Winery, 303 S. Main Street, Marlborough, CT. https://steverileyproductions.com/shows.html
July 4-7, 2024 --- Waterfront Blues Festival (Portland, OR)
Artists include Curley Taylor, KC Jones, Sunpie Barnes & Louisiana Sunspots, Daiquiri Queens, Wayne Singleton. https://waterfrontbluesfest.com
July 7-12, 2024 --- Cajun and Classic Country Week (Elkins, WV)
Visit augustaartsandculture.org
July 18-21, 2023 --- Finger Lakes Grassroots Music & Dance Festival (Trumansburg, NY)
4 days, 4 stages, 80 bands. Donna The Buffalo and others. Visit grassrootsfest.org
July 19-21, 2023 --- Camp Zydecow 2024 (Cherryfield, ME)
2 day Cajun Zydeco Extravaganza in Downeast Maine (Cherryfield, close to Acadia National Park). Artists include Jimmy Jo and the Jumbolayahs, Planet Zydeco, Le Winston Band, Yvette Landry and Paula Bradley, Bruce Daigrepont and Gina Forsyth, Dennis Stroughmat with Guests. Awesome potluck and jam on July 19. $175 for fun and frivolity, $25 extra for lobster dinner. Pre-rejgistration only. Contact supeck6@gmail.com, phone 860-460-8348.
August 1-4, 2024 --- Buffalo By the Bayou
Artists include Joe Hall, Steve Riley, Ruben Moreno. At Buffalo Gap Retreat. https://www.buffalogapretreat.com/general-8-1
August 16-18, 2024 --- Cotati Accordion Festival (Cotati, CA)
https://cotatifest.com
August 30-Sept. 1, 2024 --- Rhythm & Roots Festival (Charlestown, RI)
Rhythm & Roots Festival is a recurring music festival held in Charlestown, Rhode Island.
Visit https://rhythmandroots.com
October 11-13, 2024 --- Festivals Acadiens et Creoles (Lafayette, LA)
Visit festivalsacadiens.com
Late October 2024 --- South Louisiana Blackpot Festival & Cookoff (Lafayette, LA)
Dates not yet posted. blackpotfestival.com
November 1-3, 2024 --- Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival (Pensacola)
The Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival is one of the best-regarded, most popular arts festivals in the United States. The three-day, juried art show draws more than 200 of the nation's best painters, potters, sculptors, jewelers, graphic artists, craftsmen and other artists. The Festival is ranked #30 in the nation by Sunshine Artist Magazine. Location: Seville Square, Pensacola, Florida.https://www.ggaf.org
November 2-3, 2024 --- Halifax Art Festival (Daytona Beach)
2nd oldest continual art festival in the state of Florida and attracts well over 30,000 visitors annually. This free festival, open to the public, on historic downtown Beach Street from Orange Avenue to Bay Street n front of the Riverfront Shops of Daytona Beach. The Festival will have over 200 juried artists and artisans exhibiting original two-dimensional art, photography, sculpture, jewelry, textiles, ceramics, wood, metal, and glass pieces for purchase. The Festival has expanded to celebrate seasoned as well as emerging artists and craftsmen. There will be two distinct exhibit areas. International street cuisine and good old-fashioned festival food will be featured for the hungry festival attendees. Beach Street cafes and restaurants will be open and featuring festival specials. There will, also, be live entertainment with musicians playing a variety of popular music. Website: http://halifaxartfestival.com/
November 8-10, 2024 (Projected) --- Cracklin Festival (Port Barre, LA)
The annual Cracklin Festival is held the second weekend in November every year. Ice chests, glass containers, and pets are not allowed. https://cracklinfest.com
November 22-24, 2024 --- Suncoast Jazz Festival (Clearwater Beach, FL)
Featuring Tom Rigney & Flambeau, and several danceable jazz ensembles with a dance floor. The Friday Night Swing Dance starts with a Lindy swing dance lesson with Forrest and Andrea Phoenix about 6:15 p.m., followed by several dance bands playing until midnight. Visit suncoastjazzfestival.com
December 7-8, 2024 (Projected) --- Balboa Park December Nights (San Diego)
Balboa Park December Nights, the nation’s premier holiday festival. https://www.sandiego.gov/december-nights
[Uncertain] --- Bradenton Blues Festival
This event may return. Planners are working on this. Stay tuned.
Includes New Years Eve, 2024 (Projected) --- Floorplay Swing Vacation (Orlando, FL)
Rosen Plaza Resort, 9700 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819. West coast swing workshops, competitions, late-night social dancing. Visit https://floorplayswingvacation.com
These unique listings are compiled by Jim Hance directly from prominent band and festival websites. Changes in lineups and times are common. Refer to both the event websites and websites of your favorite artists appearing at the festivals prior to making your travel plans.
Photo of crowd at Gator By the Bay stage at the top of page by Joe MacDonald.