2025 FESTIVALS
April 2025
April 10-13, 2025 — French Quarter Festival (New Orleans)
April 10 bands will include BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band, Cameron Dupuy & the Cajun Troubadours, Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band, Corey Ledet Zydeco & Black Magic. April 11 bands will include Anders Osborne, Babineaux Sisters Band, Jeffery Broussard & The Nighttime Syndicate, Keith Frank & Soileau Zydeco Band, Loose Cattle, and Waylon Thibodeaux Band. April 12 bands will include Horace Trahan & the Ossun Express, Irma Thomas, and Kelly Love Jones. April 13 bands include Amanda Shaw, Honey Island Swamp Band, Koray Broussard and the Zydeco Unit, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Poisson Rouge, Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters, and Tyrone Duhon & Double Standard Zydeko. https://frenchquarterfest.org
April 11-13, 2025 — Tampa Bay Blues Festival (St. Petersburg, FL)
Artists will include Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Taj Farrant, Ronnie Baker Brooks, North Mississippi Allstars, JJ Grey & Mofro, Walter Trout, Curtis Salgado, Ruthie Foster, Selwyn Birchwood, Tab Benoit, Anna Popovic, DK Harrell, Joanne Shaw Taylor, and Siera Green. Website: tampabaybluesfest.com
April 11-13 2025 — Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival (Ponchatoula, LA)
Louisiana’s largest free harvest festival. Ponchatoula Memorial Park, North 6th Street, Ponchatoula, Louisiana. Bands will include Paperchase, Clay Cormier, The Dominos, Thomas Cain, and Nashville South. https://www.lastrawberryfestival.com/festival-details
April 23-27, 2025 — Cycle Zydeco Bicycling Tour (Lafayette, FL)
Bicycle, dine and dance your way through Acadiana. https://www.cyclezydeco.org
April 23-27, 2025 — Festival International de Louisiane (Lafayette, LA)
The event is kicked off on April 23 with Donna the Buffalo (6:30 to 7:45 p.m.) followed by Keith Frank & the Soileau Zydeco Band (8:15 to 9:30 p.m.) 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 24 through May 4, 2025 — New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
Visit nojazzfest.com
April 25-27, 2025 — Arnaudville Étouffée Festival (Arnaudville, LA)
Location: Little Flower Auditorium, 370 Main Street, Arnaudville, Louisiana 70512. 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://cajuntravel.com/events/arnaudville-etouffee-festival/
April 25-27, 2025 — Pensacola Crawfish Festival (Pensacola, FL)
Zydeco headliners on Sunday, April 27 are Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble (noon to 2 p.m.), and Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band (2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.) Admission is $5 per day for adults, $2 per day ages 6-12. Location is Seville Square and Fountain Park, Pensacola.
https://www.fiestapensacola.org/crawfish-festival
April 26, 2025 — 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. https://www.adamsavenuebusiness.com/event-info/adams-avenue-unplugged/
May 2025
May 1-4, 2025 — Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival (Pittsboro, NC)
Location is Pittsboro, North Carolina. For more information: https://www.shakorihillsgrassroots.org
May 2-4, 2025 — Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival (Breaux Bridge, LA)
Location: Parc Hardy, Breaux Bridge. bbcrawfest.com.
May 8-11, 2025 — Gator By the Bay Festival (San Diego, CA)
Artists for 2025 will include Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas, Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys, Wayne Singleton and the Same Ol’ 2 Step, The Revelers, Ruben Moreno & Zydeco Re-evolution, and Tampa blues guitarist Selwyn Birchwood. (If you haven’t heard this guy, you’re in for a treat.) More than 100 performances on 7 stages. Saturday Night Dance in the adjacent Sheraton Hotel 9 p.m. to midnight features several headlining artists, often on the stage together. Website gatorbythebay.com.
May 22-25, 2025 (Projected) — Jacksonville Jazz Festival (Jacksonville)
Free multi-day riverfront festival features award-winning artists performing on two stages in the heart of Jacksonville. https://jacksonvillejazzfest.com
May 23-25, 2025 — Florida Folk Festival (White Springs, FL)
73rd 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 2025
June 5-8, 2025 — 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 13-15, 2025 — Bayou Boogie Festival 2025 (Goshen, CT)
Bands: Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie, Ruben Moreno, Pine Leaf Boys, and more. Goshen Fairgrounds, 116 Middle St. Goshen, CT 06756 https://bayouboogie.com
July 2025
July 17–20, 2025 — Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival (Trumansburg, NY)
4 days, 4 stages, 80 bands. Donna The Buffalo and others. Visit grassrootsfest.org
July 31–Aug. 3, 2025 — Buffalo By the Bayou
At Buffalo Gap Retreat. https://www.buffalogapretreat.com/general-8-1
August 2025
August 16–17, 2025 — Cotati Accordion Festival (Cotati, CA)
https://cotatifest.com
August 29-31, 2025 — Rhythm & Roots Festival (Charlestown, RI)
Rhythm & Roots Festival is a recurring music festival held in Ninigret Park, Charlestown, Rhode Island. Visit https://rhythmandroots.com
October 2025
October 9–12, 2025 — Suwannee Roots Revival (Live Oak, FL)
Last year’s festival pre-empted by Hurricane Helene. Visit suwanneerootsrevival.com
October 10–12, 2025 — Festivals Acadiens et Creoles (Lafayette, LA)
Visit festivalsacadiens.com
October 25–26, 2025 (Projected) — South Louisiana Blackpot Festival (Lafayette, LA)
Dates not yet posted. blackpotfestival.com
November 2025
November 7–9, 2025 — 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 1–2, 2025 — 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/
Nov. 6–9, 2025 (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 22–23, 2025 — Suncoast Jazz Festival (Clearwater Beach, FL)
Featuring several danceable jazz ensembles with a dance floor. The Friday Night Swing Dance starts with a Lindy swing dance lesson about 6:15 p.m., followed by several dance bands playing until midnight. Visit suncoastjazzfestival.com
Dec. 5–6, 2025 (Projected) — Balboa Park December Nights (San Diego)
Balboa Park December Nights, the nation’s premier holiday festival, or was.
Dec. 6, 2025 (Projected) — Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival
Visit lakewoodranchbluesfestival.com
Dec. 28–Jan. 1, 2026 (Projected) — Floorplay Swing Vacation (Orlando)
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.
April 10-13, 2025 — French Quarter Festival (New Orleans)
April 10 bands will include BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band, Cameron Dupuy & the Cajun Troubadours, Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band, Corey Ledet Zydeco & Black Magic. April 11 bands will include Anders Osborne, Babineaux Sisters Band, Jeffery Broussard & The Nighttime Syndicate, Keith Frank & Soileau Zydeco Band, Loose Cattle, and Waylon Thibodeaux Band. April 12 bands will include Horace Trahan & the Ossun Express, Irma Thomas, and Kelly Love Jones. April 13 bands include Amanda Shaw, Honey Island Swamp Band, Koray Broussard and the Zydeco Unit, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Poisson Rouge, Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters, and Tyrone Duhon & Double Standard Zydeko. https://frenchquarterfest.org
April 11-13, 2025 — Tampa Bay Blues Festival (St. Petersburg, FL)
Artists will include Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Taj Farrant, Ronnie Baker Brooks, North Mississippi Allstars, JJ Grey & Mofro, Walter Trout, Curtis Salgado, Ruthie Foster, Selwyn Birchwood, Tab Benoit, Anna Popovic, DK Harrell, Joanne Shaw Taylor, and Siera Green. Website: tampabaybluesfest.com
April 11-13 2025 — Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival (Ponchatoula, LA)
Louisiana’s largest free harvest festival. Ponchatoula Memorial Park, North 6th Street, Ponchatoula, Louisiana. Bands will include Paperchase, Clay Cormier, The Dominos, Thomas Cain, and Nashville South. https://www.lastrawberryfestival.com/festival-details
April 23-27, 2025 — Cycle Zydeco Bicycling Tour (Lafayette, FL)
Bicycle, dine and dance your way through Acadiana. https://www.cyclezydeco.org
April 23-27, 2025 — Festival International de Louisiane (Lafayette, LA)
The event is kicked off on April 23 with Donna the Buffalo (6:30 to 7:45 p.m.) followed by Keith Frank & the Soileau Zydeco Band (8:15 to 9:30 p.m.) 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 24 through May 4, 2025 — New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
Visit nojazzfest.com
April 25-27, 2025 — Arnaudville Étouffée Festival (Arnaudville, LA)
Location: Little Flower Auditorium, 370 Main Street, Arnaudville, Louisiana 70512. 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://cajuntravel.com/events/arnaudville-etouffee-festival/
April 25-27, 2025 — Pensacola Crawfish Festival (Pensacola, FL)
Zydeco headliners on Sunday, April 27 are Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble (noon to 2 p.m.), and Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band (2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.) Admission is $5 per day for adults, $2 per day ages 6-12. Location is Seville Square and Fountain Park, Pensacola.
https://www.fiestapensacola.org/crawfish-festival
April 26, 2025 — 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. https://www.adamsavenuebusiness.com/event-info/adams-avenue-unplugged/
May 2025
May 1-4, 2025 — Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival (Pittsboro, NC)
Location is Pittsboro, North Carolina. For more information: https://www.shakorihillsgrassroots.org
May 2-4, 2025 — Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival (Breaux Bridge, LA)
Location: Parc Hardy, Breaux Bridge. bbcrawfest.com.
May 8-11, 2025 — Gator By the Bay Festival (San Diego, CA)
Artists for 2025 will include Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas, Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys, Wayne Singleton and the Same Ol’ 2 Step, The Revelers, Ruben Moreno & Zydeco Re-evolution, and Tampa blues guitarist Selwyn Birchwood. (If you haven’t heard this guy, you’re in for a treat.) More than 100 performances on 7 stages. Saturday Night Dance in the adjacent Sheraton Hotel 9 p.m. to midnight features several headlining artists, often on the stage together. Website gatorbythebay.com.
May 22-25, 2025 (Projected) — Jacksonville Jazz Festival (Jacksonville)
Free multi-day riverfront festival features award-winning artists performing on two stages in the heart of Jacksonville. https://jacksonvillejazzfest.com
May 23-25, 2025 — Florida Folk Festival (White Springs, FL)
73rd 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 2025
June 5-8, 2025 — 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 13-15, 2025 — Bayou Boogie Festival 2025 (Goshen, CT)
Bands: Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie, Ruben Moreno, Pine Leaf Boys, and more. Goshen Fairgrounds, 116 Middle St. Goshen, CT 06756 https://bayouboogie.com
July 2025
July 17–20, 2025 — Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival (Trumansburg, NY)
4 days, 4 stages, 80 bands. Donna The Buffalo and others. Visit grassrootsfest.org
July 31–Aug. 3, 2025 — Buffalo By the Bayou
At Buffalo Gap Retreat. https://www.buffalogapretreat.com/general-8-1
August 2025
August 16–17, 2025 — Cotati Accordion Festival (Cotati, CA)
https://cotatifest.com
August 29-31, 2025 — Rhythm & Roots Festival (Charlestown, RI)
Rhythm & Roots Festival is a recurring music festival held in Ninigret Park, Charlestown, Rhode Island. Visit https://rhythmandroots.com
October 2025
October 9–12, 2025 — Suwannee Roots Revival (Live Oak, FL)
Last year’s festival pre-empted by Hurricane Helene. Visit suwanneerootsrevival.com
October 10–12, 2025 — Festivals Acadiens et Creoles (Lafayette, LA)
Visit festivalsacadiens.com
October 25–26, 2025 (Projected) — South Louisiana Blackpot Festival (Lafayette, LA)
Dates not yet posted. blackpotfestival.com
November 2025
November 7–9, 2025 — 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 1–2, 2025 — 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/
Nov. 6–9, 2025 (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 22–23, 2025 — Suncoast Jazz Festival (Clearwater Beach, FL)
Featuring several danceable jazz ensembles with a dance floor. The Friday Night Swing Dance starts with a Lindy swing dance lesson about 6:15 p.m., followed by several dance bands playing until midnight. Visit suncoastjazzfestival.com
Dec. 5–6, 2025 (Projected) — Balboa Park December Nights (San Diego)
Balboa Park December Nights, the nation’s premier holiday festival, or was.
Dec. 6, 2025 (Projected) — Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival
Visit lakewoodranchbluesfestival.com
Dec. 28–Jan. 1, 2026 (Projected) — Floorplay Swing Vacation (Orlando)
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.