2025 FESTIVALS
February 2025
February 13-16, 2025 — Sounds of Mardi Gras 2025 (Fresno, CA)
Bands include Tom Rigney and Flambeau, Gino and the Lone Gunmen, San Lyon Swing-Jazz, Alpha Rhythm Kings, Dave Stuckey Hot House Gang, Syncopating Sea-Monkeys, more. http://www.fresnodixie.com
Feb. 21-22, 2024 — Sandestin Gumbo Festival and Seafood Boil
Baytowne Wharf, 9100 Baytowne Avenue, Destin. Seafood boil on Friday. On Saturday, sample a variety of gumbo and vote for your favorite; Live music.
http://www.sandestingumbofestival.com/
Feb. 22-23, 2025 — Street Painting Festival (Lake Worth, FL)
Over 600 artists use the pavement as canvas to transform downtown Lake Worth Beach into a temporary outdoor museum of original art and masterpiece reproductions. The tradition of street painting traced back to 16th century italy when itinerant artists would use their chalks to transform pavement into a makeshift canvas, street painting has retained its appeal through the centuries. As in ages past, crowds gather to watch as fine works of art emerge. The “paintings” last only until the next rain, but the lively spirit and accessibility of the exhibition captivates audiences and inspires lasting memories. https://spf.lakeworthbeachfl.gov
Feb. 28-Mar. 2, 2025 — Clearwater Sea Blues Festival (Clearwater, FL)
Free music festival. Bands: Mar. 1: The Shaelyn Band, Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast, Eddie 9v, Mr. Sipp, and Eric Gales. Mar. 2: Dig3 Band, Chris O’Leary Band, Ally Venable, Blood Brothers. https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/event/clearwater-sea-blues-festival/52346
March 2025
Mar. 20-23, 2025 — Suwannee Spring Reunion (Live Oak, FL)
At Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, Live Oak, FL. Bands include Donna The Buffalo, Sam Bush, The Infamous Stringdusters, Peter Rowan Walls of Time Band, Jim Lauderdale and the Game Changers, Steve Poltz, Roy Book Binder. https://suwanneespringreunion.com
April 2025
April 23-27, 2025 — Cycle Zydeco Bicycling Tour (Lafayette, FL)
Bicycle, dine and dance your way through Acadiana. https://www.cyclezydeco.org
April 10-13, 2025 — French Quarter Festival (New Orleans)
https://frenchquarterfest.org
April 11-13, 2025 — Tampa Bay Blues Festival (St. Petersburg, FL)
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. https://www.lastrawberryfestival.com/festival-details
April 23-27, 2025 — Festival International de Louisiane (Lafayette, LA)
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 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 25-28, 2025 — Pensacola Crawfish Festival (Pensacola, FL)
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)
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. Up-to-date info at 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.
February 13-16, 2025 — Sounds of Mardi Gras 2025 (Fresno, CA)
Bands include Tom Rigney and Flambeau, Gino and the Lone Gunmen, San Lyon Swing-Jazz, Alpha Rhythm Kings, Dave Stuckey Hot House Gang, Syncopating Sea-Monkeys, more. http://www.fresnodixie.com
Feb. 21-22, 2024 — Sandestin Gumbo Festival and Seafood Boil
Baytowne Wharf, 9100 Baytowne Avenue, Destin. Seafood boil on Friday. On Saturday, sample a variety of gumbo and vote for your favorite; Live music.
http://www.sandestingumbofestival.com/
Feb. 22-23, 2025 — Street Painting Festival (Lake Worth, FL)
Over 600 artists use the pavement as canvas to transform downtown Lake Worth Beach into a temporary outdoor museum of original art and masterpiece reproductions. The tradition of street painting traced back to 16th century italy when itinerant artists would use their chalks to transform pavement into a makeshift canvas, street painting has retained its appeal through the centuries. As in ages past, crowds gather to watch as fine works of art emerge. The “paintings” last only until the next rain, but the lively spirit and accessibility of the exhibition captivates audiences and inspires lasting memories. https://spf.lakeworthbeachfl.gov
Feb. 28-Mar. 2, 2025 — Clearwater Sea Blues Festival (Clearwater, FL)
Free music festival. Bands: Mar. 1: The Shaelyn Band, Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast, Eddie 9v, Mr. Sipp, and Eric Gales. Mar. 2: Dig3 Band, Chris O’Leary Band, Ally Venable, Blood Brothers. https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/event/clearwater-sea-blues-festival/52346
March 2025
Mar. 20-23, 2025 — Suwannee Spring Reunion (Live Oak, FL)
At Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, Live Oak, FL. Bands include Donna The Buffalo, Sam Bush, The Infamous Stringdusters, Peter Rowan Walls of Time Band, Jim Lauderdale and the Game Changers, Steve Poltz, Roy Book Binder. https://suwanneespringreunion.com
April 2025
April 23-27, 2025 — Cycle Zydeco Bicycling Tour (Lafayette, FL)
Bicycle, dine and dance your way through Acadiana. https://www.cyclezydeco.org
April 10-13, 2025 — French Quarter Festival (New Orleans)
https://frenchquarterfest.org
April 11-13, 2025 — Tampa Bay Blues Festival (St. Petersburg, FL)
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. https://www.lastrawberryfestival.com/festival-details
April 23-27, 2025 — Festival International de Louisiane (Lafayette, LA)
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 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 25-28, 2025 — Pensacola Crawfish Festival (Pensacola, FL)
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)
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. Up-to-date info at 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.