The free Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival runs October 9–11 in Lafayette Square. Plan streetcar/bus access, VIP options, hours, accessibility and downtown parking.
Crescent City Blues & BBQ 2026 quick answers - When? October 9–11, 2026. - Where? Lafayette Square in downtown New Orleans. - Admission? General admission is free. - Camping? No. - Transit? The St. Charles streetcar and Magazine Street bus serve the area. A downtown festival, not a destination campout Friday programming runs in the evening, while Saturday and Sunday run from late morning into the evening. Because Lafayette Square is in the city center, public transit and walking are often simpler than treating this as a drive-in festival. Paid garages and street parking are available nearby, subject to city rules and event traffic. Tickets and VIP General admission is free. Optional VIP products are separate, so you can attend without buying a standard festival ticket. Accessibility The organizer publishes reserved wheelchair areas at both stages, an elevated viewing deck, ADA-compliant toilets and a Camp Street ADA drop-off. Build the day around the neighborhood This is a good festival to pair with a New Orleans day rather than a full isolated trip plan. Keep your transit route, return route and weather plan handy before you head into the square. Official resource: Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival