The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation

Somebody fan me, it's hotter than hell in Nola right now, but I Love this fest! Music line-up kept the crowd dancing, clapping and singing along. There were violins, accordians and washboards!The food is fabulous!! If you haven't tried it yet, get the Yakiniku Poboy. Seriously. It's that good. Remember Ajun Cajun! (Shrimp plate is good too).Tips: Get there early, bring blanket, plop in the shade and visit misting stations often.

This is another site for pure N'Awlins Louisiana Jazz and the musicians are more than happy to talk with you after each session.

The Louisiana Cajun Zydeco Festival was at Armstrong Park this year. Admission is free (but they do accept donations).At this festival, live music was being played. Food vendors/ booths were on site selling some tasty food items (prices you can expect at an event). Artists were selling their creations and trinkets (you can find ceremonial masks here, paintings, candles/ aromatherapy, handmade ceramic items, etc.)Being that it was rather hot out, there are some fans and misters in parts of the park, in the viewing area of the stage. Restrooms are porta- potties only though.Armstrong Park seems to be a great venue to hold this festival with the large open space and the beautiful scenery. Although dogs (except for service dogs) are not allowed in the festival, dogs are allowed in the park. If you are in the area, the festival is worth a visit (just be sure to bring a hat and put on some SPF). By the way, during our visit, the State Farm booth was giving away free self pump spray misters (definitely worth it during this weather) if you sign up for a quote.

Loved:* Indoor restrooms available for use at the Mint bldg.* The wonderful zydeco music* Free festEnjoyed:* Food/drink vendors (While limited options they were good. They had about 10 food vendors).* Lots of shade along Esplanade Ave stageI like this little zydeco fest but I thought the fest could have had more food and drink options. The daquiris were $9 each and only offered Strawberry or Margarita flavors. They also had mixed drinks and beer. I will come back next year because of the great zydeco music and friendly atmosphere!

Wait, what? I know I reviewed this back when it was at the same time as the Creole Tomato festival.Anyway...TERRIBLE time to have it. There is outdoor dancing and it's hotter than Trump at a health test where he can't control the news.Some of the most fun you can have with music that doesn't involve psychedelics. Usually good food, but the timing...It's painful. Usually in the 90s with 80-90% humidity. Brutal. If it was a cooler time of year, this would be a 5 star event.

This is a cool festival that just so happens to be free! Who doesn't love that?! The music's groovy, the vibe is upbeat, and overall it's a fun experience. Down side? It's hot as hell in the middle of summer in Louisiana. Just be prepared to sweat, which living in the big easy it shouldn't be a surprise. Also, parking can be kind of tough when this event gets packed. I'd suggest ubering if you don't want to deal with that. As for the beer, I could only find people serving Abita. Meh. Maybe in the future they'll be more options.

For the cost (FREE), I didn't expect much, but this was a great little festival: skilled musicians, plenty of space to dance, and friendly people! Food and drink stalls lined the courtyards (typical festival pricing), and I saw at least one stand selling souvenir items, but it didn't seem like a pressure-sale environment; everyone was just out to have a good time.Tents are set up for artists to showcase their wares, too. I didn't get the opportunity to browse as much as I'd like, but the work I saw was a step above a standard craft stall. If you want a larger selection of crafts, you can meander the French Market, and still hear music from the stages. The Creole Tomato Festival (held at the same time) was within easy walking distance as well. 2013 Music ScheduleSaturday, June 8 Esplanade Avenue Stage11:30 am to 1:00 pm Mary Broussard & Sweet La La1:30 pm to 3:00 pm Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band3:30 pm to 5:00 pm T-Broussard & the Zydeco Steppers5:30 pm to 7:00 pm Rosie Ledet Barracks Street Stage11:00 am to 12:30 pm Dikki Du & the Zydeco Krewe1:00 pm to 2:30 pm Les Freres Michot3:15 pm to 4:45 pm Bruce Daigrepont5:15 pm to 6:45 pm Corey Ledet & His Zydeco BandFrench Market's Creole Tomato Festival Ursulines Street Stage10:30 am to 12:00 pm Jonno12:30 pm to 2:00 pm The Babineaux Sisters2:30 pm to 4:00 pm Ganey Arsement4:30 pm to 6:00 pm Sean ArdoinSunday, June 9Esplanade Avenue Stage11:30 am to 1:00 pm Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic1:15 pm to 2:45 pm Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie3:30 pm to 5:00 pm Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas5:30 pm to 7:00 pm Sunpie & the La. SunspotsBarracks Street Stage11:00 am to 12:30 pm Li'l Nathan & the Zydeco Big Timers1:00 pm to 2:30 pm Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers3:15 pm to 4:45 pm Beausoleil5:15 pm to 6:45 pm Lost Bayou Ramblers

This is a cool little music festival at the Mint and its FREE. They used to hold it in conjunction with the Seafood Festival but that fest has grown too large and has branched off into its own big event so that has decreased the food options at this fest. The Creole Tomato Fest is also going on at the same time as this event so you can check that out also. They have some good music and this is a good opportunity to have a good time but the heat can make it a real challenge.

A good time, lots of good free music, dancing in the streets, booze, heat and food.

Had a great time this year! My first experience with live zydeco. Loved it.