Everyone knows New Orleans is famous for beignets. Delicious, sweet fried dough doused in mounds of powdered sugar. But what you didn’t know is they have a whole beignet festival at City Park in New Orleans catering to satisfying your beignet needs.

New Orleans Beignet Festival

New Orleans Beignet Festival started out as a FREE festival usually held in early October. (As of 2019, they now charge $5 entrance fee- still worth it in my opinion)  Only 4 years up and running and this is becoming one of my favorite festivals. It is a family fun festival filled with tons of food, like different varieties of beignets, snowballs, shrimp and grits, jambalaya, pralines, brownies and more. They also have tons of drinks options, live music, and even artwork showcased by local artists around the city. Best part: All proceeds from Beignet Fest benefit a  nonprofit organization called Tres Doux Foundation. The mission of this is to celebrate, embrace and enhance the lives of children with developmental delays and disabilities by presenting them as whole beings, and to support organizations that do the same. How awesome is that?!

Beignets

The main spectacle is not for your traditional beignet. Oh no my friend! There are many restaurants and catering businesses out there trying to wow you with their best rendition of a beignet. These beignets range from sweet to savory. You can try savory beignets like shrimp etouffee’ beignet (pictured), lump crabmeat beignet, crawfish beignet, or bacon and cheddar beignet.

After, try some sweet beignet varieties like chocolate praline beignet, banana fosters beignet (pictured), blackberry cloud beignet, fruit beignet, and oreo beignet and more. These are  just a few of the many different items you can get while attending the beignet festival.

Can’t decide? Southern Grit offers a beignet flight. A way to try all 3 of their varieties for one price. Pictured below is the cilantro pesto beignet with sauce and cojito cheese, a churro beignet, and a banana pudding beignet with a vanilla wafer crumble! Mmmm boy! Don’t they look delicious?!

Can’t make the festival but want to try a beignet. Make some at home with our favorite mix! 

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Drinks

Enjoy a variety of different drinks from alcoholic to non-alcoholic. Going in the morning? Ask a bartender for a mimosa or bloody mary. Attending the festival in the evening? Ask for a beer, wine or mixed drink!

Looking for something different yet refreshing, try a beignet snowball or smoothie popsicle to satisfy those tastebuds. I’m telling you, the options are endless. I didn’t even mention all the food and drink they offer here as there are more, but you’ll have to go yourself to find out! 🙂

Music

Along with great food and treats, enjoy some live music and entertainment. Each year, they have different bands and music to enjoy. This year for kids,  there was the Imagination Movers, and the Children’s Chorus. Also playing at the festival this year was the Soul Project, Eric Lindell, and The Original Pinettes Brass Band.

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Artwork

Don’t forget to stop by the art exhibits and bring home a goodie or two. They have some FANTASTIC artwork out there and it’s not just paintings! It’s bags, jewelry, cat toys, ceramics etc. Here some of the amazing artists out there this year with links to their store below.

(The Shard Shop NOLA)

The Shard Shop NOLA offers fantastic artwork using shards of glass, ceramics, oysters, etc. They cover them in resin for the finishing touch and to protect your artwork as well. They offer classes and kits for you to make your own piece of art. Check them out here.

(Artwork by Celeste B. McCann)

Celeste B. McCann showcases all things, New Orleans. Her artwork speaks for itself with vibrant colors and beauty.  See where she’ll be next and other items here.

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(Tchoup Industries)

Tchoup industries is an amazing local business specializing in handmade bags and accessories. They take pride in getting their materials from other local Louisiana businesses and using upcycled and repurposed materials. I love that they’re helping the planet and supporting other local businesses, but seriously… How cute are these bags! Find more here.

(Stephen Darre’ Art)

Using multiple different mediums, Stephen Darre’ really makes his art come to life with his 3D artwork. What was once popular among just friends has exploded beyond that as many others enjoy seeing his artwork as well across the world. Check out some of his artwork here.

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(Kiki Huston Jewelry)

Gorgeous, yet simple jewelry to compliment any outfit. Kiki Huston designs one of kind jewelry for you to own. From earrings to necklaces, find the perfect piece of jewelry for you. Find more items here.

(Kabuki Design Studio) 

Kabuki Design Studio offers all sorts of different items. They make hats, potholders, and pillows, but I especially loved all their things beignet! You can bring home your kitty a catnip beignet! I love it! Find more great items here.

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EatLiveLoveNOLA

I also have my own shop that makes New Orleans themed items. From tumblers to paintings and prints as well as some ornaments and shirts. You can check out some of the items here on this site or for more items, go here.

Do you have a festival that’s your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!

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