A festival that celebrates the music, food, and culture of Louisiana is set to return to northwestern New Jersey this spring, as Michael Arnone’s 33rd Crawfish Fest takes over the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta from May 29 to 31.
According to the organizers, this annual event seeks to capture the essence of New Orleans during what Louisianans refer to as “Crawfish and Festival Season,” the period following Mardi Gras that is filled with a vibrant schedule of food and music events throughout the state.
The three-day festival will take place at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, located at 37 Plains Road, and will showcase live performances, authentic Louisiana cuisine, and options for on-site camping.
Music Lineup
This year’s lineup features a diverse array of Grammy winners, nominees, and regional artists deeply rooted in New Orleans R&B, Cajun, zydeco, Delta blues, gospel, and jazz.
Scheduled performers include Samantha Fish, Rebirth Brass Band, Kenny Neal, Cowboy Mouth, Bonerama, Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & The Zydeco Twisters, The Rumble featuring Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr., John Papa Gros, Honey Island Swamp Band, Amanda Shaw, The Nth Power, Joe Krown Trio, Papa Mali, Johnny Sansone, The Soul Project Nola, Ocean Avenue Stompers, Yarn, and Anthony Morgan’s Inspirational Choir of Harlem, among others.
The organizers emphasize that the performances are designed to reflect the lively “second-line” brass energy and the rich blues traditions that are characteristic of New Orleans.
Food and Vendors
Festival attendees can enjoy authentic Louisiana cuisine such as crawfish étouffée, boiled crawfish, jambalaya, shrimp and grits, grilled oysters, po-boys, red beans and rice, New Orleans-style fried chicken, bread pudding, and pecan pie. A variety of beverages including beer, soda, and water will also be offered.
Alongside the freshly prepared food available at the event, Arnone’s Jambalaya Rice Mix — recognized as a Louisiana Certified Product and produced in New Orleans — is being sold online prior to the festival.
Tickets and Camping
Ticket choices consist of single-day passes for either Saturday or Sunday, as well as weekend passes that grant access for both days. Children under 14 can enter for free when accompanied by a parent, as stated by the organizers.
On-site lodging options include RV sites equipped with water and electric hookups, tent camping, and pre-set “glamping” tents available in one- or two-bed arrangements. RV packages come with admission and exclusive access to camper-only music performances on Friday and Saturday nights, in addition to a jambalaya event on Friday. Parking is complimentary.
Tickets Available on Eventbrite.
Sponsors
The sponsors for the 2026 festival include Explore Louisiana, Bud Light, Southeast Louisiana Gumbo Group, New Jersey Lottery, The Big Easy Cruise, Twisted Tea, Sun Cruiser, Crystal Hot Sauce, NÜTRL, and more.
Now in its 33rd year, the festival has established itself as a popular stop for Louisiana musicians touring the Northeast and a seasonal attraction for enthusiasts of Gulf Coast cuisine and culture.
Links:
Tickets Available on Eventbrite
Crawfish Fest Website
Low-Res Musicians Photos
Facebook
Instagram
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Stage Schedule
Jambalaya Rice Mix
