Food, fun, and festivities all await in New Orleans! Whether it’s the jazz music that flows through the open windows or the festive atmosphere, New Orleans offers everything for the discerning traveler. Enjoy nearly 300 years of history as you explore the French Quarter, or stay for the amazing city-wide party that is Mardi Gras during the spring season. No matter what you chose to do, New Orleans has something for everyone!
There is no better way to enjoy New Orleans than by having a taste of the amazing city and its wonderful food, and nothing is more iconic than the beignet. Head over to the Beignet Fest on Saturday, October 6, to enjoy the city’s favorite treat! From sweet to savory, the Beignet Fest will have you feeling full and happy as you enjoy this southern favorite. ResortsandLodges.com had a chance to sit down with the PR Manager of this festival, Amy Collins, to talk more about the Beignet Fest.
RAL: Tell us a little bit about the event.
AC: This is the third annual Beignet Fest! From traditional sweet treats covered in powdered sugar to savory options bursting with seafood, cheese, and more, the festival features different beignet dishes from some of New Orleans’ best restaurants and food trucks. And of course, in true New Orleans fashion, the free festival also has live, local music performances, a Kid’s Village, Artist Market and VIP Experience.
RAL: How many annual attendees do you draw?
AC: The festival is growing each year! The first year attracted 10,000 people, and this year we are expecting upwards of 25,000.
RAL: What demographic does your event attract?
AC: This is one of the most family friendly festivals in the south. We have a full Kid’s Village complete with recreation activities, facepainting,arts and crafts and plenty more. There will be music for kids as well as traditional music! Of particular note this year, we’re featuring The Imagination Movers -- who have been featured on Disney. They take the soulful sounds of traditional New Orleans music to talk about kid’s favorite topics.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
AC: It’s all the things people love about a traditional festival in New Orleans combined with an ultra family friendly approach for kids and families of all ages.
RAL: Take me through a day at the event. What can I expect as an attendee?
AC: The festival is composed of four parts, like any great meal. The first is live, local music that occurs all day long, performed by some of New Orleans’ favorite bands. The second is, of course, the food. There will be more than 33 different beignet dishes plus plenty of other New Orleans favorites. The Kid’s Village is the third part, and the Artist’s Market is the fourth and final part. Local artisans will be selling everything from handmade purses and other gifts, to glass works, canvas art and photography.
RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community?
AC: Yes! We work closely with the Tres Doux Foundation, which gives money to local nonprofits that are dedicated to providing programs and services to children with developmental delays, including autism. This includes programs like “Brushes, Buddies, and Beyond for Autism”, which have been shown to have a positive impact on children.
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
AC: We have a partnership with the Jung Hotel. The property is offering a great rate for a two night stay plus free breakfast at a gorgeous historic hotel that’s been beautifully restored in recent months right on the Canal Street Streetcar line, and offers easy access to the City Park as well as the festival grounds!
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
AC: Everyone who has ever visited New Orleans knows that the food is quintessential to the soul of the city - and one of the most iconic foods in New Orleans is the beignet. What started as a sweet treat with powdered sugar has evolved into all sorts of creations - sweet and savory that proliferate menus of restaurants, food trucks and caterers throughout the community. With this green festival, revelers get to experience the tastes of New Orleans all in one place infused into fried pastry dough and fried up to perfection. The festival takes place amidst the historic oak trees of New Orleans City Park with plenty of green space to spread out and enjoy the day while listening to some of New Orlean’s favorite bands. It’s a wonderful festival celebrating everything special about New Orleans!
For more information about the festival, please visit the event website here.