Dare to be square: Beignet Fest returns to City Park
Sweet Legacy’s Fried Chicken and Beignets (Courtesy of Beignet Fest)
Beignet Fest will feature old favorites and innovative new items when it returns to City Park on Sept. 23.
Some early standouts include Sweet Legacy’s Bourbon Brisket Beignets, The Vintage NOLA’s Pear & Brie Beignets and non-beignet options like Chubbie’s Fried Chicken and Diva Dawg’s Crabmeat Grill Cheesy.
While attendees chow down on sweet and savory beignets, Flagboy Giz and Flow Tribe will headline the entertainment, with also features performances by Mia Borders, New Soul Finders with Marilyn Barbarin & Marc Stone, Black Magic Drumline and Imagination Movers.
Flagboy Giz
The festival’s menu lineup includes more than 80 menu options with nearly 50 unique takes on beignets, including last year’s winners, Loretta’s Praline Beignet and Crabmeat Beignet as well as Old School Eats’s Blackberry Cloud Beignet.
“This year we’re showcasing a menu that promises one-of-a-kind beignets from vendors across south Louisiana and neighboring states like Texas and Alabama,” says Beignet Fest Foundation executive director Sherwood Collins. “We feel a renewed energy and momentum with more food options than ever before.”
New this year are vegan and gluten-free beignets, ice cream stuffed beignets, Bananas Foster beignets, Ruby Slipper Café’s sweet potato cheesecake and espresso praline beignets, and PJ’s pizza beignets that can’t be found anywhere other than at Beignet Fest.
Howlin’ Wolf Bacon Cheddar Beignets (Courtesy of Beignet Fest)
Sweet treats like sno-balls and huckabucks as well as shade tents and a complimentary parking shuttle courtesy of Gulf Coast Bank will help everyone keep cool. Other festival attractions include the Abita Beer Garden and an artist market.
Keeping true to Beignet Fest’s charitable mission, a fully activated and sensory friendly Kids Village created by Children’s Hospital New Orleans will offer a one-of-a-kind experience for all children — and one that supports children with autism and related developmental differences.
“The Kids Village provides an opportunity for all families, especially those who might not be able to attend other festivals, to come to Beignet Fest and have a wonderful experience,” says Dr. Koren Boggs from The Autism Center at Children’s Hospital New Orleans.
Proceeds from Beignet Fest go toward local nonprofit organizations that provide quality programs for kids on the spectrum.
Beignet Fest will be held in City Park’s Festival Grounds from on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
General admission tickets are $20 in advance, and children 12 and under are admitted free. VIP tickets are $50 for adults in advance. The VIP tent will have exclusive access to private viewing near the stage, bathrooms and complimentary beverages.
Ticket prices increase on the day of the festival. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit beignetfest.com.
MIa Borders
