Press Release
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Beignet Fest returns Nov. 16 with a jam-packed menu and iconic musical entertainment
Gulf South’s most family-friendly festival features the largest variety of beignets available in one place on one day
NEW ORLEANS (Sept. 14, 2024) – Beignet Fest, the Gulf South’s most family-friendly and inclusive festival, returns Saturday, Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at City Park’s Festival Grounds with a mouthwatering menu featuring new items and old favorites. Some early standouts include Loretta’s award-winning crabmeat beignet, a new twist from the popular brunch spot, Ruby Slipper, which will be doing Sweet Heat & Chicken beignets, plus Asian Outdoor Kitchen will bring Plantain Mochi Beignets to the festival for the first time. There will be popular non-beignet options like Jambalaya Girl’s jambalaya and gumbo, Chubbie’s Fried Chicken and Crack’D Brunch’s Mac Daddy Mac + Cheese.
“We’re excited for this year’s menu as our food vendors continue to explore different ways to serve up beignets, especially as we host the festival in November with what is sure to be cooler weather than in recent years,” says Beignet Fest Foundation executive director Sherwood Collins. “We’re stoked to welcome new vendors this year, introducing flavors inspired by Asian and South American cuisine found throughout New Orleans, reflecting the eclectic culture of New Orleans food scene.”
The 2024 Beignet Fest menu includes more than 80 different menu options and can be found at beignetfest.com.
While attendees chow down on sweet and savory beignets, Jon Cleary, Big Sam and Amanda Shaw will headline the entertainment with additional performances by Sierra Green and the Giants, and Imagination Movers as well as the Prism Project – an inclusive performing arts program for youth ages 6-22.
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 Children’s Hospital New Orleans Kids Village is an opportunity for families, especially those who might not be able to attend other festivals, to come to Beignet Fest and have a wonderful experience,” says Children’s Hospital CEO, Lucio A. Fragoso. “Kids can enjoy a host of activities designed and facilitated by our Autism Center team including a life-sized Lite Brite, a silent disco dance party and larger than life sensory activities.”
Other festival attractions include the Abita Beer Garden, an Artist Market and the Ruby Slipper VIP Experience where patrons can enjoy a private viewing area near the stage, VIP bathrooms and complimentary beverages.
General admission tickets are $20 in advance; children 0-3 are free. VIP Experience tickets are $50 for adults and $30 for youth under 21. Ticket prices increase on the day of the festival.
Beignet Fest is presented by Children’s Hospital New Orleans and supported by leading sponsors including PJ’s Coffee, Abita Beer, New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund, The Times-Picayune/NOLA.com, Gambel Communications and other local businesses.
Proceeds from Beignet Fest will go toward local nonprofit organizations that provide quality programs for children on the spectrum. To view the full menu and to purchase tickets, visit beignetfest.com.
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*Editor’s Note: Click here for high-resolution menu images. For media inquiries or to secure a media pass to Beignet Fest contact alicia@gambelpr.com.
About Beignet Fest & Beignet Fest Foundation:
Beignet Fest is a premier food festival in Louisiana that celebrates one of New Orleans’s most iconic dishes all in one place on one day. Proceeds from the event benefit the Beignet Fest Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization established to raise awareness and support for programs in Greater New Orleans that serve autistic youth and their families.
Recent Beignet Fest recognition includes:
New Orleans Magazine Tops of the Town Honoree 2023
Southern Living Best Food Festivals in the South 2023
Garden & Gun Top Southern Fall Food Festival List 2023
Tasting Table 21 Bucket List Food Festivals 2023
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