Creole Tomato Festival Returns to the French Market: A Juicy Celebration of Food, Music, and Culture

Jun 06, 2025

By The Bayou Insider Staff

New Orleans is no stranger to festivals, but few are as uniquely beloved—or as delicious—as the Creole Tomato Festival. Now in its 39th year, this free, family-friendly event returns to the French Market on Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8, offering a flavorful celebration of one of Louisiana’s most iconic summer crops.

From cooking demonstrations and second line parades to zydeco dance lessons and live music across multiple stages, the Creole Tomato Festival is a feast for all five senses—and an essential part of New Orleans’ cultural summer calendar.

A Festival with Flavor and History

Held in the heart of the French Market District, the Creole Tomato Festival pays homage to a regional favorite that’s as much a part of local culture as jazz or gumbo. The Creole tomato, known for its bold flavor and vibrant color, is more than a crop—it’s a summertime tradition.

The festival runs from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM both days and stretches from Café du Monde to the end of the French Market, just steps from Jackson Square. And best of all? It’s completely free to attend.

Three Stages, Dozens of Acts

This year’s entertainment lineup is as rich and varied as a tomato garden in full bloom. Music lovers will enjoy performances across three stages:

Rouses French Market Stage:

Saturday: Smoky Greenwell Band, Becky Lynn Blanca & The Sweetie Pies, Jenavieve & The Winding Boys, and 3rd Degree
Sunday: Burris, Bogue Chitto, Captain Squeeze & The Zydeco Moshers, and The Charmaine Neville Band

Dutch Alley Stage:

Saturday: NPS Arrowhead Jazz Band, Amber Rachelle, Quel Che Sara Sara, and Fully Dressed Poboys
Sunday: CryBabies, Rhythm Method, Johanna Rose, and Alicia Renee aka Blue Eyes

New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park Stage (Indoors at 916 N. Peters St):

Featuring international jazz and Latin sounds from Cuba, Venezuela, Mexico, Bolivia, Honduras, Guatemala, and more.

The “Ripe & Ready” Parade

The festivities kick off Saturday at 10:30 AM with the annual “Ripe & Ready” Second Line Parade, which begins at Oscar Dunn Park (700 Decatur Street) and winds its way through the French Quarter to the festival grounds.

Attendees are encouraged to dress in tomato-themed attire—think red, green, and garden-inspired flair. It’s a joyful, musical kickoff that sets the tone for the entire weekend.

Culinary Delights and Farm-Fresh Tomatoes

Of course, the real star of the show is the Creole tomato itself. Throughout the festival, vendors and restaurants will offer a variety of dishes that highlight this regional treasure—from fried green tomato po’boys and tomato tarts to fresh tomato salads and gazpacho.

Festival-goers can also purchase fresh Creole tomatoes from local farmers, giving them the chance to take home a taste of Louisiana summer.

Cooking demos and tastings are scheduled throughout the day, offering tips and tricks on how to use tomatoes in both traditional and modern recipes.

For the Kids (and the Young at Heart)

Families will find plenty to love, too. The Kids’ Zone will be open both days with crafts, face painting, and games. One especially unique feature? A live alligator petting station, where children (and brave adults) can safely learn about Louisiana’s bayou wildlife.

Learn to Dance Cajun-Style

For those looking to move their feet, the festival also offers Zydeco and Line Dancing lessons:

Zydeco Dance: Saturday & Sunday, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM (with Brandon Broussard)
Line Dancing: 3:00 PM–5:00 PM (with the KWL Steppers)

These free dance workshops turn the festival into a participatory cultural experience—bringing the rhythm of Louisiana to life.

Plan Ahead: Weather and Parking

The forecast calls for highs around 92°F and a mix of sun and afternoon clouds. Bring sunscreen, stay hydrated, and dress for the heat. Storms could pop up Sunday afternoon, so keep an umbrella handy.

Parking in the French Quarter can be tight. Festival organizers recommend using rideshares or reserving a space through NewOrleansParking.com ahead of time.

Why It Matters

The Creole Tomato Festival isn’t just about fun—it’s about celebrating the land, the growers, the chefs, and the cultural heartbeat of South Louisiana. From its humble beginnings to its status as a signature event of the French Market, this festival reminds us why food and tradition are inseparable in the Bayou State.

Final Word

So whether you’re a tomato lover, a music fan, or just looking for a vibrant way to spend a summer weekend, the Creole Tomato Festival delivers. It’s free. It’s flavorful. And it’s pure New Orleans.

🍅 Call to Action:

Ready to celebrate summer Louisiana-style?

Join the crowd at the French Market this weekend and let the Creole tomato show you why it’s more than a fruit—it’s a festival-worthy symbol of local pride.

Stay with The Bayou Insider for full coverage of Louisiana’s best festivals, food, music, and heritage all season long.