About River Fest

Celebrating the cultural, economic, environmental & inspirational impacts and contributions of the Mississippi River to the Crescent City.

The 12th annual NOLA River Festival on Saturday, SEPTEMBER 13TH, 2025 celebrates the cultural, economic, environmental, and inspirational impacts of the Mississippi River and its inhabitants on the Crescent City and the entire Gulf South region. The all-day festival at the New Orleans Jazz Museum will include live music, presentations and panels, delicious local food vendors and a full bar, and more.

This year’s theme is LOUISIANA’S NATIVE FOODWAYS, focusing on the natural bounty of the Mississippi River and Gulf, and the cultures that cultivated, preserved, and evolved Louisiana’s iconic flavors.

We aim to celebrate the deep-rooted culinary traditions born from the state’s rivers, wetlands, and fertile lands. From Indigenous harvests to Creole and Cajun creations, these foods tell the story of a people and a place. Protecting Louisiana’s environment—its waters, soils, and biodiversity—is essential to preserving the flavors, heritage, and cultural identity that define our tables.

The festival is free and open to the public as well as streaming on Facebook.

More information coming soon. For questions and sponsorship opportunities, please contact info@nolajazzmuseum.org