Business Details
32 Years
experience
Gretna Fest: Celebrating Culture, Music & Community in Gretna, LA
Gretna Fest was founded in 1994 with a vision to celebrate the unique culture of Gretna, Louisiana, through a family-friendly festival that combines music, food, and community. Over the past three decades, we have grown into one of the largest festivals in the region, attracting visitors from near and far with our diverse lineup of local, national, and international performers. Our commitment to quality entertainment, cultural preservation, and community engagement has made us a cornerstone of the New Orleans metropolitan area's event calendar. We pride ourselves on creating an inclusive, vibrant atmosphere that reflects Gretna's small-town charm while delivering a world-class festival experience. From our carefully curated music stages to our bustling food and craft vendor markets, every aspect of Gretna Fest is designed to foster connection and celebration.Our team works year-round to ensure each festival surpasses the last, combining proven expertise with fresh ideas to maintain our position as a premier regional event. We maintain strong partnerships with local businesses and sponsors to support economic development while providing unforgettable experiences for our attendees. Our festival grounds span over 10 continuous blocks, offering ample space for multiple stages, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly activities. Through strategic planning and community collaboration, we have established Gretna Fest as both a cultural institution and a model for sustainable event management in southern Louisiana.
Services
Live Music Performances
Food & Beverage Vendors
Arts & Crafts Exhibits
Kids Activity Center
Festival Parking
VIP Packages
Merchandise Sales
Stage Entertainment
Local Cultural Exhibits
Event Accommodations
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience producing Louisiana's premier cultural festival
- Our lineup features a unique blend of Grammy-winning artists and emerging talent
- We provide free admission for children 12 and under with family-friendly programming
- Our festival grounds include five distinct stages with continuous entertainment
- We maintain strong community partnerships supporting local businesses and artists
Services
Live Music Performances
Gretna Fest features over 50 musical acts across five distinct stages annually. Our lineup combines Grammy-winning artists like Sam Hunt and Trombone Shorty with emerging talent and local performers. Each stage offers unique musical experiences ranging from country and rock to zydeco and jazz, ensuring diverse entertainment options for all age groups throughout the three-day festival.
Food & Beverage Vendors
The festival showcases nearly 100 food vendors offering regional Louisiana cuisine alongside international dishes. Attendees can enjoy everything from traditional gumbo and jambalaya to gourmet street food and craft beverages. Our vendor selection emphasizes quality, variety, and authentic culinary experiences that reflect both local flavors and global influences in a vibrant outdoor setting.
Kids Activity Center
Our dedicated children's area provides family-friendly entertainment including interactive games, arts & crafts stations, and educational exhibits. The Playful Pelican-sponsored zone offers safe, supervised activities for younger attendees while maintaining proximity to main festival attractions. This feature supports our commitment to creating a welcoming environment for multi-generational festival-goers.
VIP Packages
We offer tiered VIP experiences including Friends of the Fest and River Club Suite packages. These premium options provide exclusive amenities like elevated viewing decks, private restrooms, hospitality tents with full bars, and dedicated parking. Our VIP program caters to attendees seeking enhanced comfort while maintaining full access to all festival performances and attractions.
Arts & Crafts Exhibits
The festival hosts numerous arts & crafts tents featuring local artisans and regional creators. Visitors can explore handmade jewelry, traditional crafts, and contemporary art reflecting Louisiana's rich cultural heritage. This marketplace component supports local economies while providing festival-goers with unique shopping opportunities amid the musical and culinary attractions.
Questions
When and where is Gretna Fest held?
Gretna Fest takes place annually in early October at 740 2nd St, Gretna, LA 70053, featuring three days of music, food, and cultural activities.
What types of entertainment can I expect?
The festival features 50+ musical acts across five stages, including Grammy winners, local artists, and international performers spanning multiple genres.
Are there family-friendly options available?
Yes! We offer free admission for children 12 and under, a dedicated Kids Activity Center, and family-friendly programming throughout the festival grounds.
How can I purchase tickets?
Tickets are available online through our website or at designated local vendors, with options including single-day passes, 3-day passes, and VIP packages.
What transportation options exist?
Free public parking is available at 3rd St & Derbigny St, with bicycle racks and handicap-accessible options. The festival grounds are walkable from downtown Gretna.
Can local businesses participate as vendors?
Yes, we welcome local food and craft vendors. Applications open annually in spring through our official website's vendor registration portal.
