March 25 2011 | New Orleans

It's not as if the city of New Orleans needed an excuse to have a good time or to eat some amazing food, but this weekend has a couple of great opportunities for food and events.

Hogs for the Cause - City "Pork" (still known as City Park in other areas) hosts a hog cookoff to raise funds to fight against pediatric cancer. 50-75 teams will be preparing pork dishes in just about any way you can imagine and even a few that may be a surprise. Several New Orleans bands will be on hand to provide authentic Louisiana music, including the Radiators, Soul Rebels Brass Band, and more. Hogs for the Cause is Saturday, March 26th.

New Orleans Roadfood Festival - Tonight marks the kickoff party for a weekend celebration of regional food from around the country. The festivities start at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum and move to Royal Street in the French Quarter tomorrow for the next two days. Look for the World's Longest Oyster Po' Boy (20 feet long with approximately 1,000 oysters) and the battle royal between the New Orleans Fire Department and Police Department in a Beignet Eating Contest. And whatever you do, don't forget to try some regional specialties from over 50 food vendors. The New Orleans Roadfood Festival starts tonight, and the Street Festival is on Saturday and Sunday, March 26th and 27th.