Bayou Bacchanal

Think New Orleans knows how to throw a Carnival? You should see how they do it in the Caribbean! Every November, Bayou Bacchanal brings the sights, sounds, and flavors of the islands to the Crescent City for a celebration that’s as colorful as it is contagious.

Presented by Caribbean Carnival/Friends of Culture, Bayou Bacchanal is the original Caribbean Carnival in New Orleans, featuring lively music, dancing, fabulous costumes, delicious food, and a parade that will make you want to join right in.

A Carnival with Caribbean Flavor

If you love Mardi Gras, you’re going to love Bayou Bacchanal. After all, New Orleans and the Caribbean have a lot in common, from our shared cultural history to our love of music, good food, and a great party.

Come experience the rhythms of soca, reggae and dancehall music, watch dancers show off their moves and enjoy a parade filled with the color and spirit of Caribbean Carnival. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself dancing, too. It’s pretty hard to stand still with music like this!

And then there’s the food. Follow your nose to the vendors serving up island favorites like jerk chicken, curry goat, roti, and other Caribbean specialties. If you’ve never tried Caribbean cuisine, consider this your delicious introduction.

More Than a Party

Bayou Bacchanal is also a celebration of the cultural connections between New Orleans and the Caribbean islands, connections that go back centuries and continue to shape our city’s music, food, and traditions today.

The festival is presented by Friends of Culture, a nonprofit organization founded by Marilyn LaForce to celebrate Caribbean heritage and strengthen cultural ties between New Orleans and the islands. Through events like Bayou Bacchanal, the organization keeps these traditions alive while introducing them to new generations.

Why We Love It

We love a festival that teaches us something while showing us a great time, and Bayou Bacchanal does both. Where else can you discover Caribbean traditions, sample authentic island dishes, and dance to music that makes you feel like you’re on vacation, all without leaving New Orleans?

It’s a reminder of just how many cultures have helped make our city the wonderful, one-of-a-kind place it is today.

Our advice? Come hungry, wear comfortable shoes, and don’t be shy about dancing. That’s half the fun!

Plan Your Visit

Bayou Bacchanal takes place Saturday, November 7, 2026, with a pre-fête scheduled for Friday, November 6. Visit the Friends of Culture website for the latest information on festival activities, schedules, and admission details.