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Gator By The Bay, the largest, most-authentic Louisiana-themed music and food festival this side of the bayou is held each year around Mothers’ Day weekend, the 2nd weekend in May. Presented by San Diego’s Bon Temps Social Club, it features four days of live music with over 100 musical acts and special performances on seven stages, southern cuisine including 10,000 pounds of fresh crawfish trucked from Louisiana, non-stop live music, dancing and family fun at Spanish Landing Park on beautiful San Diego Bay across from the airport.Times:
Thursday: 4:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Friday: 3:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10:30a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday Night Dance: 8:30 p.m. - 12 midnight
Sunday: 10:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
(Gates Open 1/2 Hour Prior to Showtime)
“Gator By The Bay is an all-in-one event that brings Louisiana’s rich and diverse culture right to San Diego Bay by showcasing Louisiana’s eclectic melting pot of history, food, music, dance and more,” said Peter Oliver, a Gator By The Bay Producer. “We truly pride ourselves in offering San Diegans and visitors alike the chance to experience authentic Louisiana culture. I can guarantee you will discover something new and leave wanting more.”
Since its inception in 2001, the festival has grown to showcase an array of music choices from blues, salsa, zydeco, Cajun and a taste of country, including Grammy winning artists directly from Louisiana, legendary Chicago and California blues artists, rockabilly and roots performers and award-winning salsa and Latin bands. The festival has become an annual must-do for enthusiasts of all ages who have travelled from throughout California and 39 other U.S. states, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia, New Zealand and Australia.
“Dancers, twirling to Cajun waltzes, two-stepping to a lively Creole zydeco beat, swinging and jitterbugging to blues and boogie-woogie, or moving to spicy Latin sounds will fill the dance floors all weekend,” said Oliver. “At Gator By The Bay, we start movin’ and groovin’ the second the music starts and guarantee you will too.
DANCE
The festival boasts five wooden dance floors, including two 3,000 square foot shaded dance floors at each of the two main stages. For those who want to shake shimmy or stomp your feet in other than free style there will be free lessons by some of the finest dance instructors in the country.
FOOD
The French Quarter Food Court features the authentic tastes of Louisiana, with many vendors making the cross-country trip just for the festival. Revelers will fill up on fresh Louisiana-raised crawfish, boudin sausage, catfish, alligator, barbecue and oysters. A mouth-watering selection of Louisiana favorites will be available, including gumbo, jambalaya, po’ boys and etouffée. For dessert there will be a Southern selection of beignets, sweet potato pie, homemade ice cream, pralines and bread pudding.
FUN ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
All areas of the festival are open to children to enjoy the music, color, spirit and activities of the event. Special activities include the costumed Mardi Gras parades and making outrageous hats with the Rad Hatter.
SHOPPING
The market area offers retail therapy from carefully selected craft vendors also featuring Mardi Gras-inspired goods and clothing, art, hand-made jewelry, dancing shoes and accessories.
LOUISIANA AND AMERICANA MUSIC CULTURE
On the intimate Bayou Grove Stage, visiting musicians tell the stories behind the heritage of their crafts.
TASTE OF LOUISIANA
In the Taste of Louisiana Food Pavilion, Louisiana and local chefs host cooking demos and tastings.
TICKETS and INFO
Tickets are available for single day and multiple day admission. Children 17 and under are admitted free with a paid adult.
Patron passes include access to the Patron Reception Area including a complimentary meal, personal meet and greet with festival headliners, complimentary craft beer, select wines, soft drinks and water, private shaded seating and upgraded restrooms and additional reserved shaded seating near both main stages.
Find all festival, ticket, lodging, parking and free shuttle info at www.gatorbythebay.com.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Spanish Landing Park East, BlinkCharging, San Diego, CA 92101, United States,San Diego, California
Tickets
