New Orleans is known for many things, but most folks don’t think of barbecue when pondering the Big Easy.
However, one annual event is changing that.
Today, we’re talking about Hogs for the Cause, a food and music festival you won’t want to miss.
Let’s light it up!
About Hogs for the Cause
As far as we’re concerned, few things bring greater joy than live music and barbecue fresh off the spit. And when those two things come together to support a great cause, you can bet we’re interested.
Hogs for the Cause is an annual event featuring about 85 local and regional pitmasters who compete for prizes across seven categories. From Whole Hog to Porkpourri, these BBQ barons go head-to-head to determine who does it best.
In 2023, teams with names like Hoggystyle, Sir-Pork-A-Lot, and The Pig Lebowski served incredible grub from bahn mi to boudin. And this year’s festival promises to be just as delicious. You might try a calamari po’boy, a pulled pork muffuletta, or a sweet and savory bacon bread pudding. The possibilities are endless, so bring your appetite.
Organizers dubbed the opening event Bacon and Wings Night. Here, you can taste delicious creations based on these two fan favorites. Saturday, it’s all about the ‘cue.
Throughout the weekend, you’ll hear tons of tunes on three stages in the park. Headliners for 2024 include Band of Horses, The Record Company, and Shane Smith & the Saints.
Be aware that your wristband is the only way to pay for food and drinks at the festival. You can register your wristband online and attach a credit card or visit the on-site top-up stations to add cash to your account.
Organizers offer several different ticket options. One-day general admission passes start at $50, and you can add drink packages and access to the Bulleit Whiskey Lounge. VIP tickets include complimentary beverages and other perks.
Pro Tip: Check out the official Hogs for the Cause website for detailed ticket information.
The Origin Story
It all started in 2009 when Becker Hall and Rene Louapre decided to host a pig roast for their friends. It quickly evolved into a fundraiser for Ben Sarrat, Jr, a local child suffering from a brain tumor. They got to know him and chose to donate future proceeds to fight the disease. Ben passed the following year, but the event lives on in his memory.
These days, Hogs for the Cause is one of the country’s biggest music and barbecue festivals. They’ve donated nearly ten million dollars to families and children’s hospitals nationwide.
The organization has even built Hogs Houses, homes where families can live while their child undergoes treatment for pediatric brain cancer.
Where Is Hogs for the Cause?
Hogs for the Cause takes place April 4th and 5th at UNO Lakefront Arena Festival Grounds in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Even if you’re not a local, you’ve surely heard about the city’s vibrant cultural landscape. Known for Mardi Gras, Bourbon Street, and a one-of-a-kind culinary scene, it’s the ultimate place to party in the Deep South.
But there’s a lot more to NOLA than neverending revelry. Its rich history is still palpable for folks who live here today. Both French and Spanish forces controlled the land at different times, leading to plentiful European architecture. Creole cuisine, a notable product of the Crescent City, also reflects the convergence of African Americans and Western Europeans.
Every year, over 17 million people visit New Orleans. And while many go to indulge in their more basic instincts, others want to see world-class museums, ride historic trolleys, and listen to authentic jazz music in the place where it all started.
Explore the area with 5 Best Day Trips Around New Orleans!
Other Fun Things To Do Near Hogs for the Cause
You’ll find plenty of entertainment elsewhere in the Big Easy when you’re not filling up on barbecue at Hogs for the Cause. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
Learn the Art of Cajun Cuisine at the New Orleans School of Cooking
What better way to immerse yourself in Creole culture than a gastronomic experience at the New Orleans School of Cooking?
You can watch live demonstrations where talented chefs make authentic dishes like gumbo, pralines, and crawfish etouffee. It’s like seeing your favorite cooking shows in real time. You can also take hands-on classes where you’ll whip up regional favorites like corn and crab bisque, Creole ratatouille, and bananas foster.
Best of all, when you get home, you can put your newfound knowledge to work by making these recipes for friends and family.
Know Before You Go: Visit the New Orleans School of Cooking website for a full calendar of events.
Visit the New Orleans Museum of Art for a Cultural Experience
If you need a break from the barbecue, a trip to the New Orleans Museum of Art offers a quiet place for reflection. Stroll the five-acre sculpture garden or peruse 40,000 works in the permanent indoor collection.
Many recurring events take place here, such as Saturday morning yoga, tai chi on Monday evenings, and weekly speaking engagements with featured artists. Even if you want to wander on your own and admire the art, it’ll be worth the trip.
Take a Jazz Cruise Aboard the Steamboat Natchez
New Orleans’ history as a port city lives on at the reinvigorated Toulouse Street Wharf. The Steamboat Natchez is the last of its kind and still runs today. You can see what the early 1900s were like on brunch and dinner cruises up and down the mighty Mississippi River.
Although this ship was built in the 1970s, it’s fully outfitted to resemble its gothic-era predecessors. However, it also includes all the modern safety features you’d expect on a contemporary vessel.
Best Places to Stay Near Hogs for the Cause
New Orleans offers so much to see and do that you won’t want to rush your trip. Stick around for a while and get comfortable. If nothing else, you’ll have a cozy place to sleep off all that barbecue from Hogs for the Cause.
Here are a few highly-rated picks to consider.
Fontainebleau State Park Campground
RVers at Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville, Louisiana, can enjoy the best of both worlds. You’ll be just across Lake Pontchartrain from the big city while soaking up the peace and quiet of this beloved state park.
Sites feature full hookups with 20-, 30-, and 50-Amp electrical service. Laundry facilities, restrooms with showers, and free WiFi provide the creature comforts you’ll need. You can also hike along miles of recreational trails and spot local wildlife along the shores.
We’ve got more options for your RV: 7 Best New Orleans RV Parks with Video Tours
Fleur De Lis Mansion Bed and Breakfast
Book a room at the Fleur De Lis Mansion for a stay in the heart of the French Quarter. This quirky spot features themed accommodations like the Royale Suite and the Jazz Room. The Hollywood Bungalow includes fully mirrored walls and ceilings, so you never have to wonder if your outfit’s working.
Each room has different amenities. Some have en-suite bathrooms, some have mini-fridges, and others offer private balconies. This is an adults-only facility, so save it for a trip without the kids.
Le Pavillon Hotel
Folks looking to live it up might enjoy a stay at the luxurious Le Pavillon. It originally opened its doors in 1907, and that Edwardian charm still oozes from its halls.
Grab a cocktail and a bite to eat at Cachette 1907, the on-site bar and restaurant. Or, you can work up a sweat in the fitness center. You’ll likely find it delightful however you choose to spend your time.
Plan your trip with Fodor’s New Orleans.
Is a Road Trip to Hogs for the Cause Worth It?
If you were to take a poll of New Orleans’ top attributes, you’d probably get a different answer from everyone you asked. For some, it’s all about the food. Others savor the wide range of live music. And many folks relish the undeniable sense of community.
Hogs for the Cause embodies all these characteristics that make the Crescent City special. It’s also just a flat-out good time. We suggest heading to the Big Easy to take in this annual event. We think you’ll be glad you did!
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