The 2019 French Market Creole Tomato Festival is fast approaching, and we’re gearing up for a fun and flavor-packed weekend. The annual two-day festival, which will be held June 8–9 in the French Quarter, honors Louisiana’s farmers and their produce, as well as the ways their efforts make our local cuisine so rich.
In anticipation of the event, we’ve compiled a list of our top five reasons to visit the festival.
- Live music to get the party started
It’s not a Louisiana party without live music, and the Creole Tomato Festival is no exception. With two live music stages, including the Dutch Alley Stage and the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint, you’ll be able to hear a variety of local talent, from Little Freddie King to Johnny Sketch & The Dirty Notes and many more. The best part? The music’s free!
- Kids’ activities to keep everyone entertained
The Creole Tomato Festival has something for the entire family. Head to the Barracks Street side of the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint for fun, family-friendly activities from Adorn Me Antoinette, ArtCamp504, The Button Lady, Mad Science, We Rock the Spectrum, and Young Artists Young Aspirations, Inc. These vendors will be set up from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
- Creole tomato dishes from the city’s top restaurants
With two vendor areas at the Mint and Dutch Alley, you’re sure to find something you’ll love. From fried green tomatoes to gazpacho and much more, this festival has all of the best tomato dishes covered.
- A Bloody Mary Market to meet all of your tomato cocktail needs
What better way to celebrate the Creole tomato than to pay homage to the definitive signature tomato cocktail, the Bloody Mary! The Bloody Mary Market will be held 10 a.m.–5 p.m. in Dutch Alley. Taste Bloody Marys, Marias, and everything in between from top local restaurants and bars vying for “Best of the Fest” awards, which include Best Overall Bloody Mary, Most Creative Bloody Mary, and Best Bloody Mary Garnish.
- The freshest and most flavorful Creole tomatoes money can buy
Creole tomatoes are tomatoes grown in south Louisiana’s alluvial soil. They’re called “Creole tomatoes” by farmers to distinguish these tomatoes from those grown outside of south Louisiana. The Creole Tomato Festival always has flats upon flats overflowing with these tasty delicacies. If you’re looking for something to do with them, try one or all of our Creole Tomato recipes.
These are just a few of the reasons we’re looking forward to the 2019 Creole Tomato Festival. Head to their website for more information. We hope to see you there!
