Festivals with a Cause
Some of the festivals in New Orleans not only offer a good time, but a portion or all of their proceeds are donated to local causes. Here are some of the best New Orleans festivals that raise funds for good causes!
Earth Fest
New Orleans’ Earth Fest is presented by the Audubon Nature Institute and is held at the Audubon Zoo. The price for this event is included with Zoo admission or Audubon Nature Institute membership.
Earth Fest presents a fun way for zoo visitors to learn about environmental preservation. Exhibitors representing groups from governmental and non-profit sectors, along with businesses involved with ecological issues/awareness, will be here to answer questions and hand out prizes on the Earth Quest game. You can also find delicious food and awesome crafts for purchase as well!
Boudin, Bourbon and Beer
This event is held by the Emeril Lagasse Foundation in Champions Square. The Boudin, Bourbon and Beer Festival is a one-day event that brings together over 50 leading chefs to show off the various delicious ways you can cook Louisiana sausage.
Tickets for this event usually go on sale in August, the festival is held in the fall, and you must be 21 years or older to attend. In addition to the plethora of mouth-watering food and drinks included in your ticket, there is also a dancing area and music stage.
The festival raises money for the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, which supports non-profit organizations that provide life skills development, culinary training, educational programs, and cultural enrichment in the communities where Emeril’s restaurants operate.
Festigals
This annual event is presented by Festigals and empowers, supports, and celebrates women of all backgrounds. It also rallies for causes related to women’s well-being. The Festigals festival has several New Orleans-themed activities designed for women by women.
Hogs for the Cause
The Hogs for the Cause festival is presented by Hogs for the Cause and is located in UNO Lakefront Arena. This festival takes place for two days every spring when the Hogs for the Cause bring together some of the top chefs, musicians, and barbeque teams from New Orleans and around the country. Hogs for the Cause raises money for children fighting brain cancer.
Festival attendees can sample dishes and vote for their favorites by donating to that team. In addition to all of the delicious cuisine, you’ll also get to enjoy some fantastic music all weekend as well!
Red Dress Run
The Red Dress Run is presented by New Orleans Hash House Harriers, a local drinking club that loves running, every year on the second Saturday in August. The run typically begins in the French Quarter or Marigny neighborhoods in New Orleans. The runners, with their drinks in hand, of course, continue through the French Quarter and spend the day celebrating.
You can sign up for the Red Dress Run on their website, and registration usually includes live music, beers for the run, and donations to local charities.
Looking for some other fun activities to do while you’re in town for the festivals and events? Come fishing with us at Whiskey Bayou Charters; we’re a fishing charter located in Delacroix, Louisiana, just a hop, skip, and a jump away from downtown New Orleans.
