Bienvenue, food lovers and fun-seekers, to the most mouth-watering extravaganza this side of the Mississippi – the Oak Street Po’ Boy Festival, hitting the heart of New Orleans on Sunday, November 19, 2023. I’m Karen Brem, Marketing Director of the Historic Mardi Gras Inn, and your guide to getting the most out of this carb-loaded, culture-rich festival.
Picture this: seven blocks of Oak Street in the Garden District/Uptown area transformed into a bustling boulevard of the best bites in the Big Easy. The Po’ Boy Festival isn’t just a celebration of New Orleans’ iconic sandwich; it’s a homage to history. Born out of necessity during a streetcar strike in the late 1920s, the po’ boy was a hearty reprieve for “poor boys” on the picket lines. Today, we honor their struggle with a feast that would make those original strikers proud.
With over 60 varieties of po’ boys on offer, you’ll need to bring an appetite as big as a Mardi Gras float. From the classic fried oyster and shrimp po’ boys dripping with remoulade to hearty beef, tangy ham and cheese, and even vegan creations that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about “rabbit food” – there’s a po’ boy for every palate.
But it’s not just about stuffing your face – though let’s be real, that’s a big part of it. Multiple stages will feature live music that’ll have you burning off those calories by dancing in the streets. Jazz, blues, funk – if it’s got a beat, we’ve got it on repeat. And when you need to cool off from the Louisiana heat or the hot sauce, there will be plenty of beverages for all ages. From fizzy sodas to local brews, your whistle will be wetter than a stormy day in the Crescent City.
Don’t forget to peruse the outdoor art market, where the vibrancy of New Orleans culture is captured in every brush stroke and sculpture. Support local artists and take home a piece of the festival spirit – because the memories are free, but the art is so worth it.
Now, let’s talk logistics. Where are you going to rest your weary head after a day of feasting and festivities? Look no further than the Historic Mardi Gras Inn, where Southern charm meets comfort. We’re not just a place to stay; we’re your home base for all things NOLA. From our doorstep, the entire city is at your fingertips, and the Po’ Boy Festival is just a po’ hop, skip, and a jump away.
So, why should you book with us at the Historic Mardi Gras Inn? Because we understand that the only thing better than a good po’ boy is a great night’s sleep. Our beds are so comfy, you’ll dream of po’ boys dancing in your head. And our hospitality? Sweeter than a beignet from Café du Monde.
Now, a word to the wise: come to the festival with a strategy. Start light with a mini shrimp po’ boy, then work your way up to the behemoth beef. Save room for a vegan surprise, and pace yourself. Remember, it’s not a sprint; it’s a marathon – a delicious, savory marathon.
So, mark your calendars, loosen your belts, and prepare for a Sunday fun day like no other at the Oak Street Po’ Boy Festival. Whether you’re a po’ boy pro or a sandwich newbie, there’s something for everyone at this feast for the senses. And when the day is done, the Historic Mardi Gras Inn will be waiting to tuck you in and treat you like the po’ boy royalty you are.
Laissez les bons temps rouler, and let the good po’ boys roll! See you there, folks – it’s going to be a festival to remember!