GATOR By The BAY- Zydeco, Blues and Crawfish Festival
May 7-10
GATOR By The BAY Opens with Free Thursday Party, Kicking Off Four Days of Mardi Gras in May
Laissez les bons temps rouler! The belovedGator By The Bay Zydeco, Blues and Crawfish Festival returns May 7–10, transforming Spanish Landing Park into the most authentic Louisiana cultural celebration on the West Coast. Produced by theBon Temps Social Club of San Diego and Omega Events , the four-day festival brings the spirit of the bayou to San Diego Bay with more than 100 live performances across seven stages, vibrant Mardi Gras-style celebrations and 10,000 pounds of crawfish trucked in directly from Louisiana. The good times start early this year with a free Thursday kickoff party at the Festival Stage beginning at 5 p.m.
The Thursday Kick-Off Party invites San Diegans to get a taste of the bayou before the full festival begins, featuring an acoustic music jam, dancing, food trucks and beverages, along with a special meet-and-greet with GRAMMY®-winning musician Wilson Savoy, bandleader of the celebrated Cajun group The Pine Leaf Boys. The lively evening sets the tone for a weekend of music, culture and celebration along the San Diego Bay.
Headlining the 2026 festival are some of the most celebrated names in Zydeco, Cajun, New Orleans funk, and blues music, including NOLA musical icons Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen and Dumpstaphunk, led by Ivan and Ian Neville, plus GRAMMY® Award winner Chubby Carrier, Zydeco favoriteGeno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie, and blues powerhouseRick Estrin & The Nightcats. The lineup also features The Pine Leaf Boys, led by GRAMMY® winner Wilson Savoy, acclaimed vocalist John Németh with the Johnny Vernazza Band, Kirk Fletcher & Erika Baier, and the crowd-favorite Western Swing Kickoff featuring Deke Dickerson & Mitch Polzak. The festival always features an array of San Diego’s favorite artists, and this year includes Sue Palmer’s Black & Blues, Gregory Page, The Farmers, Whitney Shay with Laura Chavez, Kimmi Bitter, The Sleepwalkers and the Euphoria & Chunky Hustle Brass Bands.
“What makes Gator By The Bay special is the way it brings people together,” said Rich Sherman, producer of Gator By The Bay. “Every year we bring the sounds of Louisiana, incredible Cajun and Creole food and a whole lot of dancing to San Diego. For four days in May, the San Diego Bay turns into a celebration of music, culture and the spirit of Mardi Gras.”
Beyond the music, Gator By The Bay immerses visitors in the traditions, flavors and spirit of Louisiana. Festivalgoers can savor authentic Creole and Cajun dishes, including 10,000 pounds of crawfish trucked in straight from Louisiana – along with gumbo, po’boys, beignets and other Southern specialties from top vendors in the Bourbon Street food court.
Food lovers won’t want to miss the Taste of Louisiana Cooking Pavilion, where Southern chefs bring the bayou to San Diego through lively cooking demonstrations and hands-on experiences. Guests can watch chefs prepare Cajun and Creole classics and pick up a few culinary secrets along the way.
Held over Mother’s Day weekend, Gator By The Bay has become a favorite destination for families to celebrate together. Alongside great music and authentic Louisiana food, kids can enjoy playful activities and open spaces to dance and explore. Children 17 and under receive free admission with a paid adult, making it easy for the whole family to join the fun.
While the music sets the tone, dancing is where the magic really happens. At the Bon Temps Social Club Dance Pavilion, guests of all ages and experience levels are invited to join free dance lessons led by expert instructors. Whether you’re trying Zydeco for the first time or perfecting your Cajun two-step, it’s all about jumping in, finding the rhythm and sharing the dance floors at the Mardi Gras, Festival, and Bourbon Street stages.
Festivalgoers can also stroll through the dazzling Mardi Gras Market, where juried artists and vendors offer everything from handmade jewelry and artwork to musical instruments, festival merchandise and gourmet treats.
Since 2012, Gator By The Bay has served as an official ambassador of Louisiana, bringing the state’s vibrant culture, music and traditions to Southern California. From the sounds of accordion, fiddle and rubboard to the aroma of crawfish boiling and gumbo simmering, the festival transforms San Diego Bay into a true bayou celebration.
A quick recap:
Guests can enjoy more than 100 performances across seven stages, Mardi Gras parades, cooking demos, dance floors and 10,000 pounds of fresh crawfish, while the Bayou Grove Stage offers storytelling, workshops and jam sessions that dive into the rich heritage of Zydeco, Cajun music and life in Southwest Louisiana.
For tickets and additional information, please visit gatorbythebay.com.
ABOUT GATOR BY THE BAY:
Founded in 2001, Gator By The Bay is held annually on Mother’s Day weekend at Spanish Landing Park along San Diego Bay across from San Diego International Airport. The festival features more than 100 performances on seven stages, Mardi Gras-style parades, authentic Louisiana cuisine including 10,000 pounds of crawfish, expansive dance floors with lessons, and music spanning zydeco, Cajun, blues, New Orleans funk, rockabilly, salsa, swing, rock ’n roll and New Orleans jazz.
Gator By The Bay is proudly supported by the San Diego Tourism Marketing District, the San Diego Arts & Culture Commission, The Port District and the State of Louisiana, whose support helps bring the traditions, music and culinary heritage of Louisiana to the San Diego community.
