As New Orleanians reminisce about the surprising, historic snowfall that blanketed parts of Louisiana and The Gulf Coast with almost a foot of snow three weeks ago, and hosting NFL Super Bowl LIX a few days ago, things have returned to normal and Mardi Gras season is in full swing. The smell of fresh king cake and the first crawfish boils of the season waft through the air, and the usual sights and din of everyday life are punctuated by the sounds of brass bands and the rhythm line of high school marching bands practicing before they take to the streets in the many Mardi Gras parades of the season. Mardi Gras marks the beginning of the spring festival season and that means that in just a little over 100 days, Michael Arnone’s 32nd Annual Crawfish Festival will return to New Jersey, May 30 – June 1, 2025, to showcase the best food and music that Louisiana and New Orleans have to offer.
Michael Arnone’s 32nd Annual Crawfish Festival welcomes Grammy Award winning and nominated musicians and more to two stages this year including: GALACTIC featuring Jelly Joseph, Grammy winner George Porter Jr and Runnin’ Pardners, Grammy winner Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, two-time Grammy winner Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience, Grammy winner Stanton Moore, five-time Grammy nominee Marcia Ball, Grammy nominee Southern Avenue, Bonerama, Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters, Corey Harris, Carolyn Wonderland, Maggie Koerner, Eddie 9V, Amis Du Teche, Johnny Sketch and The Dirty Notes, United By Music USA, Ocean Avenue Stompers, Cold Hill, and Uncle Shoehorn’s Big Easy. The full stage schedule can be found on the Crawfish Fest website.
In addition to top notch Louisiana musical talent, the festival showcases authentic Louisiana cuisine that is difficult to find anywhere in the Northeast. Featured items include Michael’s Jambalaya made with Savoie’s smoked pork sausage/chicken, cooked in five 45-gallon cast iron pots, Crawfish Etouffee made with Louisiana Crawfish tail meat and other Louisiana regional dishes.
Saturday or Sunday day tickets, Saturday/Sunday Combo Tickets, 3-day camping/admission tickets and Glamping Tents (which include admission) that will provide campers with a large tent, bed, linens, outdoor chairs, and more are now available on Eventbrite
Campers are treated to Camper Only sets on Friday and Saturday Evening with free jambalaya on Friday for dinner. The 2025 CFF includes a limited number of “Glamping” tickets. Our new Interactive Hotel Map will make it simpler to find local lodging and shuttle services. Free Parking, Kids under 14 free with parents. Service animals only.
While you wait for Michael Arnone’s 32nd Annual Crawfish Fest to return to New Jersey with the fantastic music and food of Louisiana, you can enjoy a bit of Mardi Gras at home with king cake from Haydel’s Bakery, Gambino’s Bakery or Caluda’s, and Jambalaya using some of Michael’s own Jambalaya Mix available online. Gambino’s King Cake Rum Cream is also available from their online store.
Michael is also taking bookings for his 2025 Jambalaya Tour, where he will stop and cook in his 45 gallon cast iron pots at your corporate picnic, private party, wedding or festival using his 5 #60 custom cast iron pots where he can cook for up to 2,000 people without turning over his pots. Finally, don’t forget about your discount for the Big Easy Cruise through Crawfish Fest which includes an exclusive CFF event on-board and sets sail January 18-2026, from Ft. Lauderdale, FL., with stops in New Orleans, LA., and Cozumel, Mexico. Cabins are selling quickly, and you don’t want to miss out on this amazing cruise featuring New Orleans musicians.
