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Welcome to Creole Tomato Festival
Creole tomatoes aren’t a biological variety of tomatoes. Instead, their name reflects their place of origin, with the term “Creole” indicating that they come from Louisiana. Farmers use marketing strategies by promoting Creole tomatoes as a way of honoring the agricultural products of coastal Louisiana. Accordingly, the French Market Creole Tomato Festival is a summertime celebration of Southern Louisiana itself in the heart of New Orleans. Make sure to come hungry! Vendors will be on hand serving rich and flavorful dishes based around (you guessed it!) locally grown Creole tomatoes.
All About the Creole Tomato Festival
The 2023 French Market Creole Tomato Festival will be this fruity festival’s 37th annual run. This unique event was started as a way to celebrate Louisiana tomatoes, which thrive in Southern Louisiana’s subtropical climate. Tomato-centric events include cooking demonstrations, a tomato-eating contest, and of course, a Creole Tomato Parade. Gardeners and farmers can also learn more about how to grow tomatoes in Louisiana from organizations like the LSU AgCenter and the Native Plant Initiative.
The Creole Tomato Festival takes place at the French Market in New Orleans, which is widely recognized as the oldest operating market in the United States. This setting is an important aspect of the festival’s message, which focuses on the importance of Louisiana’s produce economy and the bountiful possibilities of Louisiana farmland.
Entertainment & Vendors
While the Creole Tomato Festival is about more than just food, there’s no doubt about the star of the show. Local vendors will be on hand to serve up their finest tomato-based creations. Make sure to try a stuffed Creole tomato from Ladelyo’s Creole Catering, a Creole tomato salad crepe from Holy Crepes!, or a simply delicious Creole tomato sammich from George’s Produce. Beautiful red tomatoes fresh off the vine will be on hand for anyone who wants to take an entire box home with them.
It wouldn’t be a festival in New Orleans without live music! The French Market Tomato Fest features a foot-stomping lineup on two separate stages. Festival goers can look forward to fun ensembles like the Shotgun Jazz Band, Where Ya At Brass Band, and the Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band. They can also enjoy community centered performances like Feathers of Freedom: A Black Masking Indians Music Experience. Zydeco fans should make sure not to miss Crawdaddy T’s Cajun Zydeco Review!
Festival Schedule & Details
The 37th annual French Market Creole Tomato Festival will take place during the daytime on June 10th and 11th, 2023. This free event features live music beginning at 10:30 AM on Saturday June 10th and 11:30 AM on Sunday June 11th. The festival can be found at the French Market and in the surrounding area along North Peters Street in the French Quarter.
Explore Louisiana with a Pearl River Tour
A yummy weekend at the French Market Creole Tomato Festival will make you curious about exploring Louisiana nature. Make sure to take an exciting trip into the Honey Island Swamp with Pearl River Swamp Tours!
A Honey Island tour will introduce you to the gorgeous scenery and incredible creatures that can only be found in the swamps of Louisiana. Honey Island Swamp tours are your best opportunity to immerse yourself in Louisiana’s beautiful environment. Create a memorable experience by reserving a Pearl River tour today!
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