Description

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The mirliton (a.k.a chayote) is a pear-shaped, light green vegetable with little in the way of flavor, but much to love. Stuffed with seafood, this humble vegetable has been a staple on Creole menus and family tables in New Orleans for generations. Naturally, one of the funkiest neighborhoods in New Orleans saw fit to celebrate the beloved, oddball vegetable. Held at the Mickey Markey Park in the Bywater, directly east of the French Quarter, the Mirliton Festival is a homegrown celebration that has grown from a small neighborhood festival into, well, a slightly bigger celebration of the quirky mirliton.

Look for food vendors and cooking demonstrations from Marigny and Bywater restaurants like The Joint, Café Roux and Satsuma Café, and unusual concoctions, including mirliton-flavored popsicles from French Quarter favorite, Meltdown Popsicles. Buy local arts and crafts honoring the mirliton, or stick around for the always interesting lineup of local musicians performing at the festival.

Check the Calendar of Events to find out more about what’s happening in the Big Easy!

Details

Location: Mickey Markey Park - 3300 Royal St., New Orleans

Times: 11 am - 7 pm.

Price: Admission is free; food prices vary.