Oak Street Po' Boy Festival

What is the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival?

The Oak Street Po-Boy Festival highlights not only the importance of the po-boy itself, but also the rebirth of a once-thriving shopping district with roots as deep as the neighborhood itself. Carrollton was a separate city until it was annexed by New Orleans in 1874, and Oak Street was its commercial hub. At Oak Street Po-Boy Fest, try dozens of varieties of po-boys in the Uptown Carrollton neighborhood. It’s a block party with multiple stages of live music, an arts market, and lots of other food for the taking. The food lineup is usually released in the days before the festival, but expect everything from oysters Rockefeller po-boys to smoked beef cheek po-boys to deep fried buffalo shrimp banh mi and vegan oyster mushroom po-boys.

Presented by Tony Chachere’s, a portion of the proceeds from the festival are donated to Son of a Saint, a mentoring non-profit for young boys in New Orleans.

History of the Po-Boy

The history of the iconic New Orleans sandwich, the po-boy, is steeped in rich tradition. Originating in the late 1920s, during a streetcar strike, the sandwich was created as a way to support struggling workers. The term "po-boy" came from the name "poor boy," representing the working-class individuals that the sandwich was made for. The classic po-boy consists of French bread, typically filled with fried seafood like shrimp or oysters, dressed with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayo. Over the years, the po' boy has evolved to include various fillings, reflecting the vibrant flavors and cultural influences of New Orleans cuisine. Today, it stands as a beloved culinary symbol of the city's history and culinary heritage.

When is Oak Street Po-Boy Festival?

This year, the festival will take place on Sunday, October 27, 2024. 

Where is the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival? 

Oak Street Po-Boy Fest is held outdoors along Oak Street, beginning at Oak and S. Carrollton Avenue. 

During the festival, merchants along the Oak Street commercial corridor open their doors for browsers and buyers alike, offering a wide variety of merchandise ranging from vintage books and jewelry, to works of art and unique apparel. Coffee shops and cozy little dining establishments offer their specialties, as well as VIP lounges.

Where can I find more information about The Oak Street Po-Boy Festival?  

For more information about the festival, including a list of vendors and ticket sale updates, visit the event website here. 

What Food Vendors will be at The Oak Street Po-Boy Festival? 

Fried shrimp, oysters and catfish, along with ham and cheese and roast beef are the favorites but there are over 40 choices of food and beverage vendors to choose from! You can order them "dressed" with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and mayo or "naked" without the condiments. Either way they are delicious!