There’s something in the air this weekend—and it smells like sizzling crawfish, sounds like brass horns wailing into a blue sky, and feels like the heat of the South with the soul of New Jersey.
Michael Arnone’s Crawfish Fest is back for its 32nd year, and it’s transforming the Sussex County Fairgrounds into a full-on New Orleans block party—complete with zydeco beats, swamp blues, Creole soul, and the kind of food that makes your fingers messy and your heart happy.
📍 Where: Augusta, NJ
📅 When: May 30 – June 1, 2025
🎟️ Why: Because where else can you camp out, dance like no one’s watching, and eat like you’re in Lafayette?
🐊 What to Expect: Three Days of Pure Louisiana Soul
Crawfish Fest isn’t just an event—it’s a ritual. A pilgrimage. A chance to celebrate Southern music, food, and culture in one of the most beautiful corners of Northwest Jersey. With four stages, over twenty artists, on-site camping, and food that’ll transport you straight to the bayou, it’s no wonder this has become a can’t-miss tradition.
From Friday night jams to Sunday slow strolls through the fairgrounds, there’s a rhythm for every soul—and enough crawfish étouffée, jambalaya, and beignets to keep you fueled for the whole weekend.
🎧 Bonus: Warm up with a special live broadcast of “What is Hip?!” on JamFest Radio, airing Friday night—a tribute to New Orleans music that sets the perfect tone before the first note even drops.
🔥 2025 Lineup: Where Funk, Soul, Blues & Brass Collide
This year’s lineup reads like a roll call of New Orleans royalty and rising Southern stars. Whether you’re a diehard fan of the funk or curious about Creole rhythms, there’s no filler—just pure musical fire.
Must-See Acts Include:
- Galactic feat. Jelly Joseph – Crescent City funk legends bringing high-energy brass-fueled grooves
- Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen – British-born piano wizard with deep NOLA roots
- George Porter Jr. & The Runnin’ Pardners – Funk pioneer from The Meters, still groovin’ strong
- Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience – Grammy-winning zydeco king delivering two fiery sets
- Marcia Ball – Queen of Texas-Louisiana boogie, blues, and bayou soul
- Southern Avenue – Genre-blending Memphis powerhouse with soul to spare
- Bonerama – Trombone-heavy rock and funk that only New Orleans could birth
- Stanton Moore – The drumbeat of Galactic, taking center stage
- Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. – Wild showmanship, washboard flair, and zydeco heat
- Corey Harris – Acoustic blues and African-influenced roots storytelling
- Carolyn Wonderland – Texas blues-rock queen with a guitar that growls
- Maggie Koerner – Soulful vocals with indie attitude
- Eddie 9V – Young blood with old-school blues fire
- Johnny Sketch & The Dirty Notes – Funk-laced NOLA jam band party
- Ocean Avenue Stompers – Jersey’s own brass band bringing Bourbon Street to the Northeast
- Amis Du Teche – Traditional Cajun spirit in two heart-filled sets
- United By Music USA – Inspiring, inclusive performances full of soul
- Cold Hill – Appalachian roots meet rock edge
- Uncle Shoehorn’s Big Easy – Local funk outfit with French Quarter flair
- Live Art by Frenchy – Watch paintings come to life as music pulses around them
🎷 Want the full schedule? Click here to get all the details, camping info, ticket tiers, and festival maps.
🦐 Come Hungry, Stay Inspired
This isn’t just a music fest—it’s a feast for the senses. If you’re here for the food (and who isn’t?), prepare yourself for the most authentic Louisiana eats this side of the Mississippi. We’re talking:
- Fresh-boiled Crawfish by the pound
- Spicy Jambalaya and gumbo
- Crispy Alligator sausage po’ boys
- Sweet Beignets dusted in powdered sugar
- Cool off with Abita beer or sweet tea as you stroll the fairgrounds
Food vendors come straight from the South—or are so seasoned in Cajun cuisine they might as well be. Trust us: this is the kind of food that gets talked about long after the music fades.
🎪 Festival Tips: Make the Most of Crawfish Fest
- Come early, stay late: Gates open early, and with four stages running, you’ll want time to explore.
- Bring your camping gear: On-site camping turns the festival into a full weekend escape.
- Pack for fun: Sunscreen, lawn chairs, funky hats, and comfortable shoes are a must.
- Get involved: Visit the merch booths, meet the artists, and don’t be shy about dancing in the aisles.
And most importantly: don’t forget to grab a plate of crawfish before the day’s out.
🎤 Why It Matters
Michael Arnone’s Crawfish Fest isn’t just a party—it’s a cultural exchange. It’s a reminder that music and food have the power to bring people together, cross borders, and build community. Year after year, this New Jersey gem honors the legacy of Louisiana while showcasing local talent and creating a homegrown space for celebration.
Whether you’re dancing to a brass band, swaying to a soulful ballad, or getting your fingers dirty with crawfish shells and hot sauce, one thing’s for sure: you’ll leave with a full heart, a full belly, and stories to tell.
🎺 Explore more New Jersey events and festivals
🦞 The bayou is calling—right here in Augusta, NJ. Let the good times roll.