It’s the most fun this side of the bayou—Mardi Gras in May, y’all! Enjoy 4 days of nonstop music, dancing, and good eating, with authentic Creole & Cajun fare and 10,000 lbs of crawfish flown straight from the bayous.
Catch cooking demos by Southern chefs, join dance lessons, and soak up the sound across 7 stages of live music. With 100+ acts, all-day entertainment, and fun for the whole family (both big & little gators), you’ll be smiling the Bon Temps way—because that’s how it’s done.
Dance lessons keep things moving at the Bon Temps Social Club Dance Pavilion, where all ages and experience levels are welcome. Whether it’s your first step or your favorite way to spend the day, it’s an easygoing spot to jump in and have fun together.
Free lessons led by top dance instructors help everyone get comfortable on the floor, with styles that range from classic to high-energy. No pressure. no performances. just shared laughs, simple steps, and plenty of room to find your rhythm.
Experience a parade of real-deal Creole and Cajun flavors—featuring 10,000 pounds of live crawfish fresh from the bayou. Savor chef-led cooking demos, jump into hands-on classes, and feast on beignets, po’boys, gumbo, and more from our top-notch vendors. It’s an honest-to-goodness Louisiana throwdown, served up San Diego–style.
Visit the Taste of Louisiana Cooking Pavilion on Saturday and Sunday for a hands-on experience with top chefs—and bring back the bayou to your kitchen!
Looking for a "little something extra" to sweeten your festival good times? Stroll through the Mardi Gras Market, where you’ll find stylish clothing, eye-catching jewelry, art, official festival merch, musical instruments, and gourmet treats—plus plenty of Mother’s Day–worthy finds.
Browse booths from juried artists and makers with treasures for every budget, then treat yourself to a statement necklace, a favorite artist’s CD, a handmade vase, or the perfect dance skirt. You’ll head home with keepsakes that carry the spirit of Gator By The Bay long after the music fades.
Since 2012, Gator By The Bay has been an official ambassador of Louisiana, sharing the state’s vibrant culture, traditions, and joie de vivre in San Diego. Experience the lively spirit of Cajun and Creole culture with authentic food, music, art, and history.
At the Bayou Grove Stage, headlining musicians tell stories, demo instruments, and lead workshops, jam sessions, and presentations. Kick back on straw bales under the oak and eucalyptus trees and soak up the bayou vibes.Curious about Cajun vs. Zydeco, the meaning of “zydeco,” or life in Southwest Louisiana? This stage offers an immersive taste of it all.
Check the schedule and don’t miss this festival gem!
Gator By The Bay has something for all ages! Alongside great music and authentic Louisiana eats, families can enjoy kid-friendly activities all festival long. Kids 17 and under enter FREE with a paid adult, making it easy to bring the whole crew
.Little ones love the lively bands, colorful sights, and playful spirit—dance, roll down a hill, or relax under the shade of a tree. Set up your family’s spot with a towel or chairs and enjoy the festival safely with a fenced site and on-hand security. Fun, music, and memories await!
