2019 Treme Fall Fest (English version)

Dancing to brass bands in the Tremé, mere feet from the stone steps of the nearly two-centuries-old African American church, sounds like a scene from a cinematic idealization of New Orleans. But for several years in a row, it’s been a reality, as the Tremé Fall Festival throws a serious party in the blocks connecting Henriette Delille, Tremé and Gov. Nicholls Streets — during the first weekend of October, just as the weather is getting nice. This year, the Fest will be held on Saturday, October 5, 10:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.

One of the nation’s first African American neighborhoods, Tremé has faced some historically important changes in the years following Hurricane Katrina. This cherished neighborhood has numerous cultural destinations including the New Orleans African-American Museum (NOAMM), Backstreet Cultural Museum, Congo square, and the oldest African-American Catholic church in the United States, the historic St. Augustine Church (1210 Governor Nicholls St.).
The festival honors the unique history and heritage of the neighborhood. It was developed by the Historic Faubourg Tremé Association to benefit those cultural destinations found within the historical community of Tremé. The organization has been instrumental in the fight to preserve the culture, music, food, and architecture of this unique historic neighborhood. In the past, proceeds from Tremé Fall Fest benefited St. Augustine Church and the Tomb of the Unknown Slave — for example, to paint the church exterior and perform building repairs.

The free, donation-based festival features arts and craft vendors, face painting, free health screenings, tours of St. Augustine Church, and, of course, entertainment from New Orleans musical royalty. Tremé is famous for its music, with the annual festival lineup to match. Tremé All Stars, Olympia Brass Band, John Boutte, Hot 8 Brass Band, and Dwayne Dopsie & Zydeco Hellraisers had all performed at this festival in the past.
All day, you’ll find most of the action in front of St. Augustine Church on the 1100 block of Henriette Delille Street. Festival-goers are welcome to bring chairs and blankets and set up picnics

Music Lineup 

Some of the greatest sounds of the city can be found in Treme. Each year, Treme Fall Fest brings out a lineup of the neighborhood’s greats. Both up-and-coming performers and longstanding favorites will grace the stage. This year’s lineup includes:  

11:00 - 11:40 a.m .Bon Bon Vivant (Traditional Jazz) 

11:00 - 11:40 a.m. Casa Samba Kids (Brazilian Drumming/Costumes)

12:00 - 12:45 p.m. Wanda Rouzan and a Taste of New Orleans with Naydja CoJoe  (NOLA R&B) 

12:45 - 1:05 p.m. Casa Samba Kids (Brazilian Drumming/Costumes)

1:05 - 1:50 p.m. Dawn Richard (R&B)

2:05 - 2:50 p.m. Brown Sugar featuring Jaz Butler NEO (Soul) 

3:00 - 3:15 p.m. H F T A P R E S E N T A T I O N

3:15 - 4:00 p.m. Treme “All-Stars” Feat. Shannon Powell  (NOLA Jazz & Blues)  

4:00 - 4:30 p.m. J&J BB/Tramps/ Zulu Conn. (BB/Stilt Walkers/Indians/Drums)

4:30 - 5:30 p.m. The NOLA RESISTANCE (R&B, Jazz and Funk)

5:30 - 6:00 p.m. Free Agents BB / Zulu Connection (BB/Walkers/Indians/Drums)

6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Kermit Ruffins & The BBQ Swingers (Jazz)

Food Vendors

What’s a fest without food? Treme Fall Fest vendors include a handful of local restaurants, chefs, and caterers who know and love classic New Orleans cuisine. Treme Fall Fest 2019 food vendors are:  

Tiger's Creole Cuisine

Lil' Dustin's Italian Ice

Fatma’s Cozy Corner

J's Seafood Dock

Bolingo's Plant-Based Kitchen (Vegan) 

Direct Select Seafood

14 Parishes

Sprouts Organic Cafe

Arts + Culture

In addition to local music and food, Treme Fall Fest is filled with fun activities and arts that are reflective of the neighborhood’s rich culture and history. Guests can expect second lines, stilt-walkers, artist tents and more. This year’s featured arts and craft vendors are below:

Baobab Tree Designs

Cavalier Expressions - Urban Art

De'Vard Designs

MsCrochetjig's Creative Crochet 

Stuart McClean

Wilfred Designs

And more!

Tickets + Admission 

As always, the Treme Fall Fest is free and open to all! The Historic Faubourg Tremé Association (HFTA) does kindly ask and appreciate donations in any amount, which will go into supporting the Treme community.