What: Bayou Bon Vivant
When: May 16–18, 2025
Where: Town Point Park
Details: festevents.org/bayou
If you hear the sound of a second line or smell the distinctive aroma of Old Bay and crawfish boiling this weekend, that’s just the Bayou Bon Vivant Cajun Music, Food & Art Festival returning to Town Point Park.
The event runs Friday through Sunday May 16-18, bringing live crawfish (or mud bugs if you prefer) by the ton, a full lineup of Louisiana musicians and a healthy dash of regional art and food vendors. It’s one of Norfolk’s signature spring festivals, and this year’s schedule is packed.
Event Overview
The festival opens with a free lunch preview (food prices still apply) on Friday from noon to 2 p.m., followed by ticketed admission from 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday hours are noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday runs from noon to 6 p.m. The event takes place at Town Point Park, directly on the Elizabeth River waterfront.
Visitors can expect a mix of live music across two stages, a curated marketplace with more than 30 makers from New Orleans and the Southeast, a family area and educational wildlife exhibits featuring live reptiles and birds. Details on the daily schedule, pricing and activities are at festevents.org/bayou.
Food
Hard to believe we have to say this out loud, but yes, the food is a major draw. More than 8,000 pounds of live crawfish will be boiled on-site and served up with corn and potatoes and your hot sauce of choice (or if you’re a real pro, you’ll bring your own). You’ll also find staples like jambalaya, chicken and sausage gumbo, red beans and rice, shrimp and grits and fried gator tail. Beignets and chicory coffee round out the menu.
Everything is made to order and overseen by chefs with deep Louisiana roots. You can view the full food list and vendor information here.
Music & Entertainment
This year’s headliners include Tank and the Bangas, Better Than Ezra, The Soul Rebels, Bonerama and Big Sam’s Funky Nation. The full lineup features more than a dozen acts over three days, covering zydeco, brass band, funk, blues and indie rock.
Each day features its own distinct musical vibe. Friday leans into funk and soul. Saturday brings bigger acts with a party atmosphere. Sunday is lighter, but still delivers strong New Orleans roots performances. Set times are available here.
Getting to Norfolk & Parking
When parking in Downtown Norfolk, fear not. The city has more than 19,000 public parking spaces, including garages within easy walking distance of the park. The closest garages include:
- Waterside Garage (135 Waterside Dr.)
- Main Street Garage (110 W Main St.)
- MacArthur Center Garages (across the street from the park)
Full parking info is listed here.
Visitors coming from out of town can arrive via Amtrak to Norfolk Station or fly into Norfolk International Airport. The Tide light rail also stops a few blocks away at MacArthur Square Station. Those driving can find handy highway directions on the Festevents site here. Locals should consider riding the Tide or, if the weather cooperates, biking the Elizabeth River Trail to get to Town Point without worrying about parking.
For tickets, schedules, and full festival details, visit festevents.org/bayou.
