Downtown Chandler will feel a little bit like New Orleans on Saturday as chefs and restaurants serve their versions of gumbo, po'boy sandwiches, etouffee and catfish.
The Southwest Cajun Fest returns to Dr. A.J. Chandler Park on Saturday, April 21 from noon to 9 p.m.
Before you go, here is a look at what you can expect:
NEW ORLEANS-STYLE FOOD WITH AN ARIZONA TWIST
More than 15 restaurants and food trucks are scheduled to be at the festival, serving a combination of New Orleans-style cuisine, like gumbo and crawfish boil, as well as Arizona twists like barbecue catfish and shrimp etoufee.
Jen Pruett, the public relations manager for HDE Agency, which produces the event, said catering company Treatery will have a tank with live crawfish at the festival. People will even be able to pick out their own crawfish!
Other restaurants include Angry Crab Shack, Bayou Bistro, Honey Bear's BBQ, Jamburritos, JJ's Lousiana BBQ, Stacy's off the Hook, and White Mountain Food Co.
EATING COMPETITIONS
Make sure to grab a friend with a hearty appetite to try and tackle one of the eating competitions. The festival will have three of them:
- Watermelon, 4:15 p.m.
- Wings, 4:45 p.m.
- Crawfish, 5:15 p.m.
A sign-up booth will be in the main festival area from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. The first competition starts at 4:15 p.m.
MUSIC
San Diego-based Little Hurricane, a rock and blues band, will headline this year's festival.
The Urban Renewal Project, Stan Sorenson & The Jazz Prose, The Hoodoo Casters, and FunkHaus Brass Band will also perform.
TICKETS
Tickets are $10 when bought online and $15 at the door. They include admission to the festival, eating competitions and music. Food and drink are additional.
There is no admission fee for children 12 and under.
Parking is free.
IF YOU GO:
Southwest Cajun Festival
Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S Arizona Ave, Chandler, AZ 85225
April 21, noon to 9 p.m.
Admission: $10 - $15, plus food
https://www.southwestcajunfest.com
