The Oak Street Po-Boy Festival (commonly known as the Po-Boy Fest) is an annual celebration held in New Orleans, Louisiana, dedicated to the city’s iconic po-boy sandwich. It's typically held in mid-November on Oak Street in the Carrollton neighborhood, near the river bend in Uptown.
Key Features of the Po-Boy Festival:
Po-Boys Galore
- Dozens of local restaurants, food trucks, and pop-ups serve creative and classic versions of po-boys—everything from shrimp and roast beef to fried lobster, duck confit, and vegan varieties.
- Vendors often compete in categories like Best Traditional, Best Non-Traditional, and Best Seafood.
Live Music
- Multiple music stages featuring New Orleans brass bands, funk, zydeco, rock, and more.
- It’s a street party atmosphere, with bands playing right in the heart of the neighborhood.
Local Art and Crafts
- The festival includes a large arts market with local vendors selling crafts, clothing, jewelry, and art.
Cultural & Historical Programming
- Occasionally includes panels or exhibits highlighting the history of the po-boy, its origin during the streetcar strike of 1929, and its role in local culture.
Admission
- Free to enter, but attendees typically need to purchase a wristband (called a "Po-Boy Pass") to buy food from vendors.
- Proceeds benefit local organizations and help maintain the Oak Street commercial corridor.
Background on the Po-Boy
The po-boy sandwich originated in New Orleans in the late 1920s, reportedly as a way to feed striking streetcar workers (“poor boys”). It's usually served on crispy French bread, filled with fried seafood, meats, or vegetables, and often “dressed” with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayo.
If you're planning to attend, it's best to:
- Arrive early—it gets crowded fast.
- Use public transportation (the streetcar runs nearby).
- Bring cash or a card for vendors and drinks.