food vendor application
Application Deadline is Monday, January 6 at 10:00 pm (CT)
Food Vendor Applications are now open for the Congo Square Rhythms Festival
The Congo Square Rhythms Festivals will take place March 29-30, 2025 at Louis Armstrong Park (701 N. Rampart Street) in New Orleans. The food vendor application deadline is Monday, January 6 at 10:00 pm (CT)
Vendor Fees
Hot Food Vendors: Booth Fee – $700
Refundable Litter/Damage Deposit: $200. (Refundable if booth space is left clean and sales report turned in)
Dessert Vendors: Booth Fee – $400 (no deposit required)
The application deadline is Monday, January 6 at 10:00 pm (CT)
Contact: vendors@jazzandheritage.org // 504-558-6100
The Congo Square Rhythms Festival is a celebration of the music, dance, and cultural heritage rooted in the historic Congo Square of New Orleans. This lively festival showcases the deep African and Caribbean influences that have shaped the city’s soundscape, featuring dynamic performances from jazz, African drumming and dance, reggae, and brass bands. Alongside the music, attendees can enjoy cultural exhibits, kid’s activities, a local arts market, and local cuisine, all embodying the diverse traditions that make New Orleans a cultural treasure.
The festival takes place from 10:45 am to 7:30 p.m. at Louis Armstrong Park, 701 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116 on Saturday, March 29th, and Sunday, March 30th.
Only restaurants or caterers who are fully licensed, permitted, and insured for selling food to the public in Orleans Parish will be considered.
The culinary curation celebrates the fusion of flavors that define New Orleans’ diverse landscape. Featuring a carefully selected array of food vendors and chefs, the festival offers every participant a chance to savor traditional Creole and African-influenced dishes that reflect the heritage of Congo Square. From spicy jambalaya to flavorful gumbo and innovative Afro-Caribbean fare, the culinary offerings highlight the historical influences and contemporary creativity that make the city’s cuisine unique.
Vendors will be chosen based on several criteria; wholesome food that is made from scratch, how well they fit into the festival’s theme, who can collectively offer the greatest assortment of food samplings, (which include other options including vegetarian and vegan dishes), and of course food that is made with love. No carnival-type food will be considered. Vendors will also agree to refrain from using monosodium glutamate(MSG) as well as High Fructose Corn Syrup in their recipes.
All applicants will receive notices about whether or not they are invited to participate and those accepted will receive a contract to confirm their participation. Previous participation in this festival does not guarantee acceptance.
Festival sustainability
In line with our commitment to hosting environmentally sustainable events, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation has enforced a ban on plastic utensil packs, styrofoam and all non-compostable serving containers at our festivals. Acceptable alternatives include utensil packs made from materials like bamboo, which decompose much more quickly than plastic, reducing overall waste. All participating vendors are required to comply with these guidelines as part of our broader mission to fest responsibly.
Dessert vendors
Dessert Vendors please make a note of this in your application, as your menu will not be held to comparable restrictions, and your contract will be different. The booth fee for dessert vendors is $300. You will need to supply your own 10×10 tent. Please proceed with filling out the application.
Hot Food Vendors
Hot/Savory Food Vendors, before proceeding to the application, please read the Food Vendor Information Guide which explains in detail all that is required before you can be accepted to vend with the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation.