San Diego’s 14th annual Gator by the Bay, the largest Louisiana-themed music and food festival this side of the bayou, will be held from Thursday through Sunday, May 7 through 10, at the Spanish Landing Park on North Harbor Drive, across from San Diego International Airport. Presented by San Diego’s Bon Temps Social Club, it features four days of live music, with more than 85 musical acts on six stages, along with 10,000 pounds of crawfish trucked from Louisiana, nonstop dancing, shopping, playing and eating on San Diego Bay.
Dance floors will twirl to Cajun waltzes, two-stepping, swinging and jitterbugging to blues and boogie-woogie or moving to spicy Latin sounds. “This is a festival where there is something for everyone,” said Peter Oliver, a festival producer. “I can guarantee that you will discover something that you haven’t seen, heard or tasted before.”
Since its inception in 2001, the festival has grown to showcase not only Grammy winning Cajun and zydeco artists directly from Louisiana but also legendary Chicago and California blues artists, rockabilly and roots performers and award-winning salsa and Latin bands. With approximately 20,000 attendees, the festival is an annual must-do for enthusiasts of all ages, who come from throughout California and 39 states, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia, New Zealand and Australia.
The festival will kick off with a concert headlined by BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet on May 7 from 6 to 10 p.m. Since forming in 1975, Grammy winners BeauSoleil are regarded as one of Cajun’s premiere music groups. Many local favorites, including Johnny Vernazza, Sue Palmer, Missy Andersen, Bayou Brothers, Euphoria Brass Band, Big John Anderson, Zydeco Mudbugs, Theo & the Zydeco Patrol, Billy Lee & the Swamp Critters, Manny Cepeda and Bill Magee.
The festival sports five wooden dance floors and two main stages, with free lessons throughout the day.
The French Quarter Food Court features the authentic tastes of Louisiana gumbo, jambalaya, po’ boys and etouffe. All areas of the festival are open to children. Activities include participating in the costumed Mardi-Gras parades and making outrageous hats with the Rad Hatter.
On the intimate Bayou Grove Stage, visiting musicians tell the stories about the heritage of their crafts. In the food pavilion, Louisiana and local chefs give cooking demos and tastings.
Thursday night concert tickets range from $25 to $95. Festival tickets range from $35 to $40, with discounts available for advance purchase and multiday passes. Children 17 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. Patron passes include a complimentary meal and personal meet-and-greets with festival headliners and complimentary craft beer from Redhook Brewery.
Find all festival, ticket, lodging, parking and free shuttle info at GatorBytheBay.com.
