The unmistakable sound, flavor, and energy of New Orleans is taking over Texas for one unforgettable day! On Saturday, September 20, 2025, the 2025 New Orleans Music & Culture Fest (NOLAMCF) will light up In recognition of this year’s significance, the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, we have made the thoughtful decision to change our festival venue from Levy Event Plaza in Irving, TX to Skyline Ranch in Dallas, TX (1801 E Wheatland Rd, Dallas, TX 75241).
Skyline Ranch holds a special place in our shared history, as it was one of the critical sites that provided supplies and support to evacuees from New Orleans in the aftermath of Katrina. As we gather in music, food, and culture, it is only fitting that we do so in a space that once served as a beacon of hope and relief for our community.
The Skyline Ranch venue offers the same vibrant, welcoming atmosphere you’ve come to love, with room for music, dancing, and celebrating the spirit of New Orleans. Most importantly, it gives us the opportunity to honor resilience, unity, and the unbreakable bond between New Orleans and the Dallas community.
We look forward to seeing you in Dallas for this historic celebration. Thank you for your continued support of the New Orleans Music and Culture Fest, we can’t wait to honor our past, celebrate our culture, and create new memories with you.
This year’s festival is uniquely special, as it coincides with the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina — a milestone that evokes
both reflection and pride in the enduring, resilient culture of New Orleans. For many who relocated to Texas and beyond, this
festival is a symbolic homecoming, a joyful tribute to the spirit that lives on in every second-line parade, every jazz riff, and
every shared meal.
Festival-goers can expect an electric lineup of entertainment that hits every note of New Orleans’ legendary soundscape. Smooth
jazz saxophonist Vandell Andrew will serenade the crowd, while iconic hip-hop duo Partners-N-Crime brings undeniable NOLA bounce to the stage. DJs like Yoshi and DJ Kevy Kev will keep the energy pulsing, alongside soulful performances from Bobby Falk Group. Plus, the wildly popular Urban Trivia game show will engage audiences with a playful, interactive twist that tests cultural
knowledge and keeps the crowd buzzing between acts.
But the music is just the beginning. The air will be filled with the irresistible aromas of New Orleans-inspired cuisine served up by a curated selection of food trucks and vendors, transporting taste buds straight to the French Quarter. Guests can explore the Crescent City Cultural Exhibit, a living gallery of the city’s rich art and history, or elevate their experience in the exclusive Lakefront VIP Section with premium views and perks. Families will delight in the Storyville Kids Zone, where the youngest attendees can enjoy games and activities in a festive, safe environment. And no NOLA celebration would be complete without second-line parades, spirited dance performances, and colorful art installations that transform the plaza into a true bayou bash in the heart of Texas.
In true New Orleans fashion, this year’s festival will debut a first-ever “Bead Cutting” ceremony, a vibrant twist on the traditional ribbon-cutting. Drawing inspiration from the beloved Mardi Gras bead tradition, where colorful beads symbolize the spirit of celebration, community, and connection, festivalgoers will participate in creating and linking a long, collaborative bead chain. This symbolic chain will be ceremoniously “cut” to officially launch the festival, representing not just the start of the day’s festivities, but also the growing partnership between GNO Connection and the City of Irving.
Mardi Gras beads, which trace back to the 19th-century parade krewes of New Orleans, represent more than just revelry; their hues of purple, green, and gold stand for justice, faith, and power. The Bead Cutting unites participants in a physical display of togetherness, setting the stage for a day of music, culture, and shared experiences. It’s a visual spectacle that captures the festival’s essence of unity and festivity.
Tickets & Details
● VIP Admission: $65
● General Admission (Ages 13+): $35
● Kids (Ages 5-12): $10
● Children under 5: Free
📅 Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
📍 Location: Levy Event Plaza, 501 E. Las Colinas Blvd, Irving, TX 75039
️ Tickets: Available HERE
Whether you’re a New Orleans native, a music lover, a foodie, or simply looking for a vibrant, family-friendly experience — the 2025 New Orleans Music & Culture Fest promises something unforgettable for everyone. Come celebrate the soul of the Crescent City, the resilience of its people, and the culture that continues to inspire the world.
SOURCE:
GNO Connection