Gretna Fest is back and bigger than ever, celebrating its 30th anniversary from October 4-6, 2024. What started as a small community event in 1994 has grown into one of Louisiana’s most anticipated festivals, attracting visitors from all over the region. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the New Orleans skyline, the festival promises three days of unforgettable live music, incredible food, and unique cultural experiences, making it the best place to #RevelontheRiver.
While Gretna Fest has grown to become a large-scale event, it still retains the charm and warmth of its community roots. Unlike New Orleans Jazz Fest or French Quarter Fest, which draw international attention and larger crowds, Gretna Fest maintains a more intimate atmosphere, allowing visitors to enjoy the music and festivities without feeling overwhelmed by the masses. This balance of growth while maintaining community spirit is part of what makes Gretna Fest unique.
A Stellar Musical Lineup
This year’s festival features performances from some of the biggest names in music, with Dierks Bentley, the Steve Miller Band, and The Revivalists headlining the event. The lineup is packed with stars from all genres, including pop sensation Natasha Bedingfield, rock legends Blue Öyster Cult and Foghat, and the funk grooves of Morris Day & The Time.
Local and regional artists will also be in the spotlight, celebrating Louisiana’s rich musical heritage. Festival-goers can enjoy performances by Kermit Ruffins & The Barbecue Swingers, Amanda Shaw & The Cute Guys, Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & The Zydeco Twisters, and more. There’s truly something for everyone across the six stages, making Gretna Fest a musical paradise.
A key difference between Gretna Fest and other festivals like Voodoo Fest or BUKU Music + Art Project is the focus on diversity in its lineup. Whereas Voodoo and BUKU lean heavily into alternative, EDM, and pop culture music scenes, Gretna Fest embraces a wider range of genres, appealing to fans of classic rock, country, zydeco, and more. This diverse lineup draws an equally diverse crowd, with people of all ages enjoying the weekend of music.
Past Headliners Set the Bar High
Over the years, Gretna Fest has hosted an impressive list of performers, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for music lovers. Previous headliners have included Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kool & The Gang, Kid Rock, KISS, Blake Shelton, and ZZ Top, among many others. This year’s lineup promises to continue that tradition of bringing in top-tier talent for an epic weekend of entertainment.
Food, Villages, and More
Gretna Fest is not just about the music; it’s a feast for the senses. With over 50 food vendors, you can savor a variety of dishes from around the world. Whether you’re in the mood for German bratwurst, Asian stir-fry, or Italian cannoli, the festival has something to satisfy every craving. The diversity in food offerings is one way Gretna Fest sets itself apart from smaller, more niche festivals that focus on limited cuisine selections. Here, you can explore an entire culinary journey in one place, sampling everything from traditional Southern fare to international flavors.
The themed villages at Gretna Fest are another highlight. The Italian Village offers authentic Italian cuisine and wine, while the German Village kicks off Oktoberfest with beer and festivities. For a more relaxed vibe, the Craft Beer Area features brews from Port Orleans Brewing and other local craft breweries. The villages are not just about food—they’re an immersive experience into the cultures they represent. At many festivals, the food scene may feel like an afterthought, but at Gretna Fest, it’s woven into the fabric of the event, enhancing the overall experience.
Families will love the Kid’s Corner, located next to the German Village, where children can enjoy inflatables, games, and face painting. For those looking for a break from the outdoor action, The Club Backstage at the Gretna Cultural Center for the Arts offers live music, football game watch parties, and an indoor lounge. Unlike other large-scale events, Gretna Fest offers areas specifically designed for both family fun and relaxation, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Gretna Fest Map
Cashless Convenience
Gretna Fest has fully embraced a cashless system, making it easier than ever to enjoy the festival. When you purchase your tickets, you’ll receive an RFID wristband, which can be linked directly to your credit card. This wristband allows you to make purchases with a simple scan, ensuring faster transactions so you can focus on enjoying the festivities. Vendors throughout the event also accept credit cards, but the wristband system is designed to make the experience as seamless as possible.
This system contrasts with some older, more traditional festivals, where cash is still the primary method of payment, often leading to long lines and slower service. Gretna Fest’s cashless setup allows for quicker transactions, letting you spend more time enjoying the event and less time waiting to pay for food or merchandise.
Ticket Options for Every Budget
Whether you’re attending for just one day or the entire weekend, Gretna Fest offers a variety of ticket options:
• Single-Day General Admission (Ages 13+): $40.00 – grants access for one day, with same-day re-entry allowed.
• 3-Day Weekend GA (Ages 13+): $90.00 – provides access for all three days, and children ages 0-4 can enter for free.
• 3-Day Child GA (Ages 5-12): $5.00 – making the festival an affordable family-friendly event.
• Friend of the Fest: $225.00 – includes access to a Main Stage viewing deck with a private bar, clean restrooms, and reserved standing room in front of the stage.
• River Club Suite Tickets: $7,500-$8,500 – for those looking for a VIP experience, these suites offer a private, elevated view of the Main Stage, access to air-conditioned hospitality tents, food, a full bar, and VIP parking.
Compared to other festivals, Gretna Fest provides a more flexible range of pricing, ensuring accessibility for both casual attendees and those seeking a premium experience. Many major festivals have steeper prices for even general admission, but Gretna Fest maintains affordability without compromising on the quality of entertainment and experience.
Transportation and Parking Options
Getting to Gretna Fest is easy, with several convenient options for transportation. Shuttles are available from park and ride locations at:
• Oakwood Shopping Center (behind JC Penney’s at 197 Westbank Expy, Gretna, LA 70053), with drop-off at the gate on Lafayette Street and First Street.
• Jefferson Parish Public School System building (501 Manhattan Blvd, Harvey, LA 70058), with drop-off at the Derbigny Street entrance.
For those who prefer to drive, a public parking garage is open for festival attendees.
Additionally, the Gretna-Canal Street ferry provides scenic transportation between Canal Street and Gretna. The ferry departs Canal Street at the top of the hour and Gretna at the bottom of the hour. Ferry service begins at 4:00 PM on Friday and 11:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday, with the last boat leaving 30 minutes after the festival closes each day. The ferry ride is $2.00 each way, or $4.00 round trip.
What You Can’t Bring
To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, certain items are prohibited from being brought into Gretna Fest. These include:
• Outside food and beverages
• Pets or animals
• Glass bottles or containers
• Coolers or bags larger than 17in x 12in x 10in
• Large umbrellas
• Bicycles, skateboards, scooters
• Wagons
• Weapons of any kind
• Explosives, fireworks, illegal drugs, and drug paraphernalia
• Unauthorized video, camera, or audio recording equipment
• Selling of merchandise or unauthorized/unlicensed vending
• Unauthorized solicitations, handbills, stickers, sampling, giveaways, etc.
Make sure to follow these guidelines to have a hassle-free experience at the fest.
Festival Hours
Mark your calendars for three days of fun:
• Friday, October 4: 4PM-10PM
• Saturday, October 5: 11AM-10PM
• Sunday, October 6: 11AM-7PM
With multiple stages, endless food options, arts & crafts, and activities for all ages, Gretna Fest 2024 promises to be an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a local or visiting from out of town, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the vibrant culture and community of Gretna.
In contrast to some larger, more corporate events, Gretna Fest maintains a strong sense of community and local pride. It’s not just a festival for music lovers but a celebration of Gretna itself, where locals and visitors alike come together to #RevelontheRiver.
Join thousands of others in what has become one of Louisiana’s largest and most beloved festivals. Get your tickets today and prepare to #RevelontheRiver!
Ralph