The largest and most authentic Louisiana-themed music and food festival this side of the bayou is set to return to Spanish Landing Park from May 9 to 12, 2024!

Presented by the nonprofit Bon Temps Social Club of San Diego, Gator by the Bay is a four-day event featuring more than 100 live musical acts and special performances on seven stages, shaded wooden dance floors, artist presentations, delicious cuisine, and a joyous, welcoming ambiance for the whole family.

A Celebration of Louisiana’s Rich Cultural Tapestry

“Gator By The Bay is a can’t-miss event that brings Louisiana’s vibrant culture to the West Coast by showcasing the region’s eclectic melting pot of history, food, music, dance, and more,” said Peter Oliver, a Gator By The Bay Producer.

“Attendees of all ages will enjoy the fun of an authentic Louisiana good time experience—join in on an exuberant Mardi Gras costume parade, break out some Zydeco or Swing dance moves, and devour a big ol’ mound of fresh boiled crawfish!”

Diverse Musical Offerings and Event Highlights

“We pride ourselves on the wonderfully diverse selection of musical choices. There’s something for every music fan at Gator By The Bay— from the most popular straight-from-Louisiana Cajun and zydeco bands to internationally renowned blues, swing, and boogie-woogie artists, award-winning rockabilly, rock ‘n roll, roots, and Latin performers,” Oliver added.

The event’s offerings include cooking demos, juried artisan vendors, dance lessons, cultural presentations, and plenty of fun for kids.

Gator By The Bay Festival Expanded Lineup

The expanded lineup features soul-blues headliner Tommy Castro Band, the beloved guitarist who was named ‘B.B. King Entertainer of the Year’ in 2023 by the Blues Music Awards.

In addition, James Intveld has been added to a stellar blues and roots lineup that includes Marcia Ball, Rosie Flores, Sonny Landreth, Southern Avenue, Nikki Hill, Nick Moss Band, Deke Dickerson, and many others.

San Diego-based musicians have always been featured at Gator by the Bay, and this year will be no exception as new and returning artists will include:

• Amalgamated Ska
• Ginger Cowgirl
• Whitney Shay with Laura Chavez
• Earl Thomas and his Gospel Ambassadors, featuring Sister Leola
• Sue Palmer & the Rhythm Riveters, a 10-piece all-women blues band
• Bill Magee Blues
• Sabrosas, an all-woman Latin Band (13 strong with five horns)
• The Sleepwalkers, a TexMex favorite
• Mercedes Moore Blues with special guest Carl Sonny Leyland
• Manny Cepeda Orchestra
• Chris Fast Band
• Gregory Page, who will be sharing stories and music at the Bayou Grove
• Bon Temps Social Club favorites: Bayou Brothers, Theo & Zydeco Patrol, and Billy Lee & the Gulf Coasters
• Two Brass Bands: Euphoria Brass and Chunky Hustle Brass will unite to lead the parades on Saturday and Sunday
• Other San Diego favorites include Ash Easton, Billy Watson, Fuzzy Rankins, Stoney B Blues, Chickenbone Slim & the Biscuits, Ass Pocket Whiskey Fellas, Gino & the Lone Gunmen, and Michelle Lundeen

See you there!

Gator By The Bay is offering three types of festival ticket and hotel room packages at various discounted prices, perfect for those seeking proximity to the excitement.

Kids under 18 are admitted free of charge, and deeply discounted tickets will be available for active military and their families.

For more information about the 2024 artist lineup, festival tickets & hotel packages, please visit here.

Note: tickets/packages will increase to Tier 3 pricing on March 29, 2024.

Visit here for more information and follow along on Instagram and Facebook.

See you there, San Diego!