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In New Orleans, springtime is festival season! Almost every weekend offers an exciting event where locals and visitors can enjoy the best food, music and attractions that Louisiana has to offer. GatesFest is a New Orleans art and music festival that is held at Congregation Gates of Prayer, a Reform Jewish synagogue in Metairie. Everyone is invited to celebrate the festival culture that makes New Orleans special at GatesFest 2023!
GatesFest is now in its third year. Rabbi David Gerber, who serves at Congregation Gates of Prayer, came up with GatesFest as a New Orleans art and music festival that would celebrate the local Jewish community’s bond with Louisiana culture. Rabbi Gerber is a big fan of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, so he felt like his congregation would enjoy welcoming the public to an annual Jazz Fest warm-up.
While the main festival grounds at GatesFest provide the headlining musical entertainment, the Jewish Community Day School and J-FLEx (Jewish Fun Learning Experiences) will present an adjoining Family Fest Area. This area features its own stage, where kids can enjoy entertainment courtesy of children’s music performers, magicians, and storytellers. Kid-friendly snacks, as well as arts and crafts will also be on hand.
This years GatesFest features a stellar lineup of Louisiana musicians, along with a special visitor. Local music fans will immediately recognize “Bayou Soul” singer/songwriter Marc Broussard, alternative roots rock band Cowboy Mouth, and the world-famous Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Cap Carter, an up-and-coming singer/songwriter from Australia, will be making his debut United States performance at GatesFest 2023.
Like any proper New Orleans art and music festival, the annual GatesFest will also feature a robust lineup of local food and art. Food will be for sale from local vendors such as Creole Tomateaux and Wolf’s Burgers, while art will be on display at an expansive Art Village on the festival grounds. Make sure you take a vibrant piece of Louisiana culture home with you!
General admission tickets for the 2023 GatesFest Music and Arts Festival will cost $25 per person, with children under 12 years old admitted free. “Krewe of GatesFest” and “GatesFest Composer” group VIP packages are also made available. The festival will take place from 12 PM – 7:30 PM at Congregation Gates of Prayer, which is located at 4000 W. Esplanade Avenue S. in Metairie. Plentiful parking can be found in the surrounding neighborhood. Proceeds from ticket sales will go towards Congregation Gates of Prayer and the Gates Preschool.
Looking for a way to see more of New Orleans after the festival? Give your dancing shoes a break and set your sights on a New Orleans city bus tour. Climb aboard on this educational and air-conditioned New Orleans bus tour, as you journey through some of the Crescent City’s most memorable landmarks. With local drivers leading the way, you’ll get an insight into all there is to see, do, eat and enjoy with this incredible tour opportunity – get ready for an unforgettable adventure and book your New Orleans city bus tour today!
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