My very first trip to New Orleans was actually my very first big business trip. Someone had the great idea to hold a convention over Mardi Gras week and somehow I was selected to run the booth. That night I walked Bourbon Street with a red cup of tequila in my hand and a hurricane in the other and had the most fun I’ve ever had. Well, at least until the next morning when I had to get up to run the booth and then later get on a plane to come home, all with a massive hangover.

Still, that didn’t dissuade me from visiting again though perhaps a bit more restraint as I got older. And now we fast forward to 2023 and damn do I want to travel but dammit that travel is so expensive these days. That’s why I am so happy that San Diego is once again hosting GATOR BY THE BAY FESTIVAL, the largest celebration of everything that makes a trip to New Orleans so great - meaning food, music, dancing, and just plain fun for the entire family. You deserve it. We all deserve it! It’s like the best of Mardi Gras without having to jump on a plane.

"Gator By The Bay is a one-of-a-kind event that brings joy and lasting memories to people of all ages," says Festival Producer Peter Oliver. "Each year over 15,000 passionate enthusiasts attend this event to get a taste of Louisiana's rich culture on the West Coast. After two years of dormancy we are happy to be back with all the fan-favorite Mardi Gras experiences including samples of the history, food, music, dancing, and more."

WHAT TO EXPECT AT GATOR BY THE BAY?

Hosting everything from A to Zydeco, this four-day, family-friendly event features more than 100 live musical acts and special performances. Here’s the complete music line up. The event includes over 10,000 pounds of crawfish from Louisiana, a chef-led gumbo cook-off, flowing libations, seven stages – five with wooden dance floors, a Mardi Gras costume parade, and a full weekend of fun to coincide with Mother’s Day weekend. Each day during Gator By The Bay brings new experiences, live entertainment, and unforgettable moments at every corner with activities designed for music lovers, food enthusiasts, dancers, and more.

Gator By The Bay kicks is like a four day weekend, kicking off Thursday, May 11, 2023 with an evening concert, followed by three full days of nonstop crawfish sucking and New Orleans celebration. You’ll want to plan out which day or days you want to attend, or heck, just get the multi-day pass and enjoy it all. You can also go deluxe and get a VIP pass for reserved seating at the main stages, catered lunch, even upgraded restrooms(!). Look, just click the button below to get all of the info. Trust me, this is one of San Diego’s most fun events of the year!

HOW MUCH ARE TICKETS TO GATOR BY THE BAY? Wait, Early Bird Discounts???

There are several ways to experience Gator By The Bay, including single day, multi-day and hotel ticket packages. Early bird pricing is available if you get your tickets NOW!

• Thursday Evening Concert: $45 early bird ticket, $55 gate. Deluxe dinner tickets also available.

• Single Day Friday: $50 early bird ticket, $65 gate

• Single Day Saturday: $60 early bird ticket, $75 gate

• Single Day Sunday: $55 early bird ticket, $70 gate

• Three-Day Pass: $165 early bird ticket, $205 standard

• Four-Day Pass: $210 early bird ticket, $250 standard

• Patron Single Day VIP Experience: $220 Sat early bird, $210 Sun early bird, $420 both days early bird. After that it’s $240 Sat, $230 Sun, $459 both days. What’s included in the Patron Pass? Click here for more details.