Hogs for the Cause 2015: Food, Fun, and a Great Cause

Hogs for the Cause! Eat all the pork!

Hogs for the Cause 2015 was an unforgettable celebration of mouth-watering pork dishes, incredible music, and a heartwarming mission to support pediatric brain cancer research and care. Held annually at the festival grounds in New Orleans’ City Park, this two-day festival brings together foodies, music lovers, and generous donors for an amazing experience.

This year, Hogs for the Cause 2015 took place on March 27-28, and it was one for the books! From creative pork dishes to fun activities and a stellar music lineup, this festival continues to be my absolute favorite in New Orleans

Pictures Don’t Do the Food Justice, But We Will Try

What Makes Hogs for the Cause So Special

Hogs for the Cause is more than just a food and music festival. It’s a chance to indulge in every pork dish imaginable while contributing to a meaningful cause. Over 40 cooking teams participated in 2015, each crafting unique and delicious pork creations. Think ribs, tacos, sliders, and even more inventive dishes like pimento-filled corn dogs, bacon sundaes, pork grits, and “Hupig” pies.

Some of my personal favorites included:

• Dark Chocolate Bacon Cupcakes by Seymour Butts.
• Pork Frito Pie from Blue Oak BBQ.
• Hupig’s Pie by Up in Smoke.
• Kouign Bae-Con from District Donuts—a heavenly combination of house-smoked bacon, sugar, smoked salt, and bourbon-braised bacon.

The team names were just as creative as the dishes, with pun-filled names like:

• 6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon
• Notorious P.I.G.
• Piggy Stardust
• Porkin’ Gently
• The Pig Lebowski

Every bite was a testament to the chefs’ creativity and passion. Hogs for the Cause 2015 set a new standard for foodie festivals.

Experiencing Hogs for the Cause 2015

This year’s festival layout was perfect—spacious enough to avoid crowding, yet intimate enough to maintain a small-festival vibe. We opted for the 2-Day PassPork, which gave us access to both Friday and Saturday, plus $45 in Hoggy Dollars to spend on food and drinks.

Friday Night: A Taste of What’s to Come

Friday night featured a limited menu but gave us a chance to sample a few dishes before the full festival kicked off on Saturday. We also enjoyed incredible music on the NOLA Brewing Stage, featuring performances by:

• Uncle Lucius
• Strand of Oaks
• Drive-By Truckers

The cool evening air added a cozy vibe as we listened to the soulful sounds of the bands.

Saturday: A Pork-Filled Feast

Saturday was an all-out pork extravaganza. From ribs to brisket and tacos to desserts, the food choices were overwhelming in the best way. We devoured:

• Salt & Pepper Brisket and Whole Hog Tacos from Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q.
• Dry rub ribs from Porkin’ Gently.
• Cracklins and other pork snacks from various booths.

It wasn’t just about food, though. Fun activities like cornhole, a bacon slide, photo ops, and carnival-style games kept attendees of all ages entertained.

Music at Hogs for the Cause 2015

The music lineup was just as impressive as the food. Hogs for the Cause 2015 featured a variety of talented artists that kept the energy alive throughout the weekend.

On Friday, we enjoyed:

• Uncle Lucius
• Strand of Oaks
• Drive-By Truckers

On Saturday, we caught Hiss Golden Messenger in the afternoon before heading out for evening plans.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss Hogs for the Cause

Hogs for the Cause 2015 was more than just a festival—it was a celebration of incredible food, music, and community spirit, all for an amazing cause. The festival raises funds to help families dealing with pediatric brain cancer, and every dollar spent goes toward making a difference.

If you’ve never been to Hogs for the Cause, I highly recommend adding it to your calendar for next year. You’ll not only enjoy some of the best food and music New Orleans has to offer, but you’ll also be supporting a cause that truly matters.

Mark your calendars for next year’s festival—I hope to see you at City Park for another fabulous, pork-packed weekend!