If there’s one New Orleans event that combines incredible food, live music, and a meaningful cause, it’s Hogs for the Cause 2025! This year’s festival will take place on April 4th and 5th, 2025, at the UNO Lakefront Arena Festival Grounds in New Orleans.
Hogs for the Cause is more than just a celebration of barbecue and music—it’s a fundraiser that supports families battling pediatric cancer. Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, or a parent looking for a fun family outing, this year’s event has something for everyone.
What is Hogs for the Cause 2025?
Hogs for the Cause is one of the largest barbecue and music festivals in the United States, drawing over 30,000 attendees annually. The two-day event features:
- 90 barbecue teams serving up delicious, creative pork dishes.
- 20 live music performances across multiple stages.
- A welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere with activities for kids.
- Fundraising that directly helps families battling pediatric cancer.
Why We’re Excited for Hogs for the Cause 2025
1. A Stellar Music Lineup
While the barbecue might take center stage, the music lineup is just as impressive. Each year, Hogs for the Cause features some of the best Americana artists, from legends to rising stars. Over the years, we’ve enjoyed performances by incredible artists like Drive-By Truckers, The Hold Steady, Strand of Oaks, and Hiss Golden Messenger.
This year, we’re most excited about seeing Charley Crockett perform. His new album, Lonesome Drifter, has been one of our favorites, and we can’t wait to experience it live. There’s nothing quite like listening to amazing music under the open sky with a plate of barbecue in hand.
The 2025 music lineup is packed with an exciting mix of Americana, rock, and more. Over two days, you’ll enjoy performances from rising stars and established artists alike.
Here’s a look at this year’s lineup:
Friday, April 4th, 2025:
- Stephen Wilson Jr.
- Willow Avalon
- Eddie 9V
- The Thing
- Clay Street Unit
- Gooseberry
- Nether Hour
- Hotel Burgundy
- Valley Flower
Saturday, April 5th, 2025:
- Charley Crockett (check out his new album Lonesome Drifter…one of my favorite releases of the year)
- Zach Top
- JD McPherson
- Giovannie & The Hired Guns
- The Droptines
- Lola Kirke
- Billy Allen and The Pollies
- John Hollier
- Vandoliers
- The Rumble
- Britti
- River Eckert
With such a diverse and talented lineup, there’s music for everyone to enjoy!
2. Unbeatable BBQ
The barbecue at Hogs for the Cause is nothing short of legendary. Every year, 90 teams compete to create the most delicious and inventive pork dishes imaginable. From classic ribs and sliders to creative options like pimento-filled corn dogs and Hupig’s apple and pork pie, the food never disappoints. Also, the offerings change from year to year. So if they don’t have something you loved from a previous Hogs, there are bound to be 20 things that will make you forget that!
Important Food Details:
- Prices: The barbecue teams set their own prices, so costs vary depending on the item. Typically, you can expect to pay $10 to $20 per meal, with smaller bites costing less. Since the festival is centered around food, this isn’t bad.
- Drinks: Beverages, including soft drinks, beer, and cocktails, are usually priced between $5 and $10.
- Arrive Early: Popular dishes tend to sell out—especially the deeper into Saturday it gets.
This year’s event promises even more mouthwatering options, so make sure to come hungry and ready to explore. And remember, the money you spend is going to children with brain cancer, so spend and eat guilt-free. These calories really don’t count!
3. Family-Friendly Fun
One of the things we love most about Hogs for the Cause is how family-friendly it is. My wife has been talking about how much our little one will enjoy it, since the 2024 Hogs. This year, she’s going.
Great news for families:
- Kids 10 and under get in free and do not need a ticket.
- There are often slides, kids’ play areas, and other fun activities for little ones.
Whether you’re bringing your toddlers, teens, or the whole family, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. And I can’t wait to dance with my little one to Jamestown Ferry by Charley Crockett.
4. Supporting an Incredible Cause
At its heart, Hogs for the Cause is about more than food and music—it’s about helping children and families in need. The festival raises millions of dollars to support pediatric cancer care through:
- Hogs House: On-campus housing for families at Children’s Hospital New Orleans.
- Direct grants help families cover medical and travel expenses.
- Funding for hospital programs and pediatric oncology wings across the U.S.
Every ticket purchased, every bite of barbecue enjoyed, and every donation made helps make a difference.
5. Cashless Payments
The event is cashless; you’ll be able to pay using:
- Credit and debit cards
- Apple Pay and Google Pay
- RFID wristbands
These updates ensure a smooth and hassle-free festival experience so you can focus on enjoying the food, music, and fun. I know a lot of people are anti-cashless systems for very legitimate reasons. I do think doing the wristbands makes a good compromise. Plus, it will make it easier for the donations to get to where they have to go quicker.
6. Previous Experience
We wrote about our experience at Hogs for the Cause in 2015. With even more teams, expanded layouts, and an incredible music lineup, Hogs feels like it has taken its already amazing foundation and turned it into something even more spectacular. It’s exciting to think about what new flavors, experiences, and memories 2025 will bring to this now-iconic festival.
Why You Should Attend Hogs for the Cause 2025
To wrap it up, Hogs for the Cause 2025 is the perfect event for anyone who:
- Loves amazing live music, with performances by Charley Crockett, JD McPherson, and more.
- Can’t get enough of mouthwatering barbecue, from classic dishes to unique creations.
- Wants to enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere, with free entry for kids 10 and under.
- Believes in supporting a meaningful cause, helping families and children battling pediatric cancer.
Don’t miss this unforgettable event on April 4th and 5th, 2025, at the UNO Lakefront Arena Festival Grounds in New Orleans. Gates open at 3:30 PM on Friday and 11:00 AM on Saturday. Get your tickets now, and we’ll see you there for a weekend of food, music, and memories!
If I don’t say hi, it’s probably because I’m either eating or too busy thinking about what I’m going to eat next!
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