CRAFTS & MARKETPLACES

Beginning in the early ‘70s with a handful of artisans—from self-taught painter and street preacher Sister Gertrude Morgan, to acclaimed jewelry designer Mignon Faget, and Louisiana Coushatta basket weavers—the Festival’s Crafts now include the diverse works of more than 300 regionally and nationally acclaimed artists in four distinct event venues.

Enter Congo Square and experience music and art from Africa and the African Diaspora. The Congo Square stage features performances by African, African-American, African-Caribbean and Latino musicians. Shop at Congo Square African Marketplace for original paintings, sculpture, clothing, jewelry, musical instruments, and an array of handcrafted artworks.

Contemporary Crafts, is a nationally recognized showcase of alluring handcrafted clothing, beautiful leather goods and handblown glass, along with a brilliant array of paintings, photographs, sculptures and irresistible jewelry.

In the Louisiana Marketplace, the state’s finest traditional and contemporary artists display and sell hand-colored photographs, pine needle baskets, whimsical jewelry, and other creations that evoke the state’s unique cultural history.

LOUISIANA FOLKLIFE VILLAGE

Like its signature dish, gumbo, Louisiana is a spicy stew comprised of many distinctive elements — African American, Cajun, Native American, Isleño and practically everything in between. To experience this unique culture firsthand, visit the Louisiana Folklife Village and discover many of the state’s generations-old traditions.

Here you can see musicians meticulously handcraft accordions and guitars, and papier mâché artists create whimsical sculptures for Mardi Gras floats. Watch as an Isleño woodcarver transforms indigenous cypress into lifelike reproductions of Louisiana waterfowl right before your eyes. These are only a few of the traditions featured in the Louisiana Folklife Tent that bear witness to our state's unique cultural history.

NATIVE AMERICAN VILLAGE

Louisiana is rich in Native American culture. A celebration of the influence of Louisiana tribes, the Native American Village within the Folklife Village focuses on the rich heritage of our state’s indigenous peoples. Relax under the shade canopy of a palmetto-thatched chickee while enjoying traditional drumming and singing by Southeastern dance and pow wow troupes. Watch demonstrations of basket weaving and woodcarving by Louisiana’s tribal elders and their apprentices. The Native American Village offers Festival-goers an oasis of tranquil charm.

The Native Nations Tent showcases Louisiana's indigenous craftspeople, many of them Elders, from state and federally recognized Louisiana tribes.