Great weekly festival. A festival full of local vendors. A fun way to celebrate the middle of the week. Convenient to head to after work if you work downtown and lots of street and lot parking options if you're coming from elsewhere. Even if you don't know the band on the line up it's a fun spot to meet up with friends or just sit and enjoy the springtime New Orleans weather. read more

I've been coming to these for concerts for years and was glad to see them back after the pandemic shut things down. And I have to say better than ever. The food and drink vendors have tripled from what I recall and the days of old when you had to purchase tickets and then go to vendors are over. Just get in line and order and pay. They could use some additional porta potties though. The music is top notch local music and it's free all right in the heart of the CBD. You can bring a chair, blanket or just stand if you like and enjoy the music in the small square/park. It does tend to get fairly crowded but I've always been able to find a spot to plop down and enjoy. Do support the local vendors to keep these events free. read more

Wednesday at the Square - Festivals Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Hubby and I came over for some music and food . It was a nice crowd and very great vibes. read more

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What could be better... Beautiful park in (mostly) beautiful evenings with free excellent music, food, drinks, people mingling.... a great way to spend 8-10 weekday evenings in the spring/summer. Bring a chair, or walk around. Vendors selling art, crafts, photography and clothes items. It's a good time. See you there! read more

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In the words of Wayne and Garth--a most excellent music festival. Pros; -Easy access for the downtown 9-5ers -Ticket system that accepts credit, in any dollar amount. -Tickets that can be used week to week with any extras or tips going directly to YLC. (Youth Leadership Council) -Short lines for food -Plenty o'port o'potty (with filled antibacterial stations. -A matted park so regardless of foot traffic or rain, damage to the ground is minimal. -Food vendors that cater to everything between vegan and carnivore. -A variety of music and styles to appeal to the die hard local and amiable tourist. Cons; Honestly, NOTHING comes to mind, given its classification of an outdoor music event. Overall; an EXCELLENT way to burn off some energy/ or aggression after the daily grind! read more

This is a cool event. Kudos to the YLC for putting on this great event. The 12 week free concert series takes place in Lafayette Square and has great local vendors and great music. At the last event the Radiators played and talked about retirement. Of course the have been threatening retirement since at least 1994, but they put on a great show anyway. For the food and drinks you need tickets. Each ticket is $1, and beers are four tickets. Abita was on hand with Jockamo IPA, Amber and another kind I can't remember. There are several parking garages and lots in the area. Just remember not to park in front of the courthouse or you will be towed. read more

Wednesday at the Square - Festivals Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Come every Wednesday during the season for free live music and great food!! It's free to attend. Event parking is about $10 at area lots. Also, I highly suggest that you bring cash to buy tickets for food/drinks: $1 per ticket. Although they have a portable ATM, that line is long. There is also have a bike valet, to park your bikes. Overall, this is a wonderful after-work mini vacay in the CBD, where you can sample local yummy-goodness, buy locally created art/jewelry/clothing and hear local musicians croon the evening away. read more

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Wednesday at the Square was a nice outdoor event. There was live music and tons of food vendors. There was also art vendors with jewelry, shirts and other merchandise to purchase. I tried some Abita beer here for the 1st time. Proceeds from sales go to to local charities. I love good causes for the community and that can also be fun at the same time. read more

Wednesday at the Square - Festivals Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

I'm here every Wednesday because energizes me to get through the rest of the week. See my photos of the artists and I'll Write more soon! read more

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Wednesday at the Square has become a rite of spring in New Orleans, and I look forward to the concert series every year. And I'm pretty sure I'm not alone... Wednesday at the Square, fondly known as WATS among staff and volunteers, is a free 12-week concert series in Lafayette Square that takes place each spring from April-June. It's been around for, almost 10 years now, I think, and was originally started by the Downtown Development District. The Young Leadership Council, who traditionally provided volunteers for the event, took it over entirely post-Katrina when the DDD was forced to scale back and focus on things like clean, safe streets and other recovery-related issues. The YLC took WATS to unprecedented levels of success (which, I think, was partly fueled by the post-K desire for community and positive events, which this is an excellent example of), and this concert series effectively doubled the nonprofit's yearly operating budget. How do I know all this? Because I used to work for YLC, and had the distinct pleasure of working on WATS for 2 1/2 seasons, right when they made the transition from DDD to YLC management. Working on an event like WATS, with the 3 person staff that YLC had at the time, was a tremendous amount of work, but I still miss the days when I was running around the Square paying security/bands/vendors, coordinating the armored truck and, once, figuring out how to operate a fire hydrant. It was definitely an adventure. The best part about being involved with WATS, though, was the fact that I could say, as a nonprofit employee, my salary is *entirely* funded by beer sales. Which makes the YLC's annual Role Model Awards Gala, their other major source of operating funds, an event whose revenue goes 100% to programs. It's pretty cool to see. The YLC is a great organization in general, WATS is an amazing cultural asset that New Orleans offers, and it's awesome that things have worked out the way that they have. About the event itself: the concerts are free, and are paid for by food and beer sales (as well as sponsorship dollars). As a result, no outside food or drinks are allowed, and I believe the event recently became non-smoking, as well. Food vendors range from Sushi to Lucy's to Rotolo's pizza, and Abita Amber, Abita Light, Purple Haze and Turbo Dog are available for 3 tickets. (FYI, you can't buy food or booze with cash at the Square--you have to buy tickets, which are used as currency. They're good for the entire series, but once the season is over, your tickets can no longer be used. i.e. You can't use 2009 tickets for the 2010 series. Don't even try.) The lineup is usually announced several weeks in advance, and you can visit http://wednesdayatthesquare.com for updates and information. You may even be able to purchase tickets in advance via the website. There is, of course, a full bar available in addition to beer, plus snowballs and sometimes daiquiris and coffee. You're welcome to bring your kids, your dog, your friends and family, coworkers, etc. WATS is in the heart of the CBD, goes from 5-7:30 p.m., and therefore is much beloved by the after-work crowd. (Though I know for a fact that people come from the Northshore and Mississippi just for these events.) The show DOES go on, rain or shine, so if you're wondering about that pending thunderstorm, don't bother. WATS will happen no matter how hard it's raining. And usually only the most hardcore of fans brave the rain. More often than not, though, it only looks like it'll rain, and the weather ends up being gorgeous. You can attempt to find parking on the street (good luck), or there's a garage on the Square that offers discounted parking on Wednesday nights. It's about $4, I think. Post-WATS people head to Lucy's and, now, Capdeville, both of which get PACKED after the Square. What else? No cash, buy tickets (you can use credit cards now!), bring your dog, don't bring beer... I think that pretty much covers it. And know that your fun and beer money is going to support a very worthwhile organization, so it's a win-win-win for everybody. read more

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Great, free, fun time. -1 star because so many of the folks there have absolutely no interest in the music. Talk, talk, talk, talk. They could at least go to the other side of the square. read more

Another wonderful way to enjoy some FREE live music in a smoke-free environment, but this time on a Wednesday evening, downtown at Lafayette Square. The line up is consistently Stellar. The food selection includes a nice variety of stuff for all eating styles. For libations, you get a wide range of options like, beer, iced coffee, wine & cocktails, daiquiris, plus sodas and water. But you HAVE to hit the ticket booth first!! ($4 for an abita, and $5-8 for the food choices.) There is a small arts market set up on the opposite side from the music giving you a FULL-ON festival experience. And with any festival, if you need a campsite you should get there early, but floating around is a good route to go if you want to see your friends. Arts & crafts, food, beverages, and FREE MUSIC....I LOVE this town!! read more

there is no place like New Orleans Okay, FREE music from TOP ACTS during the MID-WEEK? So much talent and entertainment in this city it is overflowing. This is a GREAT opportunity to bring the casual music fan or expose kids to the wonderful performers this city is home to. Whats even more mind-blowing is that when this ends, Wednesday at the Point will be kicking off not long after it (MORE FREE FREAKING MUSIC!!!) read more

Wednesday at the Square - Colin Lake & Anders Osborne - Festivals Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

This event is very family friendly. Bring your kids, bring your dog, bring your in laws, leave your cats. Please leave your cats. This is a free event. If you want booze or food, you have to buy tickets and exchange the tickets for the times of your choice. He food selection is extensive. Many great restaurants set up tents here, so be sure to bring friends so you can all sample the dishes. The musicians are all pretty great. There is usually two stages (though I swear there used to be two). There are projectors set up so you can see the band playing no matter where you're at during the event. The shops have anything from paintings to ties to paintings to shorts to paintings to cups to paintings to jewelry. So much to choose from. Good job YLC read more

Wednesday at the Square - Jamming - Festivals Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Yaaaaass! Wednesday at the Square is so much fun! I love how New Orleans is constantly offering free, quality activities. The lineup is full of quality bands and artists. Go to their website to check out the schedule. For food and drink, buy tickets and trade them in. Proceeds go to YLC for their community service projects! Logistics... try to ride your bike, uber or cab if you can. Street parking can be hard to find, but not impossible. Bring your dog/child... it's a dog/child-friendly event. You can also bring a blanket and chairs to set up as well. Follow them on Twitter (@WedAtTheSquare) to get the scoop on special activities they may have that week or updates on potential cancellations due to weather. read more

Tourist or local, this is a fun, tame, family friendly way to experience New Orleans in a a nutshell, or a Square in this case. This concert series is primo for anyone working in the area since it's starts right at 5pm. If you don't work in the area, bite the bullet, and pay to park in a lot or else you'll be missing out for about an hour or so scavenging for a parking spot. Also don't plan on bringing that XL double shot White Russian in...the concessions keep the music free. I always enjoy bringing out-of-towners to Wednesdays at the Square because while Wednesday in New Orleans isn't devoid of a music scene, it's a great way to get your weekend started early, like midweek early. It's also a great place to meet up with a big group of friends or catch up with friends from all walks of life. I've never met a pup at WATS that wasn't friendly, and my favorite food vendor is Crepes A La Cart, 'cause it's just so handy when you still want to jive, drink a beer, and eat at the same time. I know they've brought in artist/craft vendors before, but I'm not sure how well it's worked out. I think it's great for the out of towners to get a super mini version of what our art festivals might look like. I've always enjoyed checking them out though I'm usually saving all my cashola for brews and bites. If anything, you need to stay to the end. The headliners usually stay on a bit longer, and put on a great show. And, like I said, it's free. read more

Today is the first day of summer and WATS is done with until fall- leaving us to actually pay for our amazing music for a while. Wednesday at the Square (Lafayette Sq) is so special. It is super awesome that the shows are all free (i know, crazy!), the bands are all super good (I finally got to see Galactic here!), and the people all come together really well to have a good time. Feel free to bring a chair or blanket or just wander around on foot. You'll see families with small children all the way up to older folks enjoying themselves every Wednesday afternoon. I don't usually love a super crowded hot area (no one down here gives you personal space like they do up North) but people are usually really respectful and just out to have a good time while letting you have yours. No outside food or drink is allowed but they have tons of vendors selling everything from beer to feather earrings. Trust me and show up once, you'll have a good time with the rest of your city and it's free! read more

Located on Lafayette Square in the CBD of New Orleans taking place for a number of weeks each Spring this weekly FREE event is one example of what makes living here so worthwhile. No outside food or drink allowed. Kids and pets welcome. Vendors offer everything from beer (Abita) to full bar to local hot spots w/booths like Plum St Snowballs and Crepes a la Cart to Lucy's Retired Surfer's Bar to Sun Ray Grill. Plus local artists showing their wares. Walk, bike, or streetcar down; you can park a car but not always within a decent proximity. This year's line-up looks great! Rain will cancel or reschedule a performer depending. In the past I've brought the kids to see the late Clarence 'Gatemouth' Brown, the Zydepunks, Los Hombres Calientes, plus Marcia Ball's annual JazzFest week show. Go once and you will go again! read more

Awesome experience. The organizing is flawless(I can't seem to find any problem with it) and the music performances are always great. Apart from the music, there's about a dozen tents of local restaurants with all types of foods available. Also, there's 'full bar', all kinds of beer and local artists selling their stuff. Too bad it ends mid June but it's totally understandable. The heat gets unbearable in the summer... read more

One of the best events in Nola--free music, great time of the year and all the best food/drinks, all on the streetcar line. You can bring a chair or a blanket and sit in the chair area or stand next to the stage or anywhere around the square to take in the show. There are artist and community group booths to visit as well. Marcia Ball plays every year, which is pretty amazing. This year she even had a special guest appearance from Irma Thomas. This kind of talent for free, really?? Even better, the crowds are never too horrible and people are so friendly. I wanted some pictures close to the acts and the people in front of me were more than gracious letting me get closer. I wish all concerts were like that. Proceeds benefit Young Leadership Council which is a group focused on supporting civic projects in New Orleans. Free music and good food/drinks for a good cause. read more

Luckily for us, there were a few rescheduled events due to inclement weather, and we got to experience Wednesday at the Square. Lafayette Square isn't that big, but they find a way to jam pack a ton of stuff and people into the area. It's a no-hassle event, with food, beer and porta-potties set up. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and settle in for some family friendly music and fun. Oh and best of all, it's free! read more

Wednesday at the Square - Festivals Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Was in NOLA for business and was told about this little gem. Cheap beer. Cheap food provided by a variety of venders that make some amazing food. Add in lots of local musicians. Solid gold. read more

One of my favorite rituals of spring in New Orleans, (and as of a few years ago, it returns in the Fall too). It's a weekly fundraiser for the Young Leadership Council so even though its a free concert series, bring plenty of cash. You'll need it for the drinks, the food and the crafts. You can't bring in your own food/drinks because they do try to enforce that at the major entrances, and why would you? It's a fundraiser and its free entertinament that you would likely pay a hefty cover charge to see elsewhere. Grab a blanket or a chair and claim a piece of ground for 3 hours of the top talent of local musicians every Wednesday from 5-8 pm. read more

Pretty good time with solid acts in a nice but packed outdoor space. read more

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Wednesday at the Square is an awesome event, especially if you work in the CBD. It starts right after most people finish work, and there is plenty of food and drinks. The music acts are usually pretty good, and it's FREE to get in! They only ask that you don't bring outside food and drink because concession sales help fund the concerts. I'm more than happy to oblige. read more

Great event in the middle of the week, in the middle of Downtown. Great weather makes a great atmosphere to go along with the good music, beer, and food. read more

Wednesday at the Square - Festivals Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

FREE music and often many FREE beer, wine, and liquor options!!! Ok so there are different groups that do it depending on the time of year and they try to call it different things but since I'm the boss of fun and proper English descriptions of things I'm mandating that they all just be called Wednesday at the Square as that is the best description. What isn't to like about this Spring and Fall event that brings all sorts of fun loving people into Lafayette Square after work for a fun filled afternoon that usually turns into a longer night that leads to a bit of a hazy Thursday. There are great food options, local vendors of all sorts of crafts and other goods. Wednesday's on the Square is just like our own little old school Jazz Fest that we get to enjoy for nearly half the year at the great price of FREE :) read more

October in Louisiana is the perfect time for outdoor events. The Square is the best place to kick back on a Wednesday afternoon. The New Orleans Second Harvest receives proceeds from this concert. The food venders were diverse, beer and wine were available and bringing my own chair made it a perfect night. Relax, listen, drink, laugh and enjoy October. read more

Great spring festival concert series featuring local artists and great food.

If you are looking for something fun and inexpensive o do mid-week during the spring go to WATS! You need to buy tix o get food/drink but all sales go towards the Young Leadership Council. I've seen some great local bonds here. read more

Wednesday at the Square - Pork tacos - Festivals Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Went to the Trombone Shorty concert last night. Perfect way to relax after a long day at work. Bring a blanket/chairs and whatever/whomever else makes you happy. Good place to watch people dancing and having a good time.There's one more concert left for this year (I think). The food is awesome because you can try the flavors of popular restaurants in the area without committing to a whole dinning experience. Each booth takes tickets; prices range anywhere from 4-12 tickets. You can buy tickets with cash or credit cards. read more

Loved.. loved.. loved.. my experience! Was told not to miss this event while visiting from family and friends. And it didn't disappoint. All of the volunteers and vendors were filled with smiles and helpful. The food and drink selections were great. Just all around A+!! read more

A great place to land after a day at work or for an enjoyable mid week adventure. The Square is beautiful with lots of trees and places to stand or sit. All while listening to some great local music with no admission cost. In addition there is food, beer, and artwork. Companies set up tents and, if invited, the affair can really be nice. That way the accoutrements can be even better. The weather is now cooperating big time with the outing. And one of the best experiences of all at the event is the pets that participants bring to enjoy the music and the people. read more

I love Wednesday at the a Square! I don't work downtown so I will always drive in for it. Many people seem to love it also they bring their kids and dogs. I love the food but some options can be pricey selections range from $3-8. You can sample food from Lucy's to Theo's pizza here. I love trying food from vendors who don't have their restaurants yet like Miss Linda Yakamein Lady and Cook Me Somethin Mister Jambalaya. I love that some of the sponsors are The New Orleans Saints and Pelicans so you get an opportunity to see Gumbo or the Dance Squads and take photos of or with them. If you are lucky you may even catch a shirt that they shoot with a blaster in the Crowd. The only drawback to the Park I think is not enough seating area closer to the stage. This is my favorite way of discovering bands unfamiliar to me! I highly recommend it to locals and tourist if you happen to be nearby on Wednesdays during Spring/Summer/Fall read more

A police officer directing traffic told us about the Wednesday night concerts at the Square. We walked over and had the best time. It was like a mini mini Jazz Festival. Lots of food vendors, live music on a big stage and vendors selling arts and crafts. We got there late but had a great time in that atmosphere. We brought chairs and were glad we did. read more

Has anyone else gotten sick this year from food consumed at the event? Yesterday I had only had one cup of coffee at 8 am, the food at the event (won't say what until I hear from others), and a Gin & Sprite. I was violently ill overnight. I have to say, the item that I ate wasn't very hot, which makes me very suspicious now. I didn't think anything of it at the time. I am still giving 4 stars, because the music and venue are terrific! In recent years, the food prices have gotten a bit high, especially since the food is really just a snack. Drinks are expensive, too. But now that the food has made me sick, I'll eat after and just have a glass of wine at the event! read more

This is a really nice free event. It's a great way to try out a bunch of delightful food from little shops all over the city. And while you're doing that you can enjoy some good music and a fun crowd and some Abita. Sure there were other drinks, but I always try to support the local brewery. When they're awesome, it's easy to do. read more

Visiting from out of town my hotel was next to this venue music nd artist are good but the organizers system of vending the tickets for food is like black market why would I purchase lump-sump ticket when prices of every food and drink item is different at every stall I don't know where this people come from and what is there goal personally I think they want to grab money and leave and have ppl left unused worthless tickets!!! Next time in town I will not even pass by this event. read more

I really wish we had something like this in Atlanta (where I live). Good music, food, and brews. It's a great way to spend an evening when the weather is fine. read more

YLC's Wednesdays at the Square (WATS) Lafayette Square (St. Charles Avenue in the CBD across from Gallier Hall) March 14th - May 30th from 5pm to 8pm http://www.wednesdayatthesquare.com/index.shtml Reason: You like good music. You like free good music. You like free good music outdoors. You like free good music outdoors to break up the middle of the work week... Drink: Free beer from your friends who are volunteering Drank: Purchased beer from your friends who are volunteering because you feel bad for mooching too much off a good cause. Drunk: Cordina Frozen Cocktails (unless they've somehow run out of straws, yet again, in which case it's just not worth the struggle. But you'll probably get one anyways. Because it's that hot. And your warm Abita beer has made you spiteful.) mindless musings: New Orleans is just too easy to love. We already feel like we are forever indebted to the city for inventing jazz. But apparently Nola didn't think that was enough as it continually one-ups itself in the music scene, keeping our toes the tappiest and ears the happiest in all the land. One divine example of this is YLC's Wednesdays at the Square. What's more brilliant than a free 12-week concert series, in a park, in the middle of the work week, in the middle of Nola's beautiful spring weather, in the middle of a swarm of food vendors and a gaggle of beer tents? Literally let's not stop at our toes and ears being the happiest in the land - we need to add our mouths, stomachs, eyes, noses, hearts, lives and souls in the mix there too. Therefore, in the pursuit of this all-encompassing happiness, trudge to work every Wednesday 15 minutes early so that you can joyful bound out of the office in time to catch the first brass beat to be released into the heavens. We know there's a lot going on, but be sure to spend some time rocking out in front of the stage. If you happen to have braved WATS solo and don't have anyone to dance with "shirtless man" or "hippie woman" will happily rid you of your partnerless woes! Seriously, you don't even have to ask! Do note, that while enjoying the area in front of the stage, you will most likely encounter an opportunity to achieve a second-hand high. Whether you're into that sort of thing or not, the opportunity will present itself. However, don't ever plan on contributing to the second-hand fumes, as the policemen at the square are in fact policemen, and not just badged characters in this current fantasy world you're living in. After putting in some quality time at the stage, mosey around the square to check out the rest of the WATS enterprise: enjoy some food from local vendors, some local libations from Abita or Cordina or local pours of your favorite premium brand cocktails. The square will also be bustling with local nonprofits with information on how to get involved in the city as well as local artisans selling their work. After you've completed your rounds, make sure you head back up to the stage to catch the second act of the night. (All food & drink vendors as well as the line up for each night is posted on the WATS website, listed above.) Two more cents: just because we love the YLC that damn much: please don't bring in your own food or drinks to the square! We won't judge you if you pre-game at home before a 5pm event on a Wednesday but we will judge you if your pre-game turns into game-time drinking of your previously purchased Prosecco at the square. Remember, this is a fundraiser you're attending and concession sales keep ticket your ticket price at the friendly cost of free. "Laissez les bon temps rouler" - Sacha Baron Cohen (A likely future member of the LoveOurCityNola team) Insider Tip: Pack a large sign in case you spot some high-class New Orleanians enjoying the free music on the balconies of their high-rise condos to the left of the stage, which reads "Stop stealing our free music with your diamond studded ears! And too bad you're not down here receiving any of the free money they're giving away! Watch out! No, it wasn't a bird! We just wanted to inform you that we're soon going to buy your house with all this free money!" But of course don't actually make this sign unless this is actually going to take place. Or else you'll look foolish. And seriously, you better let us know if you somehow find out when YLC Free Money Night is... Or else... we're ripping up your sign... read more