Congo Square (OUTDOORS)
Congo Square is one of the most hallowed sites in American music history. This area, once a grassy commons behind the original city rampart (now Rampart Street), was one of several gathering places for enslaved people from Africa and their descendants. In the 1700s, under French and Spanish colonial rule, slaves were permitted to buy and sell goods on Sundays. They also played African-style musical instruments and performed dances that originated from their native homes. After New Orleans became part of the United States in the early 1800s, a city ordinance limited gatherings of slaves to this spot, and only until sunset. Still, the weekly ritual sustained a continuum of African culture in the New World, with profound implications for the future of music.
Upcoming Shows
12-5:30pm | The Official Juneteenth Festival of New Orleans in Congo Square. Celebration of community & liberation!
New Orleans Juneteenth Festival, Inc hosts the 7th Annual NOLA Juneteenth Fest in Congo Square. Enjoy live music from some of your favorite artists, bands, and dancers. Shop with Black owned vendors, and gain valuable information from community resources and your local HBCUs.
Featuring performances by Dawn Richard, Flagboy Giz, Game Ova Skipp, Watotos of Kumbuka, Secondline Kickoff ft. Nuisettes Noir Baby Dolls, and DJ RQ Away. Hosted by Malik Bartholomew.
Free & Open to the Public
The celebration and practice of liberation doesn't stop at the festival, so come out Saturday June 20th for the Juneteenth Economic Summit and Sunday June 21st for the Juneteenth Freedom Gala at the Andre Cailloux Center.
