It's the Hospice Foundation of the South’s signature event! Historically the largest single-day event on the Northshore and thought to be the largest single-day crawfish cook-off in the world, the All-You-Can-Eat Crawfish Cook-off boasts over 40,000 pounds of crawfish and 17,500 pounds of fixings boiled by 60+ teams, all competing for the title, “Best Crawfish in St. Tammany Parish" as decided by celebrity judges and competing teams.

The 19th annual festival takes place on Saturday, April 20, 2024 in Slidell's Fritchie Park, 905 W. Howze Beach Rd. Entertainment begins at 11 a.m. with performances by the Lost Bayou Ramblers and Rock Kandy.

Admission is $45 at the gate, free for children 12 and under. Advance admission is $35 through Feb. 29, increasing to $40 after March 1. Included in your admission is all the crawfish you can eat and three well-known bands entertaining the crowd of 7,000+. Beverages and other food will also be available for purchase.  Purchase tickets at www.CrawfishTickets.com.

No outside food or drink, ice chests, tables, trays, tents or animals will be permitted inside the park. All crawfish must be consumed on premises (no "crawfish to go"). Blankets, folding/festival chairs and small umbrellas are permitted. The event is rain or shine. No refunds will be given. The last crawfish boil dumps at 4:30 p.m. Don't forget your dancing shoes, sunscreen and your favorite festing hat!

Entry fee may be paid at the gate with credit card, though all other transactions are made by tickets purchased with cash. There are two ATMs on site. Advance tickets are also available at all Northshore Hancock Whitney banks about one month before the festival.

Parking with free shuttle to the event will be available at Salmen High School, Calvary Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, and the old outlet mall (park in the area farthest from the Interstate). If you don't want to ride the school bus there is a paid lot on W. Howze Beach Rd past Spartan High School; parking is $10 and will directly benefit the Hospice House.

The Hospice Foundation of the South (HFOS) is dedicated to providing resources for medical and emotional care for terminally ill patients and their families. Learn more about Hospice at TheHospiceHouse.org.

Photos courtesy Hospice House and VisitTheNorthshore.com.