Hogs for the Cause BBQ Festival Returns to New Orleans

Two-day event to raise money for children's hospitals features over 90 BBQ teams and 20 musical acts.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:07pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a whole roasted pig repeated in a tight grid pattern, rendered in a bold, neon color palette and heavy black outlines to create a modern pop art interpretation of the iconic BBQ dish.The iconic BBQ centerpiece of Hogs for the Cause takes center stage in a bold, pop art-inspired visual that captures the festival's celebratory spirit.New Orleans Today

Hogs for the Cause, the popular two-day barbecue festival in New Orleans, is returning to the UNO Lakefront Festival Grounds on April 10-11. The event features over 90 BBQ teams competing, along with a lineup of more than 20 local and national musical acts. Proceeds from the festival go towards supporting families with children diagnosed with brain cancer and funding programs at local children's hospitals.

Why it matters

Hogs for the Cause has become one of the largest and most successful charity barbecue events in the country, raising over $15 million to date for pediatric brain cancer care and research. The festival's return to New Orleans after a pandemic-related hiatus is a welcome boost for the local community and a chance to continue the event's important mission of supporting families and hospitals.

The details

The 2026 Hogs for the Cause festival will feature over 90 professional BBQ teams competing for prizes, along with a diverse music lineup including acts like Charles Wesley Godwin, Stephen Wilson Jr., and The Castellows. Attendees can enjoy the barbecue competition, live music, and beer while supporting a worthy cause. Tickets are available through the event's website.

  • Hogs for the Cause will take place on April 10-11, 2026.
  • The festival started in 2009 as a small pig roast to raise money for a boy with brain cancer.

The players

Hogs for the Cause

An annual two-day barbecue festival in New Orleans that raises money for children's hospitals and families fighting pediatric brain cancer. The event has grown to become one of the largest charity BBQ competitions in the country.

Children's Hospital of New Orleans

A leading children's hospital in Louisiana that partners with Hogs for the Cause to provide financial support and resources to families with children diagnosed with brain cancer.

Ochsner Hospital for Children

Another Louisiana children's hospital that collaborates with Hogs for the Cause to assist families dealing with pediatric brain cancer.

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What they’re saying

“Hogs for the Cause has become one of the most important charity events in New Orleans, bringing the community together to support families in need.”

— Ellie Cowen, WGNO News Reporter

What’s next

Tickets for the 2026 Hogs for the Cause festival are on sale now through the event's website. The festival is expected to sell out, so attendees are encouraged to purchase their tickets early.

The takeaway

Hogs for the Cause has evolved from a small local fundraiser into one of the premier charity barbecue events in the country, using the power of great food, music, and community to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families battling pediatric brain cancer. The festival's return to New Orleans is a testament to its enduring impact and the city's continued support for this important cause.