Take A Trip to New Orleans Without Leaving the Quad Cities at Gumbo Ya Ya!
Catch the spirit and energy of ‘The French Quarter’ in downtown Rock Island this weekend!
For the 27th consecutive year, Gumbo Ya Ya returns to downtown Rock Island this Saturday Jun 8! Gates open at 4 p.m.
Zydeco and Jazz bands will tantalize your ears, while Cajun spiced food will heat up your taste buds. Bead tosses, confetti, feather masks, feather boas, and Jumer’s showgirls will complete the Mardi Gras theme.
New this year, outdoor dueling pianos will be available for your listening pleasure in the Voodoo Lounge. Two sets will take place, the first from 5 – 6:30 p.m. and the second from 8:30 – 10 p.m.
This year’s Mainstage Music Lineup is:
Backwater Bayou Band 4:30 – 5:15 p.m. and 5:30 – 6:15 p.m.
Dikki Du and The Zydeco Krewe 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal 8:15 – 9:45 p.m.
Jack Brass Band 10 – 11 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. – 12:15 a.m.
If the taste of New Orleans cuisine is what you’re looking for, you’ll find many options at Gumbo Ya Ya. If you don’t like the Cajun flavors traditional festival foods, there is something for everyone to enjoy at our local Restaurants!
The merchants are inspired by the French Quarter Marketplace in New Orleans, a place where you can find almost anything. Official Gumbo Ya Ya t-shirts and other Mardi Gras accessories (Mardi Gras masks, specialty beads, etc.) are available for purchase. Merchants will sell clothing, accessories, and jewelry. Novelties will include psychics, airbrush tattoos, and flamboyant street performers.
Over 20,000 strands of Mardi Gras beads will be thrown to the crowd throughout the weekend by various groups… including some local familiar faces! Do you know what the different colors of the beads represent? The most dominant color at Mardi Gras is purple, and it represents justice. Green stands for faith, and gold represents power. These three colors are intertwined in almost all Mardi Gras decorations. Be ready for some surprises too!
Admission is only $10 ($5 after 10:30 p.m.) Kids 12 and under get in FREE!
Tickets can be purchased in advance at Daiquiri Factory, (309) 786-1016 or admission fee can be paid at the gate. No coolers allowed inside of premises. Personal lawn chairs and seating is allowed.
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/669918716798529/.
