CHANDLER, Ariz. – Arizona event promotion company Forty8 Live! is excited to announce that ticket sales for the ninth annual Angry Crab Shack Southwest Cajun Fest go live on Nov. 17 with general admission pricing starting at $25 including fees. On Feb. 4, 2023, Valley residents can expect an immersive Bourbon Street experience complete with French Quarter-style backdrops, street performers and beads tossed from above. The Valley’s own BIG 94.5 FM is a proud sponsor of this year’s Cajun fest event.

“I can’t express how much we enjoy electrifying Downtown Chandler with beads flying everywhere, brass bands, live gators, excellent food and tasty drinks and now Buckwheat Zydeco Jr.,” said David Horen, director of events at Forty8 Live! “We’re doing Mardi Gras just as it is celebrated in NOLA!”

Angry Crab Shack Southwest Cajun Fest will be held from 2 until 9 p.m. at Dr. AJ Chandler Park (178 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler, AZ 85225). Headlining performing talent Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. and The Ils Sont Partis Band will enrapture guests with an authentic Louisiana blend of rhythm and blues tunes, joined by opening act NOLAZ playing New Orleans soul music. Other entertainment elements include jugglers, stilt walkers, magicians, street performers and a bombastic brass band will capture the energy of New Orleans and transport attendees to the French Quarter.

“Once again, our first-in-class annual Mardi Gras-themed event is returning to the heart of the East Valley with thousands upon thousands of true Cajun Fest fanatics!” said Mike O’Donnell, director of partnerships at Forty8 Live!

To accommodate lovers of Cajun cuisine, locally owned seafood restaurant Angry Crab Shack will serve a giant seafood boil in an expanded dining space. Other local Cajun restaurants will cook up dishes like gumbo, frog legs, beignets, po boys, hush puppies, alligator, catfish and much more. Cocktail enthusiasts can sip on hurricanes, daiquiris, and specialty themed drinks at “The Swamp” bar created by onsite mixologists, while iron-gutted partygoers can participate in both crawfish and andouille sausage eating competitions. Other activations include a live alligator petting zoo and a kid’s zone featuring rides and inflatables.

“Angry Crab Shack is ‘spicing up’ the Southwest Cajun Fest yet again with our traditional seafood boil and other Louisiana favorites,” said Andy Diamond, President of Angry Crab Shack. “We’re excited to return this year celebrating Creole cuisine and culture.”

General admission tickets start at $25. Kids 12 and under receive free entry. To purchase tickets, see event activity details, parking information and more, visit forty8live.com.

About Forty8 Live!
Forty8 Live!, nationally renowned as innovative event producers who create, book, produce and market memorable live entertainment experiences – from medium to large public concerts, festivals and themed special events to corporate events, civic celebrations and private concerts. The purpose behind Forty8 Live! is to target, captivate and inspire consumers through the power of live entertainment, great food, and spirited beverages. With over five decades of combined experience creating signature events, the team at Forty8 Live! have proven masterful in producing significant economic impact in the communities they serve, creating memorable experiences for the attendees and delivering results that exceed the expectations of their partners. Their exclusive special event platforms allow Forty8 Live! to integrate, measure and shape a brand experience unlike any other activation medium. Based in Arizona, Forty8 Live! is one of the largest producers of special events with an impressive roster of over a dozen signature annual events. For additional information, a complete list of services and current projects, please visit http://www.forty8live.com or email them at [email protected].

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