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Frequently asked questions

FAQs for Swamp in the City Festival

 May 7-10, 2026 

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What is Swamp in the City?

Swamp in the City is a four-day Cajun & Zydeco music and dance festival bringing world-class Louisiana bands to Brooklyn for a joyful weekend of live music, dancing, food, and community.

When is Swamp in the City?

The 9th Annual Swamp in the City takes place May 7–10, 2026.

Where is Swamp in the City?

The festival spans multiple venues along the Red Hook waterfront in Brooklyn.

  • Flagship venue: Strong Rope Brewery (Friday–Sunday) at 185 Van Dyke Street in Brooklyn, NY

  • Thursday Kickoff: A dance party aboard the historic Waterfront Museum & Showboat Barge at 290 Conover Street in Brooklyn, NY 

  • Saturday Pub Crawl: Live Cajun music at multiple Red Hook spots, including Strong Rope

Highlights at Strong Rope:

  • Friday & Saturday evenings: Ticketed shows

  • Sunday (Mother’s Day): Free/Pay-What-You-Wish (suggested $40) festival

    • 11am Family Dance (kids welcome!)

    • Noon 'til sold out: Crawfish boil

    • Live music & dancing through 6pm

Why is Swamp in the City?

Founded in 2018, Swamp in the City was created to connect two worlds we love: the Cajun/Zydeco music and dance community and our home of Brooklyn, NYC. What began as a grassroots gathering of 200 people at Jalopy has grown into a 2,500–3,000 person weekend featuring 20+ world-class bands from Louisiana and beyond, Cajun/Creole food, dance lessons, workshops, jam sessions, and more.

How does Swamp in the City operate?

Swamp runs on dancing — and on community support. Ticket sales make the festival possible and help us bring incredible artists to NYC not only for the festival, but for our year-round dance series featuring touring Cajun, Zydeco, honky-tonk, and Western swing bands.

Swamp in the City is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by:

  • NYC Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA)

  • New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA)

  • NYC Tourism Foundation

  • Sponsors

  • Supporter passes, ticket buyers, and Sunday donations

Are kids free?

Yes! Kids 13 and under are free at all Strong Rope events. The festival is especially well-suited for families during daytime activities on Saturday and Sunday. For everyone’s safety, we ask that children are supervised and not running on the dance floor.

How do I get involved?

Volunteer applications have closed due to overwhelming interest. We’ll notify selected volunteers by mid-March.

Other ways to support:

  • Purchase a Supporter Pass (best way to directly fund the fest!)

    • Includes access to the Lagniappe room at Strong Rope all weekend

    • Dedicated bathrooms

    • Shorter bar lines

    • Reserved seating for Saturday's brunch show with the Holiday Playgirls

Do I need tickets?

Yes — for most events.
You can purchase:

  • Single-day tickets

  • 2-4 day Supporter passes

  • VIP passes

Tickets available here while supplies last. 

Sunday’s Mother’s Day festival is Pay-What-You-Wish (suggested $40).

What’s the Saturday Pub Crawl?

Check in at Strong Rope anytime after 12pm to receive a palm card listing all participating venues and bands. Your pub crawl wristband includes special perks like discounted drinks or food at participating spots. Visit multiple venues, get your card stamped, and return it for free Swamp swag!

I want to attend the Crawfish Boil — how?

Join us for the Mother's Day crawfish boil at Strong Rope Brewery on Sunday, May 10 from noon 'til sold out. Tickets for crawfish are $40 while supplies last (please note, this covers crawfish only). Sunday's admission is pay-what-you-wish, with donations accepted in advance or at the door. Guests who donate $40 or more will also receive access to our Fest Lagniappe Room, featuring a dedicated bar and restrooms available throughout the day.

This event is presented in partnership with Red Hook Lobster Pound.

 

What’s happening Thursday night?

We kick off the festival with a dance party aboard a the Historic Waterfront Museum & Showboat Barge in Red Hook. Capacity is extremely limited and this event sells out every year — advance tickets strongly recommended.

I don’t know how to dance — will I still have fun?

Absolutely. Swamp is community-first. We offer at least one dance lesson daily (often more), and Cajun two-steps and waltzes are easy to pick up. The dance community is welcoming and happy to help — just ask someone for a dance!

How do I get to Red Hook?

  • B61 bus to Red Hook

  • NYC Ferry from Pier 11

  • Driving is possible, but parking can be limited — carpool if you can.

I’m coming from out of town — where should I stay?

Red Hook has one hotel:

  • The Lodge Red Hook (about a 15-minute walk to Strong Rope)

You can also look in nearby neighborhoods like Sunset Park, which has several hotel options at varying price points.

Is there a dance floor?

Yes! We rent both indoor and outdoor dance floors at Strong Rope all weekend for maximum dancing comfort.

What’s the rain plan?

All venues have indoor and outdoor options. Rain or shine, the music and dancing continue.

Allons, y’all! 💃🪗

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For additional questions, email us at swampinthecity(at)gmail.com

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