Events & Workshops
Come join us on the farm! We offer a mix of tours, workshops, and celebrations throughout the year. Be sure to check back as we update this page frequently.
Fall Farm for All
Ring in the harvest season with us at our Fall Farm for All!
The morning will begin with a picnic brunch catered by Tropicalia Kitchen under the Big Oak tree followed by games, activities, and learnings for all ages led by Grow Dat youth. At 1:30pm, we'll close out the day with a toast and share cake and bubbles to celebrate the future of Grow Dat in City Park! We suggest a donation of $20-50 per person; children under twelve are welcome to join in on this wonderFALL FUNdraiser at no cost! Get your tickets here!
As always, your donation supports young leaders who work in our paid leadership program as they grow themselves and grow food for our community.
History of the Land Workshop
The History of the Land workshop asks the question “What's happened right here?” We explore what Grow Dat's tract of land has looked like in the past - tracing Indigenous histories, stories of enslavement and emancipation, segregation and Civil Rights, all the way to the present day. By looking thoughtfully and critically at these histories, we set the stage for a conversation about right land use in the future. This workshop is a great fit for anyone interested in local history, ecology, or thinking about what sustainability and justice would look like in our city. Come join the conversation!
This workshop is outside, two hours long, and entails a walk around the farm, standing up for most of that time. We can make accomodations if that doesn’t work for you.
There is a suggested donation of $20-50 for this workshop, with no one turned away for lack of funds. Space is limited; please register here in advance!
Fabulous Farm Tour
Curious about Grow Dat? Come join us for a tour of our farm! You’ll get to see our youth leaders in action as they guide you on a tour about our sustainable farming practices, youth programs, and unique organizational culture. You’ll learn more about Grow Dat and give our young people an opportunity to put their leadership skills into practice.
Please register in advance here.
History of the Land Workshop
The History of the Land workshop asks the question “What's happened right here?” We explore what Grow Dat's tract of land has looked like in the past - tracing Indigenous histories, stories of enslavement and emancipation, segregation and Civil Rights, all the way to the present day. By looking thoughtfully and critically at these histories, we set the stage for a conversation about right land use in the future. This workshop is a great fit for anyone interested in local history, ecology, or thinking about what sustainability and justice would look like in our city. Come join the conversation!
This workshop is outside, two hours long, and usually entails a walk around the farm, standing up for most of that time. We can make accomodations if that doesn’t work for you.
There is a suggested donation of $20-50 for this workshop, with no one turned away for lack of funds. Space is limited; please register here in advance!
Fabulous Farm Tour
Curious about Grow Dat? Come join us for a tour of our farm! You’ll get to see our youth leaders in action as they guide you on a tour about our sustainable farming practices, youth programs, and unique organizational culture. You’ll learn more about Grow Dat and give our young people an opportunity to put their leadership skills into practice.
Please register in advance here.
People's Planning Forum at VOTE
Enslaved people labored and resisted on at least 14 plantations on the land we know as City Park today. How should this fact shape the park of the future?
In collaboration VOTE, we’ll come together to envision how public space can acknowledge the past and foster just futures. Come join this important conversation.
We’ll meet at the VOTE office, 4930 Washington Ave in New Orleans. Dinner will be provided.
Please register if you plan on joining us! Check out this resource list to learn more and get inspired for our conversation.
Dakar NOLA presents Afro Freedom Afro Feast
Join Chef Serigne Mbaye, owner of Dakar NOLA and founder of Afro Freedom Afro Feast at the 3rd Annual Juneteenth celebration, where he and six renowned chefs from New Orleans will showcase their culinary talents. Indulge in a diverse array of dishes prepared by Chef Charly Pierre from Fritai, Chef Prince Lobo from Addis NOLA, Chef Nina Compton from Compère Lapin and BABs, Chef Martha Wiggins from Café Reconcile, Chef Shonda Cross from Chef Shonda’s Fine Dining To-Go, and pastry chef Kaitlin Guerin from Lagniappe Bakehouse.
Feed your soul and embark on a unique culinary experience where the chefs will cook over open flames, paying homage to our ancestors. This unique event, held at the Grow Dat Youth Farm, is a celebration of Black ancestral foods and a tribute to the city's rich culinary heritage. Experience the flavors of the African diaspora and celebrate Juneteenth with us. Purchase your tickets now for an unforgettable evening of food, culture, and community.
Fabulous Farm Tour
Curious about Grow Dat? Come join us for a tour of our farm! We’re starting early to beat the heat. You’ll get to see our youth leaders in action as they guide you on a tour about our sustainable farming practices, youth programs, and unique organizational culture. You’ll learn more about Grow Dat and give our young people an opportunity to put their leadership skills into practice.
Please register in advance here.
People's Planning Forum at Nanih Bvlbancha
City Park is located on indigenous territories. How should this fact shape the park of the future? Drawing inspiration from the Nanih Bvlbancha, a new mound on the Lafitte Greenway, we'll come together to envision Indigenous futures in public space. Join Monique Verdin, Dr. Tammy Greer, and Grow Dat youth for dinner, conversation, and collaboration at our second People's Planning Form. Thursday, May 23, 6:00-8:00pm at the Nanih Bvlbancha site, 1900 Lafitte Ave.
Please register if you plan on joining the conversation!
Check out this resource list to learn more & get inspired for our conversation.
Spring Farm Dinner
Join us under the Big Oak for an evening of nourishment and community in service of youth leadership and sustainable agriculture. Get your tickets for our annual fundraiser here!
People's Planning Forum for the Park
Grow Dat youth leaders and staff are excited to welcome the public onto our farm to eat together, dream together, and create visions for the future of City Park.
Create Dat! Community Art Day
Come join us under the Big Oak by the bayou for an evening of community and art! This is a chance to reconnect with nature and your creative side in a beautiful setting. Bring your own journal or favorite art materials - we’ll have supplies on site too. We’ll have an optional tour of the farm for those who want to learn more about Grow Dat. Kids, families, and artists of all ages are encouraged to join!
Please sign up if you’re interested in attending.
A Day for Queer Youth at Grow Dat Youth Farm
The Gender & Sexuality Alliance at Ben Franklin High School is hosting an event at Grow Dat for queer youth around the city.
This is a space to learn about what laws are being proposed that target LGBTQ youth, and come together as a community in a safe and welcoming space.
If you’re interested in joining as a student leader at this event, sign up here! We need young people to help spread the word and lead activities.
Fabulous Farm Tour
Curious about Grow Dat? Come join us for a tour of our farm! You’ll get to see our youth leaders in action as they guide you on a tour about our sustainable farming practices, youth programs, and unique organizational culture. You’ll learn more about Grow Dat and give our young people an opportunity to put their leadership skills into practice.
Please register in advance here.
History of the Land Workshop
The History of the Land workshop asks the question “What's happened right here?” We explore what Grow Dat's tract of land has looked like in the past - tracing Indigenous histories, stories of enslavement and emancipation, segregation and Civil Rights, all the way to the present day. By looking thoughtfully and critically at these histories, we set the stage for a conversation about right land use in the future. This workshop is a great fit for anyone interested in local history, ecology, or thinking about what sustainability and justice would look like in our city. Come join the conversation!
This workshop is just under two hours long, and usually entails a walk around the farm, standing up for most of that time. If that doesn't work for you, let us know & we can make appropriate accommodations. Bring comfortable shoes you don't mind getting dirty, and some water. The workshop is outside. Admission is donation based, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds. If would like to make a donation, it will be collected at the end of the workshop via credit card, text-to-donate, check or cash.
Space is limited for this workshop, please register here in advance!
History of the Land workshop
The History of the Land workshop asks the question “What's happened right here?”. We explore what Grow Dat's tract of land has looked like in the past -- tracing Indigenous histories, stories of enslavement and emancipation, segregation and Civil Rights, all the way to the present day. By looking thoughtfully and critically at these histories, we set the stage for a conversation about right land use in the future. This workshop is a great fit for anyone interested in local history, ecology, or thinking about what sustainability and justice would look like in our city. Come join the conversation!
This workshop is just under two hours long, and usually entails a walk around the farmland and standing up for most of that time. If that doesn't work for you, let us know & we can make appropriate accommodations. Bring comfortable shoes you don't mind getting dirty, and bring along some water. The workshop is outside, but please bring a mask for when we’re closer than 6ft from each other.
Admission is donation based, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds. If would like to make a donation, it will be collected at the end of the workshop via credit card, text-to-donate, check or cash.
Space is limited for this workshop, please register here in advance!
Grow Dat Get Down 2023
Dust off your dancing shoes!
Join us for our 2nd annual Get Down in service of youth leadership. There’s sure to be joy and jubilation, dancing and drinks, food and fun. Bring the whole family! Tickets available now!
Spring Dinner on the Farm
This spring’s Dinner on the Farm will begin with a cocktail hour with drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and passed hors d’oeuvres, as well as an invitation to take a farm tour focusing on our leadership programs, growing practices, and the stunning ecology of our site. After the cocktail hour, guests will be invited to take their seats along the bayou for a beautiful, locally focused, four-course meal prepared by award-winning New Orleans women chefs. Join us as we connect to the soil beneath our feet, the delicious food on our plates, and the joyful company at our table. Get your tickets here!
Real Talk: Building Communication & Culture
Real Talk is one of the tools we use at Grow Dat to build relationships and work together across difference. At first look, it's very simple: it's a method for delivering regular feedback that uses three 'positives' (a piece of positive feedback) and one 'delta' (an opportunity for growth or change). Practiced regularly, this can have a huge impact — as a tool for youth leadership development and as a way to build organizational culture and connection among adult staff. By prioritizing relationships, and by making space and time for positive feedback along with constructive criticism, Grow Dat has created a unique workplace culture.
In this workshop, we'll think through ways to make sure Real Talk is effective, walk you through the different types of Real Talk we use at Grow Dat, and have some time to think through how this communication practice could be adapted to your particular context.
This is a great workshop for individuals interested in communication or organizational culture. It’s also an excellent fit for a team of people who work together. If you’re interested in bringing your whole staff or team, please reach out to kevin@growdatyouthfarm.org. We have led this workshop for other organizations in the past and can schedule a different time or even come to you!
As space is limited for this event, please register ahead of time here.
Fabulous Farm Tour
Curious about Grow Dat? Come join us for a tour of our farm! You’ll get to see our youth leaders in action as they share information about our sustainable farming practices, youth programs, and unique organizational culture. You’ll learn more about Grow Dat and give our young people an opportunity to put their leadership skills into practice.
Please register in advance here.
History of the Land Workshop
Registration for this event is full. Check back in the spring for additional sessions of this workshop.
The History of the Land workshop asks the question “What's happened right here?”. We explore what Grow Dat's tract of land has looked like in the past -- tracing Indigenous histories, stories of enslavement and emancipation, segregation and Civil Rights, all the way to the present day. By looking thoughtfully and critically at these histories, we set the stage for a conversation about right land use in the future. This workshop is a great fit for anyone interested in local history, ecology, or thinking about what sustainability and justice would look like in our city. Come join the conversation!
This workshop is just under two hours long, and usually entails a walk around the farmland and standing up for most of that time. If that doesn't work for you, let us know & we can make appropriate accommodations. Bring comfortable shoes you don't mind getting dirty, and bring along some water. The workshop is outside.
Admission is donation based, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds. If you would like to make a donation, it will be based on a sliding scale of $5-$50 and will be collected at the end of the workshop via credit card, text-to-give, check or cash.
Growing Together: A Discussion on Food Equity & Accessibility
After postponing due to inclement weather, we are excited to announce that our food equity conversation with #IamNewOrleans will take place at 3:30 p.m. CST on Saturday, Dec. 3, at Langston Hughes Academy. “Growing Together: A Discussion on Food Equity & Accessibility” aims to dig deeper into the food equity challenges in New Orleans and across the U.S.
Members of our youth leadership program will be at the core of this event, with breakout sessions, open dialogue and opportunities to reimagine a more equitable food system for future generations. Free Lyft transportation, light food and refreshments will be provided. This is a kid-friendly event, and children of all ages are welcome.
We invite you to join us and share your story using #IamNewOrleans on your social networks. Register today at IamNewOrleansVoices.com.
History of the Land Workshop
We’re limiting group size for this event - please complete this registration form!
The History of the Land workshop asks the question “What's happened right here?”. We explore what Grow Dat's tract of land has looked like in the past -- tracing Indigenous histories, stories of enslavement and emancipation, segregation and Civil Rights, all the way to the present day. By looking thoughtfully and critically at these histories, we set the stage for a conversation about right land use in the future. This workshop is a great fit for anyone interested in local history, ecology, or thinking about what sustainability and justice would look like in our city. Come join the conversation!
This workshop is just under two hours long, and usually entails a walk around the farmland and standing up for most of that time. If that doesn't work for you, let us know & we can make appropriate accommodations. Bring comfortable shoes you don't mind getting dirty, and bring along some water. The workshop is outside.
Admission is donation based, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds. If you would like to make a donation, it will be based on a sliding scale of $5-$50 and will be collected at the end of the workshop via credit card, text-to-give, check or cash.
Grow Dat Get Down 2022
We’re Having a Party with a Purpose, Y’all!
Grow Dat's newest annual fundraiser, the Get Down, will feature the Original Pinettes Brass Band and will benefit youth programs that take place on our seven-acre farm in City Park. Join us for a night of dining, dancing, and jubilation under the stars, all in support of youth leadership and sustainable urban agriculture.