What began in 1973 as a request by the mayor’s office to find a way to unite a diverse community, FestForAll has grown to a sizable festival celebrating the music, art and culture of Baton Rouge and all of Louisiana.
In 1998 the festival was cancelled because community leaders wanted to focus on other events, said Kathy Scherer, the Arts and Cultural Programs Director for the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge.
After a four-year hiatus, the festival returned in 2003 and has grown a little bit each year, Scherer said.  
Scherer said today the event is largely community-driven through the help of volunteers.
“It’s two full days of great music, great art, street performers and demonstrations and it’s all free and open to the public to celebrate the arts and music of Louisiana,” Scherer said.
FestForAll will take place downtown between the 100 and 700 blocks of North Boulevard and will feature 80 artists from 14 states.
The Louisiana Gumbo Stage and the Jambalaya Stage, situated on opposite ends of the street, will feature musical acts of varying genres.
The Lagniappe Stage will feature art demonstrations and musical acts.
Throughout the street, artists and street performers — including belly dancers and fire breathers — will be presenting their work.
“This is such a great thing because it allows the community to see dynamite artwork and great music they might not have the opportunity to see elsewhere,” Scherer said.
Joel Phillips, a member of the musical acts selection committee, said he became involved with the festival because he wanted to make sure the event lived up to its name.
“In the past, [FestForAll] didn’t always include all types of music,” Phillips said. “[Now] it really does attract anybody and everybody. It’s just what it sounds like; it’s a fest for all.” 
Phillips said despite the festival being on the same weekend as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, he still expects a good turnout downtown.
“People can either sweat their butts off in a crowded field in New Orleans, or stay close to home and enjoy great weather and great entertainment,” he said.