Where do we meet for the charter?

Meet at The Pointe: 118 Harborview Ct Slidell, Louisiana 70458. Check-in is scheduled for 10:00am per the itinerary.

How many people can the charter hold?

Private charters accommodate up to 26 guests as listed in the group size.

Can we swim at Float Fest?

Yes—guests are welcome to enter the water at the festival but do so at your own risk; the operator disclaims responsibility once you leave the vessel.

Are food and drinks allowed on board?

Bring your own food and beverages; charters typically allow coolers and personal supplies—confirm any specific restrictions at booking.

Is alcohol permitted while anchored?

Alcohol is commonly consumed at Float Fest, but guests must follow federal and state boating laws and the captain’s instructions for safety.

What happens if weather is bad?

Charter captains monitor marine forecasts and may reschedule or cancel for safety; check cancellation and refund policies at booking.

Float Fest 2026: Private Bayou Breeze Charters on Lake Pontchartrain

Float Fest 2026 - Bayou Breeze brings the Gulf Coast's most rowdy, sunlit music party to Lake Pontchartrain, right off Slidell, Louisiana. This private charter experience launches from The Pointe (meet at 118 Harborview Ct Slidell, Louisiana 70458) and delivers your group straight to Crab Trap Island, the shallow sandbar that hosts the festival's floating concert stage. Spend a day anchored amid hundreds of boats, swim from inflatable rafts, and feel the bass through the hull while local bands — Two Piece Dark Meat: The Delta Variant, Rhythm Chasers, and PaperChase — play on a platform bobbing on the bayou. The scene is equal parts live music, boating culture, and Gulf Coast shoreline: low, sandy shoals, brackish water fringed by marsh grasses, and an easygoing crowd that treats the water as its party lawn. A private charter removes the logistics of trailering and launching so your group of up to 26 can relax from the moment you board. Captains handle positioning at the festival, navigation across open water, and timing: meet at 10:00am at The Pointe, depart at 10:30, arrive at the fest by 11:00 for a full day of music from noon to 6:30pm, and return by 7:00pm. Bring coolers, shade, and flotation; the crew will keep the boat ready while you swim or sunbathe. Note: guests enter the water at their own risk — the operator cannot assume responsibility once you leave the vessel. What makes this trip special for the Lake Pontchartrain region isn’t just the music; it’s the way the festival reclaims the lake’s shallow anatomy. Crab Trap Island is a remnant sandbar that creates a natural gathering point, turning a stretch of estuary into an impromptu island stage. The area supports hardy marsh plants, foraging shorebirds, and a patchwork of oyster beds and shallow flats visible on calm days — a salt-tinged reminder that this is Gulf Coast water, not a freshwater lake. This charter is a standout choice for visitors who want hassle-free access to one of Northshore’s signature summer traditions. It’s ideal for celebrations — birthdays, bachelor (ette) parties, or just a group of friends who want front-row on-water views without towing a boat or fighting for a slip. Practical advantages — an experienced captain, direct access to the floating stage, and on-deck space for coolers and inflatables — make this both the easiest and most memorable way to experience Float Fest 2026. Booking through a dedicated charter also supports local captains and the Northshore boating economy, keeping more maritime knowledge and jobs in the community. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, secure your valuables in dry bags, and come prepared to trade crowded shorelines for an entire day on the water. See the lineup live.

About Beyond the French Quarter

Beyond the French Quarter is a Lafitte, Louisiana tour company delivering authentic bayou and swamp experiences near New Orleans. The company offers a range of guided trips including bayou day-and-night fishing adventures, charter fishing with on-board expertise, eco bayou tours with educational commentary, historic plantation visits, private kayak swamp excursions, and full-day birding tours.

Local captains lead the experiences: Captain Mike runs charter fishing and many guided angling trips, while Captain Pip guides eco and wildlife tours. Each trip highlights Louisiana species such as speckled trout, redfish, flounder, roseate spoonbills, herons, and native raptors, and showcases coastal marshes, cypress swamps, and tidal bayous.

Beyond the French Quarter partners with local restaurants for catch-and-cook experiences, providing authentic Creole-style preparation after charter trips. Plantation tours visit two historic estates and include discussions of architectural features, gardens, and the complex history of enslaved people associated with those sites.

The operation emphasizes safety and local knowledge, using licensed captains familiar with bayou navigation and seasonal wildlife patterns. Equipment and itinerary details are provided for each trip so guests know what to expect. Tours accommodate a range of interests and abilities from family-friendly kayak paddles to specialized bowfishing at night.

Visitors choose Beyond the French Quarter for direct access to Lafitte’s wetlands, expert local guides, and a variety of immersive outdoor experiences that connect nature, culture, and coastal Louisiana heritage. Booking information, seasonal availability, and pricing are available online or by phone; reservations are recommended for popular trips and private tours during peak seasons.