The 26th annual Crawfish Boil — “Crawfishin’ in Paradise” — is 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, April 15, at the Red Barn. The boil is a feast of crawfish with lemon and onions. Sides include sausage, potatoes, corn and red beans and rice.

Admission is $5.

For many faculty, staff, students and alumni, the crawfish boil has become a rite of spring. Hundreds of people attend each year. 

“It’s about the biggest event we have at the Barn,” said George Howe, director of Development and Special Projects. “But it’s also a program that helps a lot of students.”

Gate proceeds and additional voluntary donations benefit UofL students through Student Affairs and Red Barn scholarship programs.

The crawfish boil began in 1986 as a way to attract an older crowd to campus. Crawfish used to be picked up from South Carolina or from Gulf Coast Louisiana with delivery the day of the event. In recent years, fresh crawfish have been ordered through a local company.

The event is sponsored by the Student Activities Board and the Red Barn Alumni Association.

Read about the Crawfish Boil’s history in UofL Today’s coverage of last year’s silver anniversary event.