March
Lao New Year Celebration, March 24-27, Lanexang Village, 7913 Champa Ave, Broussard -
This three-day festival celebrating the New Year includes live music, a beauty pageant, parades, sand castle building, kids activities, and several vendors selling clothes, jewelry, music and food from Southeast Asia.
Hammond Blues & BBQ, March 25-26, Downtown Hammond, www.hammondbbq.com -
The Smokin’ Hammond BBQ Challenge is a free festival featuring the KCBS Cook Off, several regional bands and 60+ local teams competing in the Backyard Boogie and the Lamar Outdoor Advertising Chicken Little Contest, making it the largest BBQ event in the State of Louisiana.
Crescent City Classic, March 26, Poydras St. at Loyola Ave, www.ccc10k.com/crescent-city-classic-10k -
This 10k road race held each year on the Saturday before Easter by the Crescent City Fitness Foundation is followed by an exciting post-race party complete with live music and local Creole cuisine. Even non-runners can attend the free two-day Health & Fitness Expo which takes place before the race.
French Quarter Easter Parade and Brunch, March 27, French Quarter, www.frenchquartereasterparade.com -
This Easter celebration starts with a Continental breakfast at the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel ballroom and includes a hat contest, silent auction, and entertainment and concludes with a champagne brunch and dancing following the parade.
April
NOLA Pyrate Week, March 25-April 3, French Quarter, nolapyrateweek.com -
The Pyrates of Louisiana and their friends from around the world gather each year for 10 days of swashbuckling, art, music, food, events and volunteering to give back to the city.
Louisiana Crawfish Festival, March 31-April 3, St. Bernard Government Complex, 8200 West Judge Perez Dr, Chalmette, louisianacrawfishfestival.com-
This festival offers Cajun entertainment and current hit parade bands, hundreds of handcrafted products for sale, carnival games, toys and food for a full weekend of family fun.
Paddle Bayou Lafourche, March 31-April 3, Donaldsonville to Lockport, www.btnep.org/subsites/paddle/paddlehome-
Experience the natural elegance of Bayou Lafourche and join the Barataria-Terrebone National Estuary Program for a weekend paddling trip full of scenic natural vistas.
Tennessee Williams New Orleans Literary Festival, March 30-April 3, French Quarter, http://www.tennesseewilliams.net -
The most illustrious and freshest names in the literary, theatrical, and cultural spheres descend on the French Quarter for five days of festivities including speakers and writing contests.
Kite Fest Louisiane, April 1, WBR Soccer Complex, Port Allen -
This one-of-a-kind festival fills the sky with kites of all shapes and sizes, from demonstrations by professional kite flyers to family-friendly events like kite making, kite design and candy showers.
Crawfish Boil on The Lake, April 1, April 15, Treasure Chest Casino, Kenner -
Enjoy crawfish and free live entertainment on the casino lawn during these festive events.
Hogs for the Cause, April 1-2, City Park Fairgrounds, www.hogsforthecause.org -
This annual non-profit fundraising barbecue competition and music festival raises money for families with children fighting pediatric brain cancer, so stop by to listen to local music and eat some delicious food for a good cause.
Parks Cracklin’ Cook-Off, April 1-2, Cecile Rousseau Poche Memorial Park, www.parkscracklincookoff.com -
This cook-off competition also features live music, a family fun food raffle, arts and crafts booths, and a Kajun Iron Horse Poker Run for a weekend of nonstop fun.
Festa Italiana, April 1-3, Rivertown, Kenner, www.italianheritagefestival.com -
The 16th Annual Kenner Italian Heritage Festival will feature a display of historical memorabilia and photographs from Kenner’s Italian families, Italian and local music, children’s activities, genealogical research tutoring, crafts and delicious Italian food from local vendors.
Jackson Assembly Antiques and Art Show, April 1-3, 1740 Charter Street, Downtown Jackson, LA, jacksonassemblyantiquesshow.com -
This three-day show includes elegant antiques and collectibles, tours of historic sites, native plants and herbs, fine jewelry and crafts from local artists and daily home-cooked lunch with delicious desserts.
Big Bass Fishing Rodeo and Fishtival, April 2, City Park, New Orleans -
City Park hosts the oldest freshwater rodeo in the country, packed with fishing competitions, exhibitors, vendors, raffles, fishing tackle for sale and more.
Freret Street Festival, April 2, Freret St. between Napolean and Valmont, www.freretstreetfestival.com -
As a kick-off to the festival season, this event includes 150 local vendors showcasing arts, crafts, and wearables, an animal adoption, live music on three stages and festival food courts featuring New Orleans finest chefs with picnic seating.
NOLA FoodFest: Street Festival, April 2-3, New Orleans Riverwalk’s Spanish Plaza, www.nolafoodfest.com -
The plaza will be lined with dozens of America’s best hometown eats, including local favorites and specialties from across the nation, for a taste of the country’s most celebrated dishes all gathered in one place.
Spring Garden Show, April 2-3, New Orleans Botanical Garden City Park -
The annual Spring Garden Show invites visitors to explore the beautiful Botanical Garden, more than 50 horticultural exhibits, family-friendly activities and educational ‘Walk and Talk’ lectures.
Brunch Fest, April 3, New Orleans City Park, www.la-spca.org/brunchfest -
Dress in your most festive brunch attire or costume to enjoy a day full of brunch-inspired restaurants, breakfast style cocktails, unique vendors, live music and an animal adoption all supporting the Lousiana SPCA.
Cajun Classique, April 4-10, Bayou Teche, www.cajunclassique.com -
The 3rd annual Cajun Classique is a week long wooden boat cruise down Bayou Teche including a crawfish boil, zydeco breakfast, crawfish etouffee cooking demo, swamp tour and many more activities.
Jammin’ on Julia, April 5, Julia St and Camp St, www.jamminonjulia.net -
This event, presented by the New Orleans Arts District Association, includes music, libations, and art in select galleries for art lovers and collectors to kick off the spring festival season.
A Taste of Covington, April 6-10, Acquistapace’s Covington Supermarket, www.atasteofcovington.com -
This Covington Business Association event offers five days of fine food, wine, music and art from local vendors.
Louisiana Railroad Days, April 7-9, DeQuincy Railroad Museum Park, St. Charles, www.larailroaddaysfestival.com-
This free festival involves participation from local businesses, clubs, churches, and schools for food booths, crafts, carnival rides, free entertainment and a parade.
French Quarter Festival, April 7-10, French Quarter, fqfi.org -
With 23 stages, this free festival takes over the French Quarter with non-stop live music and delicious local food vendors all weekend long.
Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, April 8-10, Memorial Park, Ponchatoula, www.lastrawberryfestival.com -
Promising a BERRY good time, this free family-friendly outdoor festival is filled with great food, games, entertainment and fun.
Cajun Hot Sauce Festival, April 8-10, Acadiana Fairgrounds, New Iberia -
This spicy festival is jam-packed with live music, talent contests, cook-offs, a hot sauce competition and a pageant to crown the Cajun Hot Sauce Queen.
Bursting with Speed, April 9, Bucktown Lakefront, Metairie -
With 5K and half-mile races, this event benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society gives away $7,350 in prizes to winners in dozens of race categories.
Spring for Art, April 9, Downtown Covington -
The St. Tammany Art Association presents new work by dozens of artists from the Southeast Region, live music at various locations, gallery openings, art demonstrations, boutique shopping and fine dining throughout downtown Covington.
Baton Rouge Blues Festival, April 9-10, Downtown Baton Rouge, www.batonrougebluesfestival.org/home/ -
This two-day music festival offers an impressive lineup of artists and vendors for all to enjoy.
Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival, April 9-10, Melrose Plantation, Natchitoches-
Fine arts and crafts booths occupy the grounds of the historic Melrose Plantation along with food vendors and home tours for a premier annual event.
Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week, April 9-14, Vermillionville Living History and Folklife Park, Lafayette -
Balfa Week incorporates intensive classes on fiddle, guitar and accordion, participatory teaching sessions on Cajun & Creole vocals, instructor-coached band labs, nightly dances, jam sessions and more for a full schedule of musical learning.
Allons Manger Food Festival, April 10, St. Jules Catholic Church, Belle Rose -
The annual festival celebrates Cajun food with crawfish, oysters, turtle, shrimp and fish dishes, live entertainment, children’s activities and an auction.
Festival of Balloons, April 10, Hilton Riverside, 2 Poydras Street -
Presented by Pioneer Balloon Company, this festival is an opportunity to view balloon art created during the 2016 World Balloon Convention plus balloon entertainers, interactive demonstrations and people draped in balloon costumes.
Chauvin Folk Art Festival, April 12, Chauvin Sculpture Garden, 5337 Bayouside Dr, Montegut -
This bi-annual festival features 25 demonstrating artists and vendors, live music, face painting, food, drinks and fun for all ages.
Great Southern RV Park Spring Festival, April 14-16, Great Southern RV Park, Angie, www.greatsouthernbluegrassevent.com -
This bluegrass event is one of two hosted at the RV park each year, with music and concessions for three days of family fun.
Louisiana International Film Festival, April 14-17, Cinemark Perkins Rowe, Baton Rouge, www.lifilmfest.org -
This festival aims to provide an interactive forum for filmmakers and musicians from around the globe with a special focus on the indigenous filmmakers and musicians of Louisiana.
Concerts in the Courtyard, April 15, Historic New Orleans Collection, 410 Chartres St, French Quarter -
Offering a fun, casual way to kick off the weekend, these live outdoor performances showcase Louisiana musicians and include complimentary beverages with ticket purchase.
Downtown Lake Charles Crawfish Festival, April 15-16, Lake Charles Civic Center, downtowncrawfest.com -
This festival promotes awareness of the crawfish season, the history of it, and how the seafood industry has benefited Louisiana and has vendors from all over the south.
Natchitoches Jazz & R&B Festival, April 15-16, Downtown Natchitoches, www.natchjazzfest.com -
National, regional, and local artists come together on four stages along the gorgeous downtown Cane River bank for a unique and enjoyable musical destination.
Lockport Food Festival, April 15-17, 710 Church St., Lockport -
The best in Cajun & Swamp pop music, food, dancing and carnival games.
Cajun Festival, April 15-17, Our Lady Roman Catholic Church, Marrero, vol.org/cajunfest -
Thousands of visitors head to the Westbank for great music, delicious food and fun to benefit Visitation of Our Lady Catholic Church.
Grand Isle Migratory Bird Celebration, April 15-17, Grand Isle, grandisle.btnep.org -
Experience bird-focused activities in one of the best places in the world to see and study birds up close at this essential stop for songbirds during their migrations across the Gulf of Mexico.
Great Louisiana Birdfest, April 15-17, Northshore, northlakenature.org/birdfest/ -
Northshore Nature Center hosts this annual event that includes birding trips, some southern food and hospitality, and workshops.
Le Feu et L’Eau (Fire and Water) Festival, April 15-17, 1510 Bayou Courtableau Hwy, Arnaudville, www.fireandwaterfestival.org -
This event showcases a multitude of artists, performers, and cultural workers in a variety of disciplines and genres to celebrate creative talent produced primarily in Acadiana as well as in French culture.
New Orleans Poetry Festival, April 15-17, Arts Estuary, Marigny, www.lavenderink.org/poetryfest/ -
This first annual festival will feature lots of special guests and poets from around the country and the world hosting readings, panels and workshops.
Crawfish Music Festival, April 15-24, Mississippi Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, MS -
For more than two decades, the Coliseum has hosted this festival to provide quality entertainment and family fun to the Southeast.
Crawfest 2016, April 16, Tulane University, crawfest.tulane.edu
Located in the heart of Tulane’s Uptown campus, this annual music, food and arts festival boasts music from bands on two stages, 20,000+ pounds of crawfish and dozens of local food and art vendors across two quads.
St. Francis Xavier Old Metairie Fest, April 16, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and School, Metairie -
This year’s theme “Celebrating 90 Years!” promises special fun with food from delicious local vendors, games and activities for all ages and entertainment by Pick 6.
Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival, April 16-17, Melrose Plantation, Melrose -
More than 100 vendors will set up beneath the live oak trees of Melrose to show and sell original art, gourmet foods, jewelry, clothing, plants, toys, pottery and more.
Angola Prison Rodeo, April 16-17, Angola Prison -
This special event includes bareback riding, wild horse racing, barrel racing, bull-dogging and more exciting activities.
Louisiana Earth Day 2016, April 17, Old State Capitol, Baton Rouge, www.laearthday.org -
Enjoy a day filled with exhibits, hands-on activities for children and adults, great food and music in this celebration of our planet.
A Run Through History, April 17, Metairie Cemetery -
With 1 mile and 5K courses laced through historic Metairie Cemetery, this run/walk offers famous scenic views and benefits Save Our Cemeteries.
Pinch A Palooza, April 17, Bucktown, www.pinchapalooza.com -
Deanie’s Seafood presents free entertainment for all ages, boiled crawfish and other famous crawfish dishes, and a crawfish eating contest for a full day of fun.
Festival Internationale de la Louisiane, April 20-24, Downtown Lafayette, festivalinternational.org -
The community-based, non-profit arts organization provides this free music and arts event celebrating the French cultural heritage of South Louisiana with exhibits, music and plenty of food.
Spring Heritage Day, April 22, Destrehan Plantation, Destrehan -
Students of all ages observe and participate in the self-sufficient lives of the free and enslaved who lived and worked on the plantation in the 18th and 19th centuries, including exhibits and folk life demonstrations.
St. Joan of Arc Spring Fair, April 22, St Joan of Arc Church, LaPlace, sjascs.org/festival -
This church festival offers an entertainment tent, bake sale, bingo, food court and raffles for nonstop family fun.
Music & Market, April 22 - 29, Opelousas Tourist Center, Opelousas, www.cityofopelousas.com/music-market-
This concert series features Louisiana music artists as well as fresh homegrown vegetables and other Louisiana products for purchase direct from local farmers and producers.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, April 22 - May 1, City Park Fairgrounds, www.nojazzfest.com -
This two-weekend event is overflowing with world-famous and local musical artists as well as popular New Orleans food and arts vendors for an unforgettable festival experience.
Etouffee Festival, April 22-24, Little Flower School Grounds, Arnaudville -
Booming with local flavor and family fun, festivities include carnival rides, award-winning bands, bingo, vendor booths, an auto show, and of course plenty of etouffee.
The Italian Festival, April 22-24, Tickfaw City Hall, Tickfaw, www.theitalianfestivalorg.com -
This authentic celebration of Italian culture offers rides, entertainment, pageants, a parade and a spaghetti cook-off for a weekend of local heritage and fun.
2016 Festival de la Prairie, April 22-24, St. John Catholic Church, Prairieville -
Enjoy a full weekend of activities from rides and bands to a silent auction, fun run and magic show.
Spring Antique Street Fair, April 23-24, Old Towne Slidell -
Antiques, collectables, furniture, jewelry, crystal, food and drink, and live music for a fair of family fun.
Zoo-to-do for Kids, April 29, Audubon Zoo -
Live entertainment, giant inflatables, hand-held animals, arcade games and more are offered to kids of all ages at this unique family event.
Nola Crawfish Festival, April 25-27, Nola Brewery and Tap Room, 3001 Tchoupitoulas Street, www.nolacrawfishfest.com -
This three-day event in between Jazz Fest weekends offers more than enough crawfish, music and beer to hold you over.
Instruments A Comin’ Benefit, April 25, Tipitina’s, 501 Napoleon Ave -
Starting with a family-friendly outdoor street party and ending with a rowdy indoor concert, this annual benefit is all about increasing student participation in music education programs.
Hickory Grove Bluegrass Festival, April 28-30, Nugent Farm, Deville -
This annual bluegrass festival offers a concession stand and plenty of open space to park your lawn chair and enjoy the music.
Big Easy, Big Heart 5K & Fest Experience, April 30, 125 Bourbon St. through French Quarter, www.bigeasybigheart.com -
This event benefits the New Orleans Mission in its fight to rescue sexually, physically, and emotionally abused women with a run followed by awards and buses to Jazz Fest.
May
Thibodaux Volunteer Firemen’s Fair, April 28-May 1, Thibodaux Fairgrounds, Thibodaux -
This fair includes an auction and two run/walk events on top of the food, drinks, rides, games and live music.
Festival in the Park, April 29-May 1, Cassidy Park, Bogalusa -
With two stages of regional and local music, pageants, children’s games, canoe and pony rides as well as food and arts booths and museums, this festival promises fun for the whole family.
Contraband Days: Louisiana Pirate Festival, April 26 - May 8, Lake Charles Civic Center, Lake Charles, www.contrabanddays.com-
Pirates, music, rides, fireworks, and fun providing quality family entertainment for residents and visitors of all ages.
HardFest: Go Hard Tour, May 2, Champions Square, www.hardfest.com-
An outdoor concert in Champions Square featuring Zeds Dead, Big Gigantic and more electronic music to keep you dancing all night.
Whitney Zoo-to-Do, May 6, Audubon Zoo -
Enjoy a night out at the zoo with live musical entertainment, a luxury raffle, silent auction, premium cocktails and food samples from over 70 New Orleans restaurants.
Mayfest, May 6-7, Vernon Parish Courthouse, Leesville -
This annual event in historic downtown Leesville features vendors from all over Louisiana and surrounding states offering home-made items and food, with live music, demonstrating artists, children’s activities and more.
Bayou Cajun Fest, May 6-8, Larose Civic Center, Larose -
Great live, local music kicks off this festival that will also include a craft market, carnival rides and delicious Cajun foods featuring a fresh caught Louisiana Seafood Boil Off.
Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival, May 6-8, Parc Hardy, Breaux Bridge, bbcrawfest.com -
Thousands of hungry people flock to Breaux Bridge for this gathering of world-famous Cajun musicians and, of course, crawfish.
Celebration of Herbs and Gardens, May 7, Marie Street, Sunset -
This festival offers everything for the garden enthusiast from plants, herbal products, pottery, and garden art presentations to Master Gardener presentations and food trucks.
Louisiana Dragon Boat Races, May 7, Alexandria Museum of Art, Alexandria, themuseum.org/ldbr -
The Alexandria Museum of Art presents this exciting family event full of food, spirited racing, and fun on and off the water.
UNO Crawfish Mambo, May 7, University of New Orleans, crawfishmambo.com -
Indulge in all-you-can-eat crawfish all day with live music and art vendors.
Mother’s Day at Audubon Zoo, May 8, Audubon Zoo -
Moms of all ages get into the zoo for free on Mother’s Day, with craft tents and special treats available to sweeten the day.
Rayne Frog Festival, May 11, Rayne Civic Center, Rayne, www.raynefrogfestival.com -
From the stomach-turning rides, small rides for kids, games, food, arts and crafts, music and more, there’s sure to be something for the whole family to enjoy.
