Natchez Spring Pilgrimage
Through April 11, natchezpilgrimage.com
Head out to Natchez, Mississippi and tour through beautiful mansions for this year's Natchez Spring Pilgrimage. More than a dozen private home owners will have their doors open for visitors to peruse their houses' gorgeous interiors and colorful gardens. Several B&Bs and museum homes are also included in the spring pilgrimage. Tours can be booked through the pilgrimage's website.
New Orleans Entrepreneur Week Fest
March 30 - April 1, noew.org/fest
New Orleans Entrepreneur Week will be holding its first ever music festival this year. The fest will feature back-to-back concerts with over a dozen artists who push the boundaries of creative and cultural innovation. Some of the artists include White Denim, Pell, Brass-A-Holics, People Museum, Water Seed, and Young Fellaz Brass Band. The concerts will take place at Generations Hall on Thursday and Friday and at the Broadside on Saturday.
Shell-A-Bration
March 31, crcl.org
Head to the Audubon Zoo's Cajun Ballroom and enjoy delicious oysters at Shell-A-Bration. The event, which starts at 7 p.m., celebrates and raises awareness for the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana's Oyster Shell Recycling Program. There will also be live music by Sweet Crude, local food by the Audubon Nature Institute, local beer, door prizes, and more. Adult tickets are $75, $25 for children 12 and younger, and kids 2 and under get in for free.
GatesFest 2023
April 2, gatesfest.org
One of Metairie's festivals, GatesFest, is returning for early April. Held on the grounds of the Congregation Gates of Prayer synagogue, the festival will have plenty of food, art, and family entertainment for attendees to enjoy. This year's musical headliners include Marc Broussard, Cowboy Mouth, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Lost Bayou Ramblers, and more. General admission is $25, while kids 12 and under get free admission.
World Ballet Series: Cinderella
April 2, jeffersonpac.com
The World Ballet Series will be bringing the magical world of Cinderella to Metairie's Jefferson Performing Arts Center. A multinational cast of 40 ballet dancers in stunning hand-sewn costumes will bring this timeless tale to life. The ballet is choreographed by Marina Kessler and accompanied by a fantastic score by Sergei Prokofiev. The performance will begin at 7 p.m. and tickets start at $40.
The French Quarter Easter Parade
April 9, frenchquartereasterparade.com
Celebrate Easter in true New Orleans fashion at the French Quarter Easter Parade. The Historic French Quarter Easter Parade will start at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel. The parade starts at 1 p.m. but before the parade, there is a pre-party and hat contest. After the parade there will be a lavish brunch with entertainment by the Y'at Pack. The price for adults is $300 to ride and brunch, and brunch only is $195 For kids, the price is $250 to ride and brunch, and brunch only is $125.
Cycle Zydeco
April 12-16, cyclezydeco.org
Grab a bike and head out to Acadiana for this year's Cycle Zydeco. Louisiana's official Cajun and Creole cycling festival gives attendees the opportunity to experience the sights and unique culture of Cajun Country through casual bike rides. Choose from different routes that bring folks to points of interest like brewery tours, swamp tours, and more. The event, which is $210 to register, will provide plenty of great food and festive music to enjoy.
Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival
April 14-16, lastrawberryfestival.com
Celebrate Louisiana strawberries grown by local farmers at this year's Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival. Held in the "strawberry capital of the world," the festival is one of the largest free harvest festivals in all of Louisiana. There will be tons to enjoy like delicious food and drinks, rides, a parade, and more. Musical headliners will include Parish County Line, the Phunky Monkeys, Dukes of Country, and many others.
