South Louisiana Fairs and Festivals
Published March 17th, 2006
These festivals are within about a three-hour drive from New Orleans. Dates are subject to change, so call before you plan your trip. For information on these and other events across the state, call (800) 33GUMBO, or visit www.louisianatravel.com/calendar. If you know of a festival that is not listed here, call Lagniappe at (504) 826-3464, or e-mail lagniappe@timespicayune.com.
MARCH
Jubilee Festival of Arts and Humanities March 15-April 12, Thibodaux, Nicholls State University and citywide. Humanities festival with theater, music, environmental discussions, food, folklore demonstrations. (985) 493-ARTS, www.nicholls.edu/jubilee.
Washington Catfish Festival March 17-19, Washington, baseball field at I-49, exit 25. Parade, crafts, carnival, music, food catfish cook-off. (337) 826-7336.
Calling of the Tribes Powwow March 17-19, Bourg, Grand Bois Park, Louisiana 24. American Indian celebration with intertribal dancing, crafts, food, music. (985) 879-2373.
Amite Oyster Festival March 17-19, Amite, Tangipahoa Parish Fairgrounds. Oyster celebration with entertainment, games and oyster-shucking and -eating contests. (985) 748-7156.
Chanel Spring Festival March 17-19, Paulina, Chanel School Grounds, Louisiana 44. Rides, pie-throwing contest, games, food, music. (225) 869-5778.
Audubon Pilgrimage March 17-19, St. Francisville, various locations. Tours of antebellum homes and gardens, demonstrations of early rural life. (225) 635-6330, (888) 677-2838.
Ponchatoula’s Strawberry Jam’n’ Toast to the Arts March 18, Ponchatoula, downtown. Music, art, antiques. Call (800) 617-4502, (985) 543-3619.
Bayou Lafourche Heritage Day March 18, Thibodaux, 2295 St. Mary St. Music, Cajun food, crafts, folk demonstrations. (985) 447-0915, (985) 537-5800.
Earth Fest March 18-19, New Orleans, Audubon Zoo. Games, entertainment, recycling, environmental fun. www.auduboninstitute.org.
Northshore Garden Show March 18-19, Covington Fairgrounds. Garden extravaganza with native and exotic plants, kids activities, garden products, supplies, seminars. (985) 875-2635.
Bach Around the Clock March 24-25, New Orleans, Trinity Episcopal Church, 1329 Jackson Ave. Continuous music, dance, theater, yoga, choral performances, celebrating the 321st birthday of J.S. Bach. 670-2520.
St. Matthew the Apostle Family Festival March 24-26, River Ridge, 10021 Jefferson Highway . Food, music, games. 737-7058.
Oak Alley Plantation Spring Arts and Crafts Festival March 25-26, Vacherie, Oak Alley Plantation, Louisiana 18. Arts and crafts dealers, music, entertainment, food and home tours. (800) 442-5539.
Bucktown Seafood Festival March 24-25, Metairie, St. Louis King of France School, 1600 Lake Ave. Food, music, games, Lenten fish fry. 833-8224.
Festival of Live Oaks March 25, New Iberia, City Park, 300 Parkview Drive. Crafts, food, music and a barbecue cook-off. (337) 369-2337 or (888) 942-3742.
Abita Springs Whole Towne Garage Sale & Flea Market March 25. Abita Springs and CJ Finn ballpark (flea market), 22515 Louisiana 36. Garage sales throughout the town with a flea market, crafts, food. (985) 893-7529.
Los Islenos Fiesta March 25-26, Chalmette, 8201 W. Judge Perez Drive, rear of St. Bernard Parish Government Complex. Celebration of the culture of the Canary Islanders with traditional food, Islenos music and dancing, crafts, exhibits, demonstrations and a silent auction. 524-1659, 554-8412.
Battle of Port Hudson Annual Re-enactment March 25-26, Zachary, Port Hudson State Commemorative Area, U.S. 61. Living history volunteers re-create Civil War military life. (225) 654-3775, (888) 677-3400.
World Championship Crawfish Etouffee Cook-Off March 26, Eunice, Northwest Community Center Pavilion. Cooks prepare the meal on-site and vie for the championship title, along with music and dancing. (337) 457-7389, www.eunice-la.com.
Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival March 30-April 2, New Orleans, Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre, 616 St. Peter St., the Cabildo, Historic New Orleans Collection and other venues to be determined. Theater, literary events, music, film screenings, book fair, walking tours and “Stanley and Stella” shouting contest. 20th anniversary. 581-1144, www.tennesseewilliams.net.
Grand Bois Cajun/Swamp Pop Music Festival March 31-April 2, Grand Bois Park, 470 Bourg-Larose Highway. Cajun food and drink, Cajun and swamp pop music. (985) 594-7410.
Patterson Cypress Sawmill Festival March 31-April 2, Patterson, Kemper Williams Park, Cotton Road. Crafts, a cypress sawmill exhibit, tournaments, a passe partout (two-person saw) contest, food, games, music, tours and demonstrations. (800) 256-2931, www.cypresssawmill.com.
St. Mary Magdalen Seafood Festival March 31-April 2, Metairie, 6425 West Metairie Ave. Rides, games, food and music. 733-0922.
Audubon Country Bird Fest March 31-April 2, St. Francisville, St. Francisville Inn and Parker Park. Birding tours and presentations, barbecue dinner and auction, food and kids activities. (800) 488-6502, www.AudubonBirdFest.com.
Kite Fest Louisiane March 31-April 2, Port Allen, Rivault Park. Professional and amateur kite flying, kite design competition, kids kite-making workshop, demonstrations and food. (800) 654-9701.
Creole Festival March 31-April 2, Jeanerette, City Park, Tarleton Street. Rides, Cajun food, a cabbage ball tournament, crafts, music, games and a fais dodo. (337) 276-3615,1-888-9-IBERIA.
Smokin Blues & Bar-B-Que Challenge March 31-April 1, downtown Hammond. Professional, backyard and kids teams compete. (985) 345-2490, www.hammondbluesandbbq.com.
APRIL
Folk Crafts Festival April 1, Fairview-Riverside State Park, 119 Fairview Drive and Louisiana 22, Madisonville. Crafts, music, food, kids and museum tours celebrating 200 years of Louisiana crafts. (985) 792-4652, (888) 677-3247.
Treasures From the Point April 1, Algiers Point. “Porch sale” with food and music. 491-1002.
Swamp Celts Festival & Games April 1, Gonzales, Lamar-Dixon Expo Center. Highland games, Irish and Scottish dance demonstrations, Celtic breed dog show, a kids village and drum and bagpipe bands. (225) 621-1700.
Festival Ray-la-ne April 1, Rayne, Civic Center. International festival with kids activities, music, food and a carnival. (337) 334-4470.
Audubon Charter School Spring Festival April 1, 428 Broadway. Music, food, games, crafts, auction. 862-5135.
Madisonville Garden Show April 1, Town Hall and grounds, 704 Water St., Madisonville. Plants, gardening products, speakers, music. (985) 845-0360.
St. Agnes Parish Festival April 1-2, Jefferson, 3410 Jefferson Highway. Games, music, food court, entertainment. 833-4118, 835-6486.
Pooch Parade April 2, Covington, Bogue Falaya Park. Dog Walk-A-Thon and festival with music, food, auctions, raffles, kids activities, inflatables, contests, adoptable dogs, a vet clinic. (985) 892-7387.
St. Pius X Fair & Food Fest April 2, 6666 Spanish Fort Blvd. Kids games, food, music, auction. 201-7025, 234-7006.
Great Louisiana Bird Fest April 6-9, Mandeville, Pelican Park, 63350 Pelican Drive and other locations. Birding field trips, workshops and social functions. (800) 634-9443, (985) 626-1238.
St. Matthew Spring Craft Festival April 7-8, 6017 Camphor St., Metairie. Food, country store, crafts, entertainment, kids activities, White Elephant sale. 888-1155.
Boggy Bayou Festival April 7-9, Pine Prairie. Family festival with music, crafts, pageant, magic and comedy shows, carnival. (337) 599-2031.
Cajun Hot Sauce Festival April 7-9, New Iberia, SugArena, 713 NW Bypass. Crafts, hot air balloon rally, food, music, hot sauce competition, carnival. (337) 365-1540, 1-888-9-IBERIA.
New Orleans Spring Fiesta April 7-9, New Orleans. Antebellum “Night in Old New Orleans” carriage parade, French Quarter home and garden tours. 581-1367.
Potpourri Festival April 7-9, Westwego, Our Lady of Prompt Succor School. Music, food, kids games, crafts, auction and baby contest. 341-9505.
Riverside Academy Spring Festival April 7-9, Reserve, 332 Railroad Ave. Rides, games, food, auction, cook-off, tournaments, poker run and bands. (985) 536-4246.
Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival April 7-9, Ponchatoula, Memorial Park. Rides, music, games, strawberry-eating and -cooking contests, food and antiques. (800) 917-7045, (985) 542-7520.
Festivals of Asia April 8, Audubon Zoo. Food, crafts, performances by Asian artists. 417-3282.
Louisiana Rice & Gravy Cook-Off April 8, Lafayette, Acadian Village, 200 Greenleaf Road. Rice and gravy cooking competition and demonstrations, Cajun music and food. (800) 962-9133, www.acadianvillage.org.
Southdown Marketplace April 8, Houma, Southdown Plantation House. Arts and crafts, Cajun food, folklore demonstrations and museum tours. (985) 851-0154.
Spring Street Fair April 8, Varnado Store Museum, Franklinton. Antiques auction, plants, local artists and crafts, food, music, kids activities and decorated bike contests. (985) 795-0680.
Louisiana Crawfish Boil Championship April 8, Marrero, Immaculate Conception Fairgrounds, 601 Ave. C. Only crawfish boiling competition registered with the state, plus rides, music and a raffle. 304-2670.
Cannes Powwow April 8, Kenner, Native American Village in Rivertown. Intertribal dancing, storytelling, music, crafts, demonstrations and food. 468-7231.
Art At The Park April 8, Christ Episcopal School campus, Christwood Boulevard, Covington. Family arts celebration with hands-on activities for kids, food and performers. (985) 892-9156
Gold Rush Days in the Magic City Street Fair April 8-9, Bogalusa, Willis Avenue. Crafts, antiques, kids activities. (985) 735-5731.
Great Southern Bluegrass Festival April 13-15, Angie, Great Southern RV Park, off Louisiana 21. Continuous bluegrass music, food, crafts. (985) 986-8411.
Laotian New Year’s Festival April 14-16, New Iberia, Thammarattanaram Temple, Melancon Road. Parade, rides, food, music, kids activities. (337) 365-1540, 1-888-9-IBERIA.
French Quarter Festival April 21-23, New Orleans, French Quarter. Music on 15 outdoor stages, world’s largest jazz brunch, patio tours, art shows and music workshops. 522-5730, www.frenchquarterfestivals.org.
LIHA Spring Powwow April 21-23, Hidden Oaks Campground, Robert. American Indian celebration with dancing, drumming, native crafts and food. (985) 345-9244.
Bayou Teche Bear Festival April 21-22, downtown Franklin. Celebrate the Louisiana black bear with food, crafts, educational seminars, art exhibits, kids activities and music. (800) 256-2931, www.bayoutechebearfest.org.
Lockport Food Festival April 21-23, Lockport, Church Street and Crescent Avenue. Boucherie, folklore demonstrations, rides, food, music and car show. (985) 532-3117.
Christ the King Parish Fair April 21-23, Terrytown, 535 Deerfield Road. Food, games, prizes, silent auction, bands, entertainment and the “Katrina Couldn’t Get Our Goat” Competition. 361-5225.
Ozone Film Festival April 21-23, Covington, 320 N. Columbia St. Highlights local, regional and national films by amateur and professional filmmakers with emphasis on Louisiana themes, with screenings, workshops and concerts. 782-2527.
Louisiana Wine ‘N’ Blues Festival April 22, Jackson, Feliciana Cellars Winery, 1848 Charter St. Wine festival with cooking demonstrations, tastings from Louisiana vineyards and an amateur wine competition. (225) 634-7982, www.felicianacellars.com.
International Cajun Joke Telling Contest April 22, Opelousas, Yambilee building. Celebration of Cajun humor with state champions, music and a dinner. (337) 942-2682 or (337) 942-5666.
Hospice Foundation of the South Crawfish Cook-Off April 22, Slidell, Fritchie Park. Team crawfish-cooking competition with music and games. (985) 643-5470.
Angola Spring Rodeo & Arts and Crafts Fest April 22-23, Louisiana State Penitentiary, Angola. Inmate rodeo, crafts, food. (225) 655-4411.
WestFest Indian Parade and Festival April 23, Algiers, McDonogh Playground, 1800 Teche St. Indian parade plus a picnic, music and kids games.
Allons Manger Food Festival April 23, Belle Rose, St. Jules Catholic Church, 7165 Louisiana 1. Auction, crafts, music, games. (225) 473-8569.
Baton Rouge Earth Day April 23, Baton Rouge, downtown, North Boulevard. Largest environmental education festival in the South, with music, food, a recycling fair, kids activities, earth art. (225) 273-2485 or (800) LA-ROUGE.
Spring Heritage Festival April 26, Destrehan, Destrehan Plantation, 13034 River Road. Child-friendly festival with folklore, hands-on activities and entertainment. (985) 764-9315.
Festival Internationale de Louisiane April 26-30, Lafayette, downtown. Largest Francophone celebration in the country, with music, art exhibits, dance, theater, film, lectures, workshops and kids festival. (337) 232-8086, www.festivalinternational.com.
Fat City Soiree April 27-May 7 (Jazz-fest weekends), Cloutier Forest Trail, at Harrison Avenue and Marconi Drive. Jazzfest camping with crafts, a crawfish boil and evening music. 723-3638, fatcitysoiree.com.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival April 28-30 and May 5-7, New Orleans, Fair Grounds racetrack, 1751 Gentilly Blvd. Music, contemporary and traditional crafts, food, educational workshops. 522-4786.
Etouffee Festival April 28-30, Arnaudville, Little Flower School Grounds. Crawfish, shrimp, potato, cabbage and chicken etouffees, rides, music, pageants and games. (337) 754-5912, www.cajuntravel.com.
Festival de la Prairie April 28-30, Prairieville, St. John the Evangelist Church. Family entertainment, rides, games, plant sale, Cajun food. (225) 673-8307.
Independence Italian Festival April 28-30, Independence, Mater Dolorosa School. Italian food, music, a parade, cultural exhibits, rides and games. (800) 542-7520, (985) 878-3960.
Larose Family Fun Festival April 28-30, Larose Regional Park and Civic Center. Music, dance contests, family fishing rodeo, line dancing, motorcycle and car shows, rides, food and sporting events. Sunday is Heritage Sunday, dedicated to Louisiana music and folk arts. (985) 693-7355.
Visitation of Our Lady Cajun Festival April 28-30, 3520 Ames Blvd., Marrero. Games, Cajun food, music and entertainment. 347-3377.
Slidell Spring Antique District Street Fair April 29-30, Slidell, Olde Towne. Antiques, collectibles, food and crafts. (985) 641-6316.
Cajun Woodstock April 29-30, Church Point, City Park. Food, music, poker run, kids activities and costume contests to benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. (337) 280-8710.
Blessing on the Bayou Festival April 29, Westwego. Laroussini Street and the floodwall of Bayou Segnette. Boat blessing, decorated boat contest, food, crafts and music. 340-0718.
Brother Martin Crusader Cajunfest April 29-30, 4401 Elysian Fields Ave. Food, crafts, games, raffles and music. 286-8200.
CFMA Cajun Day April 29, Port Allen, West Baton Rouge Community Center, N. Jefferson Avenue. Celebration of Cajun culture with music, dancing and food. Sponsored by the Cajun French Music Association. (225) 336-2423.
Denham Springs Spring Fest April 29, Denham Springs, downtown. Crafts, food, kids village, entertainment. (225) 665-4666.
Laurel Valley Spring Heritage Festival April 30, Thibodaux, Laurel Valley Village Store, Louisiana 308. Working antique farm machinery, crafts, 9 a.m.-5. (985) 447-5216.
MAY
Cajun Fun Fest May 4-7, New Iberia, Catholic High School. Cajun food, crafts, music and rides. (337) 364-1253 or 888-9-IBERIA.
Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair May 4-7, Thibodaux, Fairgrounds, Tiger Drive. Family fair with entertainment, parade, food and rides. (985) 448-1753.
Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival May 5-7, Breaux Bridge, Parc Hardy. Cajun and zydeco music, crawfish races, crawfish-eating and -cooking contests, food, cooking demonstrations, crafts, rides. (337) 332-6655, www.bbcrawfest.com.
Eco Fest May 6, Ville Platte, Chicot State Park. Environmental exhibits, games and nature programs. (888) 677-6100.
Bonne Terre Garden Fair May 6, Houma, Southdown Plantation. Garden-themed art show, concessions, kids activities, garden seminars and demonstrations, museum tours. (985) 851-0154, (985)448-3412.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor Tomato Festival May 6-7, Chalmette, Our Lady of Prompt Succor School, 2305 Fenelon St. Food, rides, music and games. 909-4784 or 583-0746.
Pecan Ridge Spring Bluegrass Festival May 10-13, Jackson, Pecan Ridge Park, Louisiana 952. Bluegrass and gospel music, crafts and concessions. (225) 634-7155.
Cochon de Lait Festival May 11-14, Mansura, downtown. Food including roasted pig, a street dance, boudin-eating and beer-drinking contests, kids games, crafts. (318) 964-2152.
Louisiana Cajun Culture & Music Festival May 13, Eunice, Northwest Community Center. Cajun music and food. (337) 457-5601, (337) 457-2327.
Cajun Food Fest & 5K Run for Excellence May 13, Houma, downtown. Open to runners, joggers, walkers. Food, music after the race. (985) 868-5881.
Music at Madewood May 13-14, Napoleonville, Madewood Plantation House, 4250 Louisiana 308. Classical, gospel and old-time music; music programs for kids; dinners; and tours and museum open houses in Donaldsonville. (985) 369-7151.
Gretna Arts & Crafts Festival May 13, Gretna, Huey P. Long Avenue at Sixth Street. Crafts, cooking demonstrations, kids activities, book signings and a German beer garden. 341-5745.
Cankton Wagon Festival & Trail Ride May 19-21, Cankton, City Park. Trail rides, music and food. (337) 896-5509, www.cajuntravel.com.
Pearl River Centennial Celebration May 20, Pearl River, Town Hall, 39460 Willis Alley. Food, crafts, games, show cars, Civil War displays with cannon firing, period costumes, horseshoe contest, music and fireworks. (985) 863-9099, (985) 863-5800.
Lache pas la Patate Festival May 20, Lafayette, Acadian Cultural Center of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park, 501 Fisher Road. Food, music, crafts, kids activities celebrating the cultures of the Lafayette area from Cajun to Chitimacha. (337) 232-0789.
New Orleans Wine and Food Experience May 24-28, New Orleans, several downtown locations. Vintner dinners at local restaurants, grand tastings, wine and food seminars. 529-WINE, www.nowfe.com.
Cajun Heartland State Fair May 25-June 4, Lafayette, Cajundome. Giant rides, music, food, petting zoo and demonstrations. (337) 265-2100, www.cajundome.com.
Jambalaya Festival May 25-28, Gonzales, Irma Boulevard. Festival with “World Jambalaya Cook-Off,” music and stage shows and rides. (800) 680-3208 or (225) 647-2937.
Bunk Johnson Jazz Festival May 26-28, New Iberia, SugArena, Louisiana 212. Festival commemorating jazz trumpeter Bunk Johnson with music, crafts and food. (888) 942-3742.
Greek Festival May 26-28, New Orleans, Hellenic Cultural Center, 1200 Robert E. Lee Blvd. Greek food, dancing, kids activities, 5K race, music and a gift shop. www.greekfestnola.com 282-0259.
Spring Into Summer Fest May 27-28, Destrehan Plantation, 13034 River Road. Antiques, food, music, crafts, folklore demonstrations and tours of the plantation. (985) 764-9315.
Plaquemines Parish Heritage and Seafood Festival May 27-28, Belle Chasse, Louisiana Medal of Honor Park, 1292 Barriere Road. Crafts, food, games, rides, pirogue and road races, music, produce. 394-6328.
Swamp Pop Music Festival May 28, Robert, Hidden Oaks Family Campground. Music and food. (985) 345-9244.
JUNE
Church Point Buggy Festival June 1-4, Church Point, City Park. Accordion-playing contest, Cajun music, buggy and horse-drawn carriage parade, food, rides and a children’s French-speaking contest. (337) 684-2739, www.churchpointbuggyfestival.com.
Gheens Bon Mange Festival June 2-4, Gheens, Community Center, Louisiana 654. “Good eating” festival with food, rides, games and a fais do-do. (985) 532-6755.
Back to the Beach Festival June 3-4, location TBA. Music, a carnival, food, games, crafts and car show to benefit the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation. 836-2215.
Old Algiers RiverFest June 4, Algiers Courthouse, 225 Morgan St. Celebration of the river with music, crafts, food and educational displays. 362-8813.
Jr. Choupique Rodeo June 4, Gramercy, Blind River Boat Launch, 39180 Airline Highway. Family fishing rodeo with cook-off, boat inspections, horseshoe tournament, boat and car show, crafts, food and music. (225) 869-8966.
Juneteenth Freedom Festival June 9-11, Donaldsonville. Entertainment, concert series, cultural programs, the “Real Men Who Cook Contest,” crafts, food and speakers. (225) 206-1225, (225) 644-7955.
Great French Market Tomato Festival June 10-11, New Orleans, French Market. Celebration of the Creole tomato with cooking demonstrations, tomato tastings, parade, food and music. 522-2621 (Wanda) or 524-8843.
Louisiana Bicycle Festival June 17, Abita Springs, UCM Museum, 22275 Louisiana 36. Antique bicycle exhibits, flea market, food, music, bicycle ride and unique bike contests. (985) 892-2624, http://ucmmuseum.com.
CFMA Cajun Day June 17, American Legion Hall, 12188 River Road, St. Rose. Celebration of Cajun culture with music, dancing, food and family fun. Sponsored by the Cajun French Music Association. (504) 835-1268.
Juneteenth Folklife Celebration June 17, Opelousas, Farmers Market, U.S. 190 East. African-American historical and cultural celebration with demonstrations, music and crafts. www.cityofopelousas.com, (337) 948-9884.
Soul Fest June 17-18, Audubon Zoo. Crafts by local and national artists, Creole cuisine and soul food. 581-4629.
Le Festival de Viande Boucanee June 23-24, Ville Platte. Smoked meat festival with food booths, music, heritage expo, cooking contest and demonstrations. (337) 363-6700.
Lacombe Crab Cook-Off Festival June 24-25, Lacombe, John Davis Park, U.S. 190 and 12th Street. Music, crab and seafood dishes, individual and group cooking competitions, crafts, a carnival and music. (985) 882-3010.
Pecan Ridge Summer Bluegrass Festival June 28-July 1, Jackson, Pecan Ridge Park, Louisiana 952. Bluegrass and gospel music, crafts and concessions. (225) 634-7155.
Golden Meadow-Fourchon International Tarpon Rodeo June 29-July 1, Port Fourchon, Port Fourchon Marina, 288 Floatation Canal Road. Boat parade and fireworks display, rodeo, fishing contests, music and food. (985) 632-3800.
Greater Mandeville Seafood Festival June 30, July 1-2, Mandeville, Jackson Avenue and Lakeshore Drive. Seafood, crafts, music, kids activities, rides, classic car show, fireworks display. www.seafoodfest.com, (985) 624-9762.
Erath Fourth of July Celebration June 30-July 4, Erath, downtown. 60th annual celebration with fireworks, barbecue cook-off, rides, watermelon-eating contest, water fights, fais dodo, music and food. (337) 937-5393.
JULY
Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration July 1, Covington, Bogue Falaya Park. Family picnic with big band music and fireworks. (985) 892-1873.
Lebeau Zydeco Festival July 1, Lebeau, Immaculate Conception Church, Louisiana 71. 16th anniversary with zydeco music, crafts and food. (877) 948-8004.
Donaldsonville’s July 3 Celebration July 3, Donaldsonville, Crescent Park. Fireworks, fais dodo, family entertainment, Cajun-style barbecue cook-off, antique car and historic displays. This year is the bicentennial celebration. (225) 473-4247, ext. 13.
Kenner Fourth of July Freedom Fest July 3-4, Kenner, Treasure Chest Casino grounds, Williams Boulevard at Lake Pontchartrain. Music, food and fireworks. 443-8000.
Patriotic Fete du Pont Breaux July 3, Breaux Bridge, Parc des Ponts de Pont Breaux. Patriotic music, tribute to veterans, fireworks, military jet flyovers, parade and food. (337) 332-5406.
Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza July 4, Hammond, Zemurray Park. Entertainment and fireworks. 800-542-7520.
Main Street Go Fourth Celebration July 4, Morgan City, Lawrence Park. Music, food, kids activities, fireworks. (800) 256-2931.
Eunice Fourth of July Celebration July 4, Eunice, Northwest Pavilion. Cajun music and one of the state’s largest fireworks displays. (337) 457-7389, www.eunice-la.com.
Go Fourth on the River July 4, New Orleans, Woldenberg Park. Riverboat rides, music, food and fireworks. 581-IMAX.
Let Freedom Ring July 4, Thibodaux, Peltier Park. Crafts, cultural displays, music and fireworks. (985) 446-5237.
Slidell Heritage Festival July 4, Slidell, Heritage Park. Music, food, games, crafts and fireworks. (985) 643-1234.
Star Spangled Celebration July 4, Baton Rouge, USS Kidd and Nautical Center, 305 S. River Road. Family Independence Day celebration with food, music, an air show, tours of the vessel and fireworks. (225) 342-1942.
Louisiana Catfish Festival July 7-9, Des Allemands, St. Gertrude Catholic Church. Music, games, rides, catfish-cooking and catfish-eating contests. (985) 758-7542.
Morse Recreational Festival July 13-15, Morse. Old-time street fair with music, street dances, crafts, food and a carnival.
River Bend Bluegrass Festival July 13-15, Enon, River Bend Campground, off Louisiana 16. Gospel and bluegrass music and food. (985) 839-9728.
Jean Lafitte Seafood Festival July 14-16, Lafitte, Jean Lafitte Auditorium. Seafood, rides, music and folk-life exhibits. Call 689-2208 or (985) 787-2997
Christmas in July July 15-16, Kenner, Pontchartrain Center, 4545 Williams Blvd. Crafts and food. (985) 796-5853.
Tales of the Cocktail July 19-23, Hotel Monteleone and other French Quarter locations. Lectures, discussions, book signings, dinner pairings, cooking demonstrations, cocktail mixing seminars, walking tours, film screening and a bartending course. 299-0404.
Feliciana Hummingbird Celebration July 28-29, St. Francisville, St. Francisville Inn, 5720 N. Commerce St. Evening program and reception, hummingbird banding and garden tours. (800) 488-6502, (225) 635-6502.
AUGUST
National Hot Air Balloon Championships Aug. 2-6, Baton Rouge, Pennington Center and Perkins Road Park. Hot air balloon competitions, liftoffs, fireworks, music, kids activities. www.laballooning.com, (225) 933-2027.
Satchmo SummerFest Aug 3-6, New Orleans, Old U.S. Mint, 400 Esplanade Ave. Music festival celebrating Louis Armstrong with concerts, seminars, kids activities, a club crawl and second-line parade. 522-5730, www.satchmosummerfest.com.
Festival of Riches Aug. 11-12, New Iberia, City Park, Cyr Gates Recreation Building. Square dancing festival. 1-888-9-IBERIA.
Delcambre Shrimp Festival Aug. 16-20, Delcambre, Main Street. Rides, food, bands, shrimp cook-off, water fights, dancing, blessing of the shrimp fleet. (337) 685-2653 or 1-888-9-IBERIA.
Le Cajun Music Awards Show & Festival Aug. 19-20, Lafayette, Blackham Coliseum. Cajun French Music Association presents Cajun music, dancing, crafts, food and CFMA music awards. (800) 346-1958, (337) 233-9690.
Gueydan Duck Festival Aug. 24-27, Gueydan. Rides, crafts, parades, goose-calling contest, skeet shoots, dog trials, duck-calling contest, Cajun food and music. (337) 536-7858, (888) 536-6456, www.duckfestival.org.
Southern Decadence Aug. 30-Sept. 4, French Quarter. Gay and lesbian fest with dances, street parties, talent shows, costume contest and a parade. www.southerndecadence.net.
Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival Aug. 31-Sept. 4, downtown Morgan City. Louisiana’s oldest chartered harvest festival with Cajun music, swamp rock, zydeco, country, rhythm and blues, shrimp cook-off, crafts, fireworks, kids village, blessing of the fleet. (800) 256-2931, www.shrimp-petrofest.org.
SEPTEMBER
Mamou Cajun Music Festival Sept. 1-2, Mamou Civic Center. Traditional Cajun music, sack race, guinea chase, egg-throwing and arm-wrestling contests, greased-pole climbing, boudin-eating. (337) 468-3272.
23th Annual Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival Sept. 1-2, Plaisance, zydeco festival grounds, 457 Zydeco Road. Authentic zydeco and French music, regional cuisine, African-American crafts. (337) 942-2392, www.zydeco.org.
Creole Zydeco Festival Sept. 3, St. Martinville, Adam Carlson Park. Zydeco music, food, Creole cooking demonstrations and dancing. (337) 394-4635.
Pecan Ridge Fall Bluegrass Festival Sept. 6-9, Jackson, Pecan Ridge Park, Louisiana 952. Bluegrass and gospel music, crafts and concessions. (225) 634-7155.
Rayne Frog Festival Sept. 8-10, Rayne. Cajun fais dodo, frog racing, jumping and cooking contests, food booths, carnival, parade. (337) 334-2332.
Scott Founders Day Festival Sept. 8-9, Scott. Music, food, rides, crafts and parade. (337) 233-1130, (337) 235-0315.
Lafayette Reggae Festival Sept. 10-11, Carencro, Pelican Park. Reggae music, food and crafts. (337) 886-0572.
Grand Bois Inter-Tribal Celebration Sept. 15-17, Bourg, Grand Bois Park, Louisiana 24. American Indian crafts, food and dancing. (985) 594-7410, (985) 594-1068.
Annual Alligator Day Sept. 16, Hammond, Kliebert Alligator and Turtle Farm. Tours, alligator racing, music, food. (985) 345-3617 or (800) 854-9164.
Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival Sept. 20-24, New Iberia, City Park. Parades, agricultural exhibits, a carnival, fais dodo, art, livestock and flower shows. 1-888-9-IBERIA.
Great Southern Bluegrass Festival Sept. 21-23, Angie, off Louisiana 21. Bluegrass music, crafts and food. (985) 986-8411.
St. James Historical Society Heritage Day Sept. 24, Lutcher, St. James Historical Society Museum, 1988 Louisiana 44. Food and crafts. (225) 869-1717.
La Fete D’Egologie (Barataria-Terrebonne Estuary Festival) Sept. 30, Thibodaux, Peltier Park. Entertainment, environmental displays, food, crafts. (985) 447-0868, 1-877-ESTUARY.
OCTOBER
Fanfare Oct. 1-Oct. 31, Hammond, Southeastern Louisiana University. Celebration of the arts with dance, films, music, theater and lectures. (985) 549-2341.
SugarFest Oct. 1, Port Allen, West Baton Rouge Museum, 845 N. Jefferson Ave. Food, music, crafts, historic building tours, kids activities, hay rides and hands-on sugar experiments. (225) 336-2422.
Angola Prison Rodeo Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, Louisiana State Penitentiary. Inmate rodeo dubbed “The Wildest Show in the South,” music, crafts, food. (225) 655-4411.
Tangipahoa Parish Free Fair Oct. 2-8, Amite, Tangipahoa Parish Fairgrounds. Agricultural events, crafts, entertainment, rides, parade and rodeo. (985) 748-5537, (800) 542-7520.
St. Tammany Parish Fair Oct. 5-8, Covington Fairgrounds, 1304 Columbia St. Music, food, rides, a rodeo and agricultural exhibits. (985) 893-9880.
Sunshine Festival Oct. 6-8, Donaldsonville, Mississippi River near Crescent Park. Rides, games, crafts, seafood and wild game cook-offs, music. (225) 473-4814.
Louisiana Cattle Festival Oct. 6-8, Abbeville. Parade, livestock shows, cooking contests, Cajun French band competition, French storytelling contest, street dance. (337) 898-4110, (337) 893-6328.
Gretna Heritage Festival Oct. 6-8, Gretna Market, Huey P. Long Avenue. Music, crafts, rides and games, German Beer Garden, Italian Village with St. Joseph altar, food court. 363-7748.
Ponchatoula Oktoberfest 2006 Oct. 6-8, downtown. German-style celebration with a beer garden, food, drink, music and dancing. (800) 542-7520
Shadows-on-the-Teche Arts and Crafts Festival Oct. 7, New Iberia, Shadows-on-the-Teche, 317 E. Main St. Fine arts, metal and woodwork, demonstrations and tours of the plantation. 1-888-9-IBERIA.
Denham Springs Olde Downtown Antique Festival Oct. 7, Denham Springs. Antiques and collectibles, entertainment, food and kids activities. (225) 665-4666.
Roberts Cove GermanFest Oct. 8, Roberts Cove, St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Louisiana 98. German music, folklore, kids activities, dancing, food and crafts. (337) 334-8354, www.robertscovegermanfest.com.
Livingston Parish Fair Oct. 10-15, Livingston, Fair Grounds. Rides, crafts, food and family entertainment. (225) 686-1333.
Louisiana Cotton Festival Oct. 10-15, Ville Platte, Civic Center, North City Park. Cajun contredanse, fais dodo, food and the ancient game of Le Tournoi. (337) 363-6367.
West Baton Rouge Parish Fair Oct. 12-15, Port Allen, West Baton Rouge Fairgrounds, 210 Turner Road. Livestock exhibits, crafts and food. (225) 336-2416, (225) 344-2920.
Bridge City Gumbo Festival Oct. 13-15, Holy Guardian Angels Church, 1701 Bridge City Ave. Food, gumbo-cooking contest, rides, crafts, music and a fais dodo. 436-4712, 259-4718.
Voice of the Wetlands Festival Oct. 13-15, Houma, Southdown Plantation House, 1208 Museum Drive. Promoting coastal education, awareness and lobbying efforts with displays, food, music. (985) 790-0682.
Celtic Nations Heritage Festival Oct. 13-15, Lake Charles, Civic Center, 900 Lakeshore Drive. Music and dancing, workshops, kids games, food and the World Cup Currach Regatta with participants from around the United States and Ireland. 391-8978.
Boucherie Festival Oct. 13-15, Sorrento, Ascension Civic Center, Reynolds/Lambert Park. Cracklin’- and jambalaya-cooking contests, parade, music, rides, food. (225) 675-6187.
Festivals Acadiens Oct. 13-15, Girard Park and downtown Lafayette. A combination of festivals includes Downtown Alive!, the Louisiana Craft Fair, the Bayou Food Festival and Festival de Musique Acadienne. Zydeco and Cajun music, Cajun and Creole food, crafts and folk-life exhibits. www.FestivalsAcadiens.com, (800) 346-1958.
St. Anthony Parish OctoberFest Oct. 14-15, Gretna, 900 Franklin St. at Burmaster. Food, music, rides, games, video arcade, New Orleans Rock/Paper/Scissors Challenge. 367-0689.
World Championship Gumbo Cook-off Oct. 14-15, New Iberia, Bouligny Plaza. Food festival and gumbo cook-off, with music and samplings. (337) 364-1836.
Laurel Valley Village Fall Festival Oct. 15, Thibodaux, Laurel Valley Village Store and Museum. Antique farm machinery, crafts, Cajun food and music. (985) 447-5216.
St. Martinville Pepper Festival Oct. 15, downtown. Pepper-eating contest, music, crafts, games and food.
Washington Parish Free Fair Oct. 18-21, Franklinton. Believed to be the largest county/parish fair in the U.S., with horticultural and livestock exhibits, rides, food, a rodeo and music. (985) 839-7840.
International Rice Festival Oct. 19-21, Crowley. One of the oldest agricultural festivals in the state with rice-eating contest, parades, entertainment, livestock show and cooking contests. (337) 783-3067.
Swamp Pop Fest Oct. 20-22, Bourg, Grand Bois Campground, Louisiana 24. Three-day fest with music and food. (985) 594-7410.
St. Cletus Oyster Festival Oct. 20-22, Gretna, 3600 Claire Ave. Food, games, auctions, kiddieland, bands. 367-7951.
Louisiana Gumbo Festival Oct. 20-22, Chackbay, Fair Grounds, Louisiana 304. Gumbo cook-off, rides, food, music and an auction. (985) 633-7789, (985) 633-2828.
International Acadian Festival Oct. 20-22, Plaquemine. Cajun and country music, food and a parade, celebrating its 36th year. (225) 687-6549.
Festival Of The Lake Oct. 20-22, Mandeville, Our Lady of the Lake. Music, crafts, food, rides and games. (985) 626-5671.
St. John Parish Andouille Festival Oct. 20-22, LaPlace, Percy Hebert Building. Food, crafts, rides and continuous entertainment. (985) 652-9569.
Oktoberfest 2006 Oct. 20-22, Gonzales, Lamar-Dixon Center. German beer garden with food, drink and music.
Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival Oct. 21-22, Madisonville, Water Street along the Tchefuncte River. Boat-building demonstration and contests, marine auction, entertainment, flea market, food, crafts and music. (985) 845-9200, (985) 892-0520.
Louisiana Yambilee Festival Oct. 25-29, Opelousas, Yambilee Building. Sweet potato celebration, diaper derby, kids costume contest, style show, auction, ball and parade. (337) 948-8848, (800) 210-5298.
Greater Baton Rouge State Fair Oct. 26-Nov. 5, Airline Highway Park/Fairgrounds. Rides, food, music, kids activities, animal shows, games, exhibits. (225) 755-FAIR, (800) LA-ROUGE.
Fete d’Octobre Oct. 27-29, Kaplan, Holy Rosary Catholic School grounds. Food, music, rides, crafts. (337) 643-6472.
French Food Festival Oct. 27-29, Larose Regional Park and Civic Center, 307 E. Fifth St. Old-fashioned festival with music, a boucherie, Cajun food, crafts, music, cooking and boat-building demonstrations, folk-life exhibits and rides. (985) 693-7355.
Bayou Dularge Knights of Columbus Fishing Rodeo & Fair Oct. 27-29, Falgout Canal on Bayou Dularge. Country fair with Cajun food, auctions, rides, bands and fishing rodeo (freshwater, saltwater, offshore & kids divisions). (985) 851-1379.
Fresh Art Festival Oct. 28-29, New Orleans, 800 block of St. Joseph Street. Outdoor arts festival with a juried fine art and craft show, artist demonstrations, kids activities, music and food. 523-1465.
Hammondfest Oct. 28-30. Hammond, Cate Square. Games, food, music and storytelling. (800) 542-7520, (985) 345-4457.
NOVEMBER
River Parishes Fall Festival Nov. 3-5, Norco, Sacred Heart School, 453 Spruce St. Rides, games, bands, crafts, food and a pageant. (985) 764-9958.
Christmas in New Orleans Arts & Crafts Expo Nov. 4-5, Kenner, Pontchartrain Center. Crafts, food and entertainment. 796-5853.
The Great Chili Challenge Nov. 4, New Iberia, City Park, 300 Parkview Drive. Chili-cooking contest, games, music and concessions. 888-9-IBERIA.
Louisiana Swamp Festival Nov. 4-5, New Orleans, Audubon Zoo. Louisiana food, music, crafts, hands-on animal exhibits, animal feedings. 581-IMAX.
Southdown Marketplace Nov. 4, Houma, Southdown Plantation. Crafts, seasonal items, antiques and food. (985) 851-0154.
Giant Omelette Celebration Nov. 4-5, Abbeville. Music, crafts, kids activities, home tours, antique car show, egg games and the making of a 5,000-egg Great Cajun omelet. (337) 893-0013, (337) 898-6600, www.giantomelette.org.
Louisiana Renaissance Festival Nov. 4-5, 11-12, 17-18, 24-26, and Dec. 2-3, 9-10, Hammond, 46468 Louisiana 1064. Jousting, merchants, food and entertainment. (985) 429-9992, www.La-renfest.com.
Shadows Civil War Encampment Nov. 4-5, New Iberia, Shadows-on-the-Teche. Living history encampment. (877) 200-4924.
Port Barre Cracklin Festival Nov. 9-12, Port Barre, Veterans Memorial Park. Cracklin’-cooking contest, Cajun music, rides, parade. (337) 948-6133.
Cut Off Youth Center Fair Nov. 10-12, Cut Off, Youth Center. Cajun food, music, cake-baking contest, parade, tug-of-war competition, dancing. (985) 632-7616.
Westwego Cypress Swamp Fest Nov. 10-12, A.J. Catfish Bourgeois Park. Rides, games, food and music. 341-1003.
Thibodeauxville Fall Fest Nov. 11, Thibodaux, downtown. Craft show, Cajun food and music. (985) 446-1187.
Destrehan Plantation Fall Festival Nov. 11-12, Destrehan Plantation. Antiques village, chef demonstrations, food, music, dancing. (985) 764-9315.
Three Rivers Art Festival Nov. 11-12, Covington, Columbia Street. Juried art festival with an Arts Alive! stage, kids performance stage, music, student art competition, 5K race. (985) 871-4141 or (985) 705-7968.
Highland Games of Louisiana Nov. 17-19, Jackson. Celebration of Scottish culture with a fiddle competition and the games featuring traditional athletic events, dancing, a kids village, a bagpipe competition, British car exhibition and sheep-dog demonstrations. (225) 634-7397, www.lahighlandgames.com.
Camp Moore Living History Encampment Nov. 18-19, Tangipahoa, Camp Moore Confederate Museum and Cemetery. Civil War re-enactment at the largest Confederate training camp in Louisiana. (985) 229-2438.
Louisiana Indian Heritage Association Fall Powwow Nov. 23-26, Robert, Hidden Oaks Family Campground. American Indian crafts, dancing, food, costumes. 345-9244.
Mile Branch Pioneer Christmas Celebration and Festival of Trees Nov. 24-26, Franklinton, Washington Parish Fair Grounds. Tours of pioneer village, Civil War re-enactments, food, music, displays of decorated trees and a tree auction. (985) 839-5195.
DECEMBER
Christmas-New Orleans Style Dec. 1-31, New Orleans. Tours of historic homes, candlelight caroling, madrigal dinners, chef demonstrations. 522-5730.
A Bayou Christmas Dec. 1-2, Larose, Larose Regional Park. Evening boat parade, kids events, snowfield, music and Cajun food. (985) 693-7355.
Christmas Extravaganza Arts & Crafts Expo Dec. 1-3, St. Tammany Parish Fair Grounds, 1304 N. Columbia St. Crafts, food and a Christmas village. (985) 796-5853.
Plaquemines Parish Fair and Orange Festival Dec. 2-3, Belle Chasse, Medal of Honor Park. Cajun music, crafts, citrus displays, orange-peeling and -eating contests. 656-7599, 394-3700.
Once Upon a Cajun Christmas Dec. 8, Houma, downtown. Christmas parade with Papa Noel, caroling, entertainment and tree lighting. (800) 688-2732, (985) 873-6408.
Festival of the Bonfires Dec. 8-10, Lutcher/Gramercy, Knights of Columbus Home and on the levee. Cajun food, music, gumbo cook-off, crafts, rides and nightly bonfires. (800) 367-7852, www.festivalofthebonfires.org.
Old Mandeville Dickens Christmas Festival Dec. 9, Old Mandeville Trailhead/Farmers Market, Girod Street and Lakefront areas. Festival-goers encouraged to costume with costume contest, horse and carriage rides, skits, caroling, Scrooge Scavenger hunts for kids, evening costume ball, Dickens-era breakfast, lunch and dinner. (985) 624-5683.
St. Lucy Festival of Lights Dec. 10, St. Martinville, St. Martin d’Tours Church Square. Holiday light displays, crafts, food, kids games, music, street and boat parades. (337) 394-2233.
Rivertown Christmas Festival Dec. 16, Port Allen, downtown at the levee. Food, appearance by Santa Claus, kids activities, music and fireworks. (800) 654-9701.
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