Things to Do in Louisiana This Weekend
Here's a roundup of Louisiana events and activities happening this weekend.
Blossoming azaleas and Cajun-spiced crawfish boils fill the air during the spring in Louisiana. Festivals celebrate just about anything under the sun — from music to food, frogs and more. Head to a local farm to pick your own fruits and veggies, paddle our bayous or try a new waterfront restaurant.
French Quarter Festival
April 16-19
New Orleans
Let your joie de vivre ring true at French Quarter Fest. Fantastic food and masterful melodies have colored this kaleidoscopic block party for more than 40 years. Admission is free, and you’ll find great music and dancing at each stage.
After a weekend of revelry, make your way to the French Market, where the original Café Du Monde still stands. Alongside a serving of pillowy beignets, order a frozen café au lait, a modern twist on the chicory-spiced drink that brought the establishment to fame.
Baton Rouge Blues Festival
April 17-18
Baton Rouge
Vocalist Willie Dixon once said the blues are the roots of music — and where else to hear them live than at the Baton Rouge Blues Festival? Jam to the sweet sounds of slide guitar and the warm, whining tone of harmonicas from more than 50 artists. This two-day event is free to attend.
Downtown, you’ll find the city’s lively art scene. The Baton Rouge Gallery showcases contemporary works, like can’t-miss photography, sculptures and stained-glass exhibitions. Or visit a few sites on the Louisiana Music Trail.
La Fête Du Monde
April 17-19
Raceland
Welcome to Louisiana’s three-day swamp pop extravaganza. Raceland’s La Fête Du Monde combines the rhythm and blues of New Orleans jazz with the Delta’s smooth, Southern twang. Enjoy carnival rides and Cajun food by day and a two-step twirl by night.
Experience the area’s natural beauty at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Stop by the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center for a deep dive into the marshes of Bayou Lafourche. Then, embark on an adventurous hike or boat tour.
Take a trip to Lafourche Parish.
New Iberia Spanish Festival
April 17-19
New Iberia
Love celebrating culture? Explore the New Iberia Spanish Festival, which honors Spain’s influence on the region. Rank the best paella and tapas dishes at a cook-off, groove to dozens of live bands and check out on-site genealogy exhibits.
While you’re in the area, tour Shadows-on-the-Teche, a historic home that explores the lived experiences of enslaved people whose labor upheld the sugarcane industry.
Plan your visit to Iberia Parish.
Tomato Festival
April 17-19
Chalmette
Kick off spring Creole-style at Chalmette’s Tomato Festival. Relish delicious offerings like jambalaya, tomato-a-la-Chalmette, grilled oysters and crawfish fried rice, and see live blues, rock and country performances. Enjoy carnival rides and see the crowning of new festival royalty at a pageant, too.
While you’re in town, check out the area’s heritage at Chalmette Battlefield or the Malus-Beauregard House. Walk among tall, ancient oaks dripping with Spanish moss as you learn about the 1815 Battle of New Orleans and view the 100-foot-tall Chalmette Monument. After touring the grounds, refuel at the iconic Arabi Food Store with traditional po’boys and muffulettas.
Learn more about St. Bernard Parish.
Baton Rouge Fiber Arts & Makers Festival
April 18
Baton Rouge
Love weaving, quilting, patching and stitching? Explore the Baton Rouge Fiber Arts & Makers Festival. This celebration highlights a diverse lineup of artists engaged in arts like quilting, crochet and sewing, with vendors selling handmade goods that range from clothing to home decor.
After the festival, swing by the Red Stick Farmers Market. Alongside delightful seasonal produce, shop works from area artisans like hand-painted oyster shells, jewelry and ceramics.
This Is Home Fest
April 18
Lake Charles
This Is Home Fest celebrates the culture of Southwest Louisiana, which centers around music like electric funk, smooth jazz and rhythmic zydeco. Nosh on local cuisine, and bring little ones to the Kids Zone for face painting, accessible play stations and a petting zoo.
After the festival, head to Sabine National Wildlife Refuge for time in the sunshine. Hike the Wetland Walkway or Blue Goose Trail for stunning coastal landscapes and opportunities to see and photograph alligators, waterfowl and butterflies.
Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival
April 18-19
Natchitoches
Explore Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival, a two-day celebration of handmade goods from vendors across North-Central Louisiana. It’s easy to learn about Louisiana’s Afro-Creole history, too, since the festival is held on the grounds of the historic Melrose Plantation. Tour the home to see mesmerizing works from African American folk artist Clementine Hunter.
Explore Louisiana’s oldest city with a serene afternoon paddle down Cane River. Kayaking not your thing? Discover the history of Natchitoches at Cane River Creole National Historical Park.
Learn more about Natchitoches.
21 Beautiful State Parks & Preserves
Statewide
Louisiana is home to 21 beautiful state parks filled to the brim with fun family experiences. As temperatures rise and foliage blooms, consider the state’s exciting hiking, biking and paddle trails. Or book a getaway at one of our lovely cabins.
Whether you're an outdoor adventurer, music lover or just crave good food, Louisiana is filled with opportunities to #FeedYourSoul. Check our events calendar for more festivities.
