Seasons of Louisiana
There are more than four seasons in Louisiana and each one offers tasty surprises.
You can tell something about Louisiana's flair for the flavorful just by looking at our calendar. Take a look and see what season you'd like to experience (we recommend them all!)
Crawfish Season in Louisiana
The crawfish are abundant in Louisiana late winter through early spring. Whether you are a purist and like to boil them or whether your taste buds are more decadent and prefer a crawfish Étouffée, either way, these crustaceans are delicious and served up by the pound. Learn how to eat crawfish and get the crawfish boil recipe.
Where to find it: Bayou Country Crawfish Trail in the Houma area, Crawfish House and Grill in Opelousas, Mo' Crawfish in Eunice, Crawfish Town USA in Henderson, Crawdaddy's Kitchen in Shreveport, Ben Christmas Crawfish in Ruston and so, so, so many places in between.
Crab Season in Louisiana
Louisiana blue crabs are quite a delicacy and can be found late spring through early fall. Found in dishes ranging from crab dip appetizers and marinated or fried crab claws, to crab and shrimp gumbo, Louisiana blue crabs are a sweet, succulent treat. Get the recipe for Creole Crab Dip.
Where to find it: K.W.K Crabs in Des Allemands, Seafood Connection in New Iberia, Seafood Palace in Lake Charles, Christian Brothers Seafood in Gonzales, and Pat's Seafood & Cajun Deli in Mandeville, and Anthony's Steak & Seafood in Shreveport are just a sampling.
Shrimp Season in Louisiana
Brown shrimp are readily available May through July and white shrimp are available August through December. Ensure you check the label when you purchase shrimp to ensure you are getting Louisiana caught or domestic shrimp which are tested ensuring the quality and safety of the shrimp. Shrimp can be found in much of Louisiana cooking from breakfast to dinner. Get the recipe for Louisiana Barbequed Shrimp.
Where to find it: Roberto's River Road restaurant in Sunshine, Tony's Seafood Market & Deli in Baton Rouge, Orlandeaux's in Shreveport, Zimmer's Seafood in New Orleans, B & C Seafood Riverside Market & Cajun Restaurant in Vacherie, Bino's Seafood in Bogalusa and many more stops around the state.
Oyster Season in Louisiana
October through April is the prime season for these succulent, large Gulf Coast delicacies, however, they are available year-round. Whether you prefer your oysters served freshly shucked with tabasco and lemon or you like to get fancy with Oysters Rockefeller, Louisiana will be your oyster heaven.
Where to find it: Louisiana Oyster Trail in Jefferson Parish, Buster's Place Restaurant & Oyster Bar in Covington, Shucks! The Louisiana Seafood House in Abbeville, Boutin's Seafood, Steakhouse & Oyster Bar in Carencro, Mama's Oyster House in Natchitoches, and Phil's Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurant in Baton Rouge are Louisiana favorites.
Mardi Gras Season in Louisiana
Mardi Gras season takes place every year, January through February or March (Mardi Gras day changes each year). Food is another central experience to the Mardi Gras season. Learn about different versions of king cake or try this king cake recipe. Across the entire state of Louisiana, everyone is celebrating—experience family-friendly parades to traditional Cajun celebrations called Courir de Gras where masked revelers take to horseback and ride through Eunice, Mamou and Iota, Louisiana.
Where to find it: You might start with the iconic New Orleans Mardi Gras, but you absolutely must check out Mardi Gras festivities in North Louisiana, Central Louisiana, and South Louisiana.
Snoball Season in Louisiana
Snoballs are most popular in the summer as a cool and refreshing treat to help beat the heat. Similar to a snowcone but with lighter and fluffier ice, snoballs are beloved by locals of all ages, and there are dozens of flavors for everyone's taste! Flavors range from fruity classics like strawberry to sweet favorites like wedding cake. Some stands even serve them stuffed with ice cream, and be sure to get extra condensed milk on top!
Where to find it: Hansen's Sno-Bliz and Plum St. Snowballs in New Orleans, Snowball Factory in New Iberia, Debbie's Snowballs in Monroe, Just Chillin in Mandeville, Sneaux on the Geaux in Alexandria and many places in between.
Tailgating Season in Louisiana
Louisiana Tailgating Season (a.k.a Football Season) is a wonderful fall and winter activity full of excitement and incredible food! From the LSU Tigers to the New Orleans Saints, Louisiana supports their favorite teams with delicacies served up anywhere from the favorite neighborhood bar to the stadium parking lot.
Where to find it: Just about every college across the state, and all over New Orleans, of course! Learn Louisiana tailgating tips and how to pack for your tailgate experience.
Learn more about Louisiana's diverse culinary scene with stories, food experiences, recipes and more. And if you need extra trip-planning resources, then download the Official Inspiration Guide and let the planning begin!
