Things To Do in Louisiana This Weekend
Whether you are a culture seeker, food aficionado, outdoor adventurer or history lover, Louisiana is filled with opportunities for you to #FeedYourSoul.
Here's a roundup of fun Louisiana events and activities.
With 10 state museums and 21 state parks and preserves, there is no shortage of things to do every day of the year in Louisiana.
Head to countless festivals. Listen to live music that will get in your bones and never leave. Enjoy world-class fishing, boating and paddling. Get up close with nature on biking and hiking trails. You'll find excellent camping and picnic areas, including well-equipped cabins and RV parks, at many of our Louisiana state parks.
Discover the history of Mardi Gras, see Louis Armstrong's cornet, relive historical moments in Louisiana sports history and so much more when you visit one of Louisiana's museums. There are endless opportunities to immerse yourself in the culture that makes Louisiana such a special place.
Find your Louisiana with these events happening around the state this weekend. Check out a full list of this weekend's events and plan your visit today!
Festival International de Louisiane
April 24-28
Lafayette
Imagine: You’re enjoying crisp, caramelized plantains while French pantomimes perform in the distance. On stage is an African band. It’s not Epcot — it’s Festival International de Louisiane, a 5-day celebration in the heart of Lafayette. Enliven your senses and enrich your appreciation for other cultures at this free event.
Make time to explore the area’s rich natural beauty, too. Located 10 minutes from downtown Lafayette is Acadiana Park Campground, which offers 6 miles of hiking trails and 150 acres of forest to camp within.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
April 25-May 5
New Orleans
A combination of vibrant color and culture lends New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival an indelible edge. Each year, more than 40,000 people attend — many from around the world — to experience the revelatory fun of this event. Experience divine dishes from dozens of local chefs; world renowned and local performers like The Rolling Stones and Jon Batiste, and Native American educational experiences. Needless to say, Jazz Fest is distinctively New Orleans.
If you didn’t get enough of the city’s delicious food at the festival, explore New Orleans’s food history. Start with lunch at Creole eatery The Munch Factory (a favorite of Beyonce, by the way) before grabbing a Bananas Foster at Brennan’s, a world-famous restaurant.
Étouffée Festival
April 26–28
Arnaudville
Smoky, nutty roux and umami-rich onion create the signature depth of étouffée — and we’re here for it. At Arnaudville’s annual Étouffée Festival, eat as much of this Creole dish as you desire, but don’t forget to enjoy carnival rides, live music, bingo and shopping, either.
Explore the waters of the Bayou Teche with a canoe and kayak launch by Myran’s Maison De Manger. When hunger strikes, paddle back up the bayou for a waterfront meal at Myran’s with fried-shrimp po’boys, crispy onion rings and crawfish platters. Those feeling thirsty can stop by Bayou Teche Brewing for craft beers, like the Cinco De Bayou lager and LA 31 Swamp Thing IPA.
Learn more about St. Martin Parish.
Italian Festival
April 26–28
Tickfaw
Food enthusiasts won’t want to miss the gastronomic extravaganza that is the annual Italian Festival. Indulge in Italian favorites, like ricotta-filled cannoli and layers of hearty lasagna, along with Louisiana treats like snowballs, crawfish and stuffed crabs. Aside from delicious goodies, enjoy whirling and laughing on carnival rides, dancing to live music and meeting the reigning festival royalty.
Take advantage of the area’s glorious outdoors with a visit to Serenity Sands Park. It’s a family adventure spot for fishing, swimming and picnicking right on the Tangipahoa River. Once you’re done frolicking in the water, chow down on beef fajitas with all the fixin’s, tender pork with rice and beans and refreshing coconut water at El Ranchito. Pick up a snack for the drive home at the attached El Ranchito Grocery.
Plan your visit to Tangipahoa Parish.
Juried Art Exhibition
April 26–May 4
Monroe
Catch the end of Masur Museum’s latest exhibition featuring entries from its 61st annual Juried Art Competition, the museum’s longest-standing tradition. Admire works by contemporary local and national artists. See these stunning works, incorporating various styles and media, and see if you agree with the judge’s picks.
Explore more of Monroe’s culture with a visit to the other area museums. Stroll a beautiful English garden or admire Coca-Cola memorabilia at the Beidenharn Museum & Gardens. Dive into WWII history at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum with exhibits on antique aviation equipment and the Flying Tigers’ squadron leader, General Claire Chennault. Discover more of Louisiana’s fascinating museums.
Ouachita Riverfest
April 26-27
Monroe
For one weekend, the Ouachita River is yellow — with rubber ducks, at least. West Monroe’s Ouachita River Fest offers an abundance of local food trucks, artisan vendors, a fishing tournament, children’s play areas and a rubber duck drop. Bring a blanket, too, and enjoy the sounds of live music all day long.
Later, soak up nature from the observation decks at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Embarking on a sunny spring hike or birdwatch in the bayou.
Plaquemines Parish Seafood Festival
April 26–28
Belle Chasse
Feed your seafood fantasies at the Plaquemines Parish Seafood Festival, with three days of culinary delights by local restaurants and organizations. While you’re nomming on tasty treats like chargrilled oysters, be sure to enjoy the rockin’ beats of live bands, stunning crafts by local artisans, family-fun at the Kids Tent and smile-inducing carnival rides.
If you have time on Friday, head over to the Audubon Wilderness Park to begin your weekend refresh. Walk the hiking trails and keep your eyes peeled for twittering birds, stealthy foxes, roaming armadillos and other wild critters. Then, pop over to Salvo ’s Seafood for delicious Louisiana dishes. Sample new foods like fried frog legs or Cajun-fried alligator alongside iconic staples like seafood gumbo, bread pudding and boudin balls.
Learn more about Plaquemines Parish.
Denham Springs Spring Festival
April 27
Denham Springs
Join the downtown family fun at the Denham Springs Spring Festival. Nom on carnival and Louisiana favorites, like spicy jambalaya and powder-sugar-covered funnel cakes, as you browse the dozens of vendor booths. Listen to live music at Train Station Park, while the kids enjoy games and kiddie rides.
A great energy release for the kiddos is the nearby Kidz Korner Playland, a public park with playsets for older and younger children. Plus, it features a small splash pad and accessible swings. When they’re tuckered out, grab a meal at P-Beau’s where you’ll find delicious southern goodies with a twist, like boudin quesadillas, Louisiana crawfish salads and crawfish mac n’ cheese.
Plan your visit to Livingston Parish.
Kite Fest Louisiane
April 27–28
Port Allen
Colored with the hues of a hundred kites, Port Allen’s rainbow sky comes by way of Kite Fest Louisiane’. While everyone is encouraged to soar, kids can enjoy a kite-making workshop, and later, fireworks at dusk. Just remember to bring your favorite lawn chairs or picnic blankets for an extra-cozy day.
Embrace the culture and history of the area at the West Baton Rouge Museum, where you can see stunning artwork, admire early French-Creole architecture and learn about local history. Afterward, enjoy lunch or dinner at Cou-Yon’s for hefty plates of tender barbeque, cheese- and meat-loaded potatoes and delicious banana pudding.
Natchitoches Spring Farmers Market
April 27
Natchitoches
At the Natchitoches Spring Farmers Market, you’ll find live music, picturesque river views and delicious foods — Louisiana strawberries, anyone? The market runs on Saturdays through the spring and summer with a variety of rotating vendors and fun, themed activities. This week is all about butterflies with demos on making butterfly snacks and free milkweed plant giveaways (a favorite of the striking monarch butterfly!).
After the morning festivities are complete, tour the Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site and learn about this once-remote trading post. Then, fill your belly on the outdoor patio of Maglieaux’s Riverfront Restaurant. Savor Italian-Creole foods like portobella mushrooms served with remoulade, golden-brown catfish po’boys and crab-stuffed chicken.
Plan your trip to Natchitoches.
Azalea Trail of Lafayette
Spring
Lafayette’s Historic Azalea Trail is in full bloom. Hop on a trolley tour to see the best and the brightest blooms, or wander through the city’s can’t-miss viewing spots on your own walking or driving tour.
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 flowers bloom, consider the state’s exciting hiking, biking and paddle trails. Or book a getaway at one of our lovely cabins!
Make Plans for Louisiana This Weekend
Whether it's one of our many exciting festivals or an adventure in the great outdoors, there is always something unique to experience in Louisiana. Be sure to check our calendar of events for the most up-to-date list of festivities.
