Ah, Louisiana. Home to the best food, music and culture in the world. And thankfully, we throw ourselves a party (a.k.a. festival) for just about everything! Step right outside your front door or take a short road trip to fully savor the non-stop fun only our state can provide from our list below. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
June
June 18-19 : Cajun Zydeco Festival – New Orleans – Experience live Cajun and Zydeco performances, food, arts market, and kids activities!
June 24-25 : Louisiana Peach Festival – Ruston – Don’t miss the “A Peach of My Heart” parade, arts and crafts show, peach cookery and more!
June 25 : Gulf Coast Shrimp and Jazz Festival – Lake Charles – Come out for Jazz musicians, activities, and a wide variety of shrimp along with other delicious foods.
July
July 1-3 : Essence Music Festival – New Orleans – Enjoy R&B, hip-hop, jazz and blues performances, as well as arts and craft vendors, panels and workshops.
July 2 : Slidell Heritage Festival – Slidell – Visit for food, entertainment, art displays, games for the kids and fireworks!
July 4 : USS KIDD’s July 4th Spectacular – Baton Rouge – Celebrate the 4th with this family event on the Mississippi River, featuring local cuisine, entertainment and fireworks!
July 4 : New Orleans 4th of July Fireworks – New Orleans – Catch the spectacular Dueling Barges Fireworks Show on the riverfront.
July 8-10 : Running of the Bulls – New Orleans – Join the Rollerbulls, or the Big Easy Rollergirls, along the streets of New Orleans in honor of the famous Eneierro of Pamplona, Spain (Running of the Bulls).
July 15-16 : Natchitoches/NSU Folk Festival – Natchitoches – Enjoy the Louisiana State Fiddle Championship, other various entertainment, crafts, food and more!
July 15-16 : Swamp Pop Music Festival – Gonzales – Started as a fundraiser with the local Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, this event features live Swamp Pop performances, as well as Cajun, Zydeco and Blues.
July 15-17 : Cajun Music & Food Festival – Lake Charles – Experience the Cajun heritage with music, dancing and a delicious variety of Cajun foods.
July 28-30 : FestiGals – New Orleans – Join your girlfriends for a weekend of female- focused events such as inspiring workshop sessions, a Bloody Mary mixer, Stiletto Stroll second-line parade and more!
July 30 : Gulf Brew – Lafayette – Experience excellent brews, food and live music to support its mission of fostering art and culture in Acadiana.
August
August 5-7 : Satchmo Summer Fest – New Orleans – See local music featuring jazz and brass bands and peruse the food booths hosted by some of the best restaurants in New Orleans.
August 6 : White Linen Night – New Orleans – Wear your white linen and experience the Warehouse District’s art scene.
August 13 : Dirty Linen Night – New Orleans – Enjoy the art galleries and antique shops of Royal Street and various entertainment while sampling dirty martinis and dirty rice.
August 13 : Red Dress Run – New Orleans – Support over 100 local charities when you register to run, walk, and enjoy the food and music … all while sporting your favorite red dress.
