Things to Do in Louisiana This Month
No matter the season, there's always something to celebrate in Louisiana.
Spring in Louisiana means one thing – it’s prime time for festival season.
Explore local events that highlight the culture of our great state! With more than 400 festivals and countless events throughout the year, there is always something exciting happening here.
French Quarter Easter Parade
April 20
New Orleans
Make this Easter one you’ll never forget with the French Quarter Easter Parade. Whether you bring the kids or go with friends, you’ll have a blast watching the colorful floats go by and listening to the brassy tunes of marching bands. Plus, be ready to catch beads and other surprise throws.
Stick around the area to stroll around Jackson Square. Nearby is the famous French Market, where you can peruse the open-air vendor stalls for unique crafts and souvenirs or tasty Louisiana spices and specialties.
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 24-May 4
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; performances by the Lenny Kravitz and John Fogerty; and educational experiences that highlight Native American culture.
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.
Ouachita RiverFest
April 24-27
Monroe
For one night, the Ouachita River is yellow — with rubber ducks, at least. West Monroe’s Ouachita RiverFest 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, where you can embark on a sunny spring hike or birdwatch in the bayou.
La Fête Du Monde
April 25-27
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, a two-step twirl by night and family fun in excess.
Experience the Cajun Bayou’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.
Plaquemines Parish Seafood Festival
April 25-27
Belle Chasse
Savor spring's peak at the Plaquemines Parish Seafood Festival, a beloved local celebration for seafood enthusiasts. Serving up everything from golden fried shrimp and spicy seafood gumbo to the Croatian American Society’s famous chargrilled oysters, the festivals tells the story of coastal Louisiana's culinary heritage.
Enjoy time outside the city with a stop at Woodlands Conservancy, where you’ll find 13 miles of cypress-lined trails along with dozens of bird species, white-tailed deer, armadillos and alligators. If you'd rather by on the water, venture into deep-sea fishing with area charters or learn to surf fish.
Explore Louisiana's Delta Country.
Tomato Festival
April 25-27
Chalmette
Kickoff tomato season Creole-style at the Tomato Festival. Relish delicious offerings like jambalaya, tomato-a-la-Chalmette, grilled oysters and crawfish fried rice in between carnival rides. Be sure to wear your dancing for blues, rock and country performances — and don’t miss the crowning of new festival royalty with the Saturday pageant.
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.
This Is Home Fest
April 26
Lake Charles
This Is Home Fest celebrates and uplifts the culture and talent of southwest Louisiana. You’ll love grooving to electric funk, smooth jazz and rhythmic zydeco while nomming on local cuisine. Bring young attendees to the Kids Zone for face painting, a mobile sensory station, a petting zoo, an inclusive play hour and much more.
With the sumptuous Seafood Sensation Trail going through Lake Charles, a culinary stop is a must. After filling up on crawfish and crab legs, 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, armadillos, waterfowl, muskrat and butterflies.
Kite Fest Louisiane’
April 27–28
Port Allen
Port Allen’s rainbow sky, colored by the hues of dozens of high-flying kites, comes by way of Kite Fest Louisiane’. While everyone is encouraged to soar, kids can enjoy a kite-making workshop, and later, fireworks. Just remember to bring your favorite lawn chairs or picnic blankets.
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.
Azalea Trail of Lafayette
Spring
Lafayette’s historical Azalea Trail is in full bloom. Hop on a trolley tour to see the best and the brightest, along with many historical treasures; or meander through the city’s can’t-miss viewing spots on your own walking or driving tour, where the streets are lined with azaleas adorning homes, parks and historical sites.
Learn more about Lafayette.
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!
Make Plans for Louisiana This Month
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.
