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.
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!
Alex River Fête
May 2-4
Alexandria
Drink, dance and be merry along the banks of the Red River at Alex River Fête. From musical performances and delicious morsels to a car show and a barbecue-cooking competition, there’s plenty of excitement and fun for everyone. This free, three-day festival also boasts kids’ activities, a beer garden and booths of local arts and handcraft vendors.
Get out on the water with your own kayak or arrange a rental from River Paddle Rentals. You’ll love exploring Alexandria’s winding Red River or the serene waters and abundant wildlife of Lake Buhlow. Find more places to paddle on Louisiana’s paddle trails.
Firemen’s Fair
May 2–5
Thibodaux
Enjoy four days of carnival rides and Louisiana-style fair foods, like shrimp gumbo, funnel cakes and crawfish pies, at the Firemen’s Fair. Each day has its own set of special events, like 5K and Fun Runs, auctions, a cash-prize raffle and a firemen’s parade. You’ll also find fantastic musical lineups with lively swamp pop songs, head-banging alternative rocks beats and dancing-shoe-ready zydeco tunes.
Kids with extra energy can get their wiggles and giggles out at Bayou Country Children’s Museum. They’ll love exploring interactive exhibits on Cajun culture, romping on the playground and playing the giant floor piano. Adults will delight in a stop at the taproom at Mudbug Brewery for Cajun craft beers. Try a pint of the spiced King Cake Ale, the German-style Pelican Pilsner or the pineapple-forward House of the Rising Sun: Sour Daux.
MayFest
Leesville
May 3-4
What if we told you that you could listen to 15 zydeco, rock and country bands — for free? At Leesville’s MayFest, enjoy two days of live music, family-friendly fun and delicious scratch-made soul food. From a Saturday morning pancake breakfast to a night of funky zydeco tunes, there’s an experience for everyone.
While you’re in town, explore west Louisiana’s ever-evolving art scene at Gallery One Eleven. Later, swing by the West Louisiana Museum to learn about the parish — and its fascinating World War II history.
Plan your trip to Vernon Parish.
Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival
Breaux Bridge
May 3-5
For more than 60 years, thousands of people from across the globe have savored decadent Louisiana seafood at the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival — and for good reason. While you’re here, jive to more than 30 swamp pop and zydeco performances, bust a move at a dance contest, take a music heritage workshop — and most importantly, eat some dang good food.
On your drive in, stop by Louisiana Marketshops at the 115. What appears at first as a vibrant front porch decked with folk art is a actually marketplace — one that showcases more than 450 local artists and their works, like hand-painted gumbo bowls and wood carvings.
Learn more about St. Martin Parish.
Red, White & Blue Airshow
May 3–5
Monroe
Anyone interested in aviation will revel in tickets to the Red, White & Blue Airshow. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you watch high-powered aircraft perform gravity-defying climbs, heart-thumping dives and lightning-quick passes. Experience the incredible aerobatic maneuvers as teams of vintage planes fly in synchronized displays of rolls, loops and more. It is aerial artistry at its finest.
Dive into Louisiana aviation history at the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum, the former site of the Selman Field Army-Air Force Navigation School. Here, you can learn about Delta Airlines’ humble beginnings, the flight school’s history and the stories of the Flying Tigers air unit. After, satisfy your thirst at Flying Tigers Brewery with a variety of craft suds, from lagers to imperial stouts. At the attached Victory Pizza Bar you’ll find mouthwatering, innovative pizzas like the General Claire topped with prosciutto, lemon-fig jam, goat cheese and arugula.
Kegs & Corks Craft Beer, Wine & Music Festival
May 4
Bossier City
Whether you appreciate a hoppy, citrus-infused IPA or a smooth, dry red wine, you’ll find both at the Kegs & Corks Craft Beer, Wine & Music Festival. Get your tickets to fill your cup and sample sips from a range of home brewers and vino makers. Plus, there’ll be live jams for dancing and gourmet snacks for nibbling.
For a unique souvenir-making experience stop by Point Studio Art. Here, you can create your own print and put it on a shirt, pillowcase, tote bag or other fabric-made item — no prior art skills or background required. For some fresh air, drive over to the Red River National Wildlife Refuge. Adventure awaits along miles of biking and walking trails beside the peaceful lake. Listen to the sweet tweets of birdsong or catch a glimpse of curious wildlife.
May the 4th Be With You
May 4
Houma
Don your cape and pack your light saber — its time for Houma’s annual May the 4th Be With You. With live jams, tasty southern treats and Star Wars-themed activities, you’re sure to have an intergalactic blast. Check out the character parade, show off your creativity in the costume contest and watch a thrilling light saber demonstration. Plus, there will be fun activities just for your young padawans.
Explore the area with a visit to the marshlands of Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge. You’ll feel like you’re trekking around Dagobah as you hike through wetlands along the .75-mile Nature Trail, paddle among cypresses or drop a line into the swamp for catfish, bream and bass. Afterward, refuel with chargrilled oysters, bowls of gumbo, tasty crawfish and stuffed po’boys at The Shack of Houma.
Morehouse May Madness Street Festival
May 4
Bastrop
From Louisiana celebrities to a motorcycle show and fun contests, the Morehouse May Madness Street Festival has it all. Just a sampling of the festivities includes a pet contest, a cutest-baby contest, motorcycle and classic car exhibits, a farmers’ market and a visit from Miss Louisiana herself. Listen to live bands and chow down on decadent bites as you check out all the festival activities.
On Sunday, enjoy northern Louisiana’s natural wonders with a visit to Bussey Break Reservoir. Launch your boat from the boat ramp and cast your line in bass-, bream- and crappie-rich waters or fish from the shore at one of three fishing piers, including an ADA-accessible pier. Outdoor enthusiasts can also visit Chemin-A-Haut State Park. Paddle out to the centuries-old cypress known as Castle Tree, take youngsters to explore the wading pool and playground or enjoy a picnic with a stunning lake view.
Plan your visit to Bastrop-Morehouse.
Cinco De Mayo Party in the Park
May 5
Baton Rouge
Come down for family-friendly fun at the Cinco De Mayo Party in the Park. Bring a tent, blankets and chairs to set up your cozy base for the day in between festivities. Join the mechanical bull-riding competition, drive ATVs (brought from home) and sample tasty foods from plenty of vendors. Plus, there will be a spacewalk and piñata for the kiddos.
In the morning, stop by the Baton Rouge Arts Market — an open-air market with one-of-a-kind works of pottery, jewelry, woodwork, stained glass and more by more than 40 local artists. It’s the perfect place to find a gift or a souvenir. For dinner, savor Mexican cuisine with a Louisiana twist at Mi Padres Mexican Grill. You won’t be able to get enough of dishes like brisket and cheese nachos, crawfish enchiladas and blackened redfish topped with mango salsa.
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.
