Some of the most colorful and unique festivals in the nation take place here during May through July, offering visitors a chance to experience the culture and way of life of the region. From music and food festivals to art and religious events, Louisiana has something for everyone to enjoy.
May
The first major festival of the season is the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival in Lafayette, which takes place from May 3rd to May 5th. This event brings together the best of the region’s Cajun and Zydeco music, dance, and food. Attendees can enjoy traditional Cajun and Zydeco music performed by some of the most renowned artists in the state, as well as sample some of the region’s most beloved dishes such as jambalaya, gumbo, and étouffée. There are also plenty of activities for the children, including cultural displays, art and craft vendors, and more.
The Bayou Country Superfest is a country music festival that takes place in May and is one of the biggest events of the year. This festival brings together some of the biggest names in country music for one big weekend. Past performers have included Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, and Brad Paisley.
The next major event in Louisiana is the Natchitoches Jazz & R&B Festival, held in Natchitoches from May 18th to May 20th. This festival showcases some of the best jazz, blues, R&B, and gospel music in the state. There are plenty of activities for the whole family, such as a craft fair, live music performances, a parade, and more. As the night approaches, the party continues with a free outdoor concert featuring local and national acts.
June
June in Louisiana is an exciting time of year, as the state plays host to some of the best festivals in the country. From music, to food, to art, there is something to appeal to everyone. Here is a look at some of the exciting festivals to take place in Louisiana during the month of June 2023.
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is one of the most renowned events in Louisiana, and it always draws a large crowd of music lovers from all over the country. Taking place over the course of seven days in late May and early June, the festival is always a highlight of the state’s yearly events. This year, music fans will have the opportunity to enjoy performances by top acts such as Bruce Springsteen, John Mayer, and Jack White. Additionally, the festival features a wide array of local artisans and vendors, offering everything from jewelry to handmade crafts.
The Baton Rouge Blues Festival is another big event that takes place in Louisiana every June. This year, it will be held from June 17th-19th, and it will feature performances from some of the biggest names in blues music. Some of the acts scheduled to play include award-winning artists such as Keb Mo and Shemekia Copeland. In addition to the live music, the festival also includes a variety of activities, such as a jambalaya cook-off, a gumbo contest, and a kid’s zone.
The Lafayette French Festival is an annual event that celebrates Louisiana’s French heritage. Taking place over three days in early June, the festival offers live music, dancing, and other activities to help visitors get in the spirit of French culture. There will also be a variety of food vendors offering a range of traditional Cajun and Creole dishes, such as crawfish etouffee and jambalaya.
Crawfish Fest is another popular event in Louisiana, and it’s held every June in the city of Abbeville. This year, festival-goers can enjoy a variety of crawfish dishes, as well as live music, arts and crafts, and a kids’ zone. Additionally, the festival features a crawfish eating contest, a fishing tournament, and an oyster shucking competition.
The Bayou Country Superfest is a weekend-long event held in Baton Rouge every June. Music fans will have the opportunity to see performances from some of the biggest names in country music, such as George Strait, Miranda Lambert, and Little Big Town. Additionally, the festival features a variety of food vendors, carnival rides, and other attractions.
For those looking for a more laid-back summer experience, the Louisiana Food Truck Festival is the perfect event. Taking place over two days in late June at the Lafayette Public Library, the event features more than 30 of the best food trucks in Louisiana, offering everything from tacos to barbecue to crepes. Additionally, there will be live music and pop-up vendors throughout the event.
One of the most unique events in Louisiana is the Atchafalaya Balloon Festival, which takes place in mid-June in the city of New Iberia. The festival features hot air balloon rides, live music, and a variety of activities for the entire family. Additionally, there will be a wide range of food vendors, offering everything from Cajun dishes to BBQ, as well as craft beer and wine tastings.
Finally, the Louisiana Greek Festival is another exciting event that takes place in the city of Metairie every June. This year, visitors will be able to enjoy authentic Greek cuisine, as well as traditional Greek dancing and music. Additionally, there will be a variety of vendors, offering everything from jewelry to handmade crafts.
June in Louisiana is an exciting time of year, and there are plenty of festivals to attend throughout the month. From music and art to food and culture, there is something to appeal to everyone. So, don’t miss out on the chance to experience some of the best festivals in the state.
July
The month of July in Louisiana is marked by the much-anticipated Louisiana State Fair in Shreveport. The fair takes place from July 12th to July 22nd and features a wide range of activities, from competitive rodeo events and livestock shows to amusement rides and carnival games. There is also plenty of local food and entertainment, including live music, concerts, and dance performances.
The Louisiana Seafood Festival is held in mid-July and is a celebration of the seafood industry in the state. This festival features delicious seafood dishes, live music, and cooking competitions. There is also an oyster shucking competition and a seafood-related film festival.
Next, The Louisiana Festival is an annual celebration of the state’s unique culture, music, and cuisine held every summer. Each year, thousands of people from all over the world come to take part in the festivities, with the 2023 festival sure to be one of the most memorable yet.
The Louisiana Festival is a celebration of the unique culture, music, and cuisine of the region. The festival began in the 1800s, when French settlers first moved to the area and developed the distinctive Cajun and Creole traditions that are now celebrated throughout the region and beyond. From traditional folk music to the sounds of swamp blues, Louisiana’s music has been influenced by many different cultures and is now enjoyed by people from all over the world.
The festival begins on July 20th and runs through the end of the month. During the festival, visitors will be able to enjoy a variety of different musical performances, as well as traditional Cajun and Creole food. Visitors can also take part in the Mardi Gras parade, which takes place on the final Saturday of the festival.
The festival also features a number of other events and attractions, including art exhibitions, dance performances, and family-friendly activities. There are also a variety of craft and food vendors, offering everything from local specialties to imported delicacies.
The food is a major draw to the festival, with Cajun and Creole cuisine being served throughout the event. Local favorites like jambalaya, étouffée, and gumbo are all popular dishes during the Louisiana Festival. Visitors can also try some of the state’s famous seafood dishes, such as crawfish boils and shrimp po’boys. For dessert, beignets and pralines are two of the most popular treats.
The music is another highlight of the festival. Throughout the month, visitors can enjoy a variety of performances from local and regional artists. There will be brass bands and traditional folk music, as well as a variety of other genres, including jazz, blues, and zydeco. In addition to live music, there will also be DJs spinning tunes throughout the festival.
In addition to the food, music, and performances, the Louisiana Festival also features a number of activities and attractions to keep visitors entertained. There will be a traditional crawfish cook-off and a hot air balloon festival, as well as a variety of other activities and attractions. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there will be craft and food vendors, art displays, and plenty of other activities.
The Louisiana Festival is an event that celebrates the culture, music, and cuisine of the region. With a variety of activities, attractions, and performances, it’s sure to be a memorable event for everyone who attends. Whether you’re a fan of the music, the food, or the activities, the Louisiana Festival is sure to be a memorable experience.
August
August in Louisiana is all about celebrating the bounty of the harvest season. In addition to the usual end of summer celebrations, the state also hosts several festivals that honor the diverse history and culture of Louisiana, and you won’t want to miss out on any of them!
One of the biggest festivals of the month is the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival in Morgan City. Upon arriving in the city, visitors will find a wide variety of entertainment, including live music, carnival rides, and plenty of delicious local seafood. Don’t miss the crowning of the Shrimp King and Queen, a highlight of the festival each year.
Also in August, the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival takes place in Lafayette. The annual event celebrates the region’s musical history with a lineup of local and national Cajun and Zydeco bands. There are also plenty of delicious local foods to enjoy, including crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and more.
The Taste of Louisiana Festival in Houma is another August highlight. Held in nearby Bayou Cane Park, the event brings together some of the best local restaurants and chefs for a day of sampling some of the state’s favorite dishes. Live music and crafts round out the festivities, making this a great opportunity to sample some of Louisiana’s best cuisine.
The New Orleans Oyster Festival is held in August and is a celebration of the oyster industry in the area. This festival features fresh seafood dishes, live music, oyster shucking competitions, and more.
Finally, don’t miss the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog Festival in Many. The event honors the state’s official canine, the Catahoula Leopard Dog, and celebrates the breed’s unique history. There’s plenty of fun for all ages, including agility demonstrations, obedience classes, and a blessing of the hounds.
These are just a few of the many festivals that take place in Louisiana during the months of May through August. Each one offers something unique and exciting for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a chance to experience the region’s culture and history, or just to enjoy some of the best music and food in the country, Louisiana has something to offer everyone.
