Things to Do in Louisiana This Month
No matter the season, there's always something to celebrate.
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.
Red, White & Blue Airshow
May 2-4
Monroe
Watch in awe as aircraft light up the sky with gravity-defying acrobatics and incredible flight maneuvers. The Red, White & Blue Airshow, hosted at Monroe Regional Airport, offers three shows across three days. For an amazing day-to-night experience, consider one of two twilight shows, which combine traditional displays with illuminated planes and fireworks.
Stop by the Biedenharn Museum & Gardens to explore a collection of local art, a Coca-Cola museum — complete with an original five-cent vending machine — and thousands of blooming flowers throughout the ELSong Gardens.
Morehouse May Madness
May 3
Bastrop
Hit the streets of downtown Bastrop for Morehouse May Madness! This free festival features art, classic car exhibits, live music and a children’s zone. Shop the onsite farmers market, too, for local food and vibrant, artisan made goods.
After an afternoon of festival fun, take a short drive to nearby Monroe. Explore the city's charming main street, which offers several local restaurants and shops, or hunt for treasures along West-Monroe’s Antique Alley.
Learn more about Morehouse Parish.
Natchitoches Jazz R&B Festival
May 9-10
Natchitoches
Music fills the air through downtown Natchitoches during the city's Jazz and R&B Festival. Savor the sounds of jazz, R&B, country, Zydeco, gospel and more throughout the weekend while strolling through local artisan booths and snacking on local fare.
Cinema fans may know Natchitoches as the filming location for the classic movie “Steel Magnolias.” Take a self-guided tour to see Clairee’s home and other iconic sites, and as you follow the film trail, grab a crawfish-stuffed hand pie at the acclaimed Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant.
Plan your trip to Natchitoches.
Rayne Frog Festival
May 9-10
Rayne
Louisiana holds several unique titles, including the Frog Capital of the World. Celebrate the Rayne Frog Festival and the culture found in the southernmost part of the state. Live music provides a soundtrack to an incredible day of frog races, pageants and other family-friendly entertainment. Plus, food trucks offer delicious fare (not all frog-themed, of course).
Bring a piece of Louisiana home with Cajun cooking essentials like boudin and andouille sausage from Richard’s Cajun Foods. For a sweet treat on your drive back, stop by Frosto for mile-high sundaes, classic ice cream floats and creamy milkshakes.
Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo Music Festival
May 16-18
New Orleans
Celebrate art, music, food, community and culture at Bayou Boogaloo. Enjoy three nights of epic entertainment on Bayou St. John, from funk, soul and hip-hop to stand-up comedy and improv. Enter the crawfish eating contest on Saturday if you’re brave — and hungry — enough!
Explore New Orleans’ legendary history and traditions with a themed tour through its most famous neighborhoods. Taste your way through the Crescent City with a culinary tour, ride in style on a carriage tour or discover NOLA nightlife with a bike tour.
Louisiana Blackberry Festival
May 17
Houma
Savor the best of our state’s fresh produce at the Louisiana Blackberry Festival! This free event highlights the tart, violet berry during its peak season. Guests can purchase fresh blackberries, as well as blackberry-inspired food and drinks, while listening to live music and enjoying children’s activities.
While you’re in Houma, take a swamp tour to learn about this important ecosystem. Spot alligators, herons, pelicans, raccoons and more.
Jambalaya Festival
May 22-25
Gonzales
The smoky-sweet aroma of jambalaya blankets Gonzales at the Annual Jambalaya Festival. Since 1968, the city has delivered an annual weekend of delectable dishes, carnival rides, car shows and live music. If you’re a wizard in the kitchen, sign up for cooking contests. If you’re more of a taste-tester, stick around to enjoy the leftovers.
Just a 20-minute drive from the action is Houmas House Estate and Gardens, a historic sugar plantation and mansion that has been featured in movies like “Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte” and “The Green Book.”
Learn more about Louisiana’s sweet spot.
Mudbug Madness Festival
May 23-25
Shreveport
Listen to acclaimed zydeco, blues and jazz musicians, and enjoy endlessly delicious drinks and dishes at one of Louisiana’s largest Cajun festivals. Don’t miss heated competitions like crawfish eating and crawfish calling.
Explore the ocean and learn about its inhabitants at Shreveport Aquarium. Meet more than 1,000 animals from 300 species, including Yoko the baby swell shark and Darla the albino snapping turtle.
New Orleans Greek Festival
May 23-25
New Orleans
Learn about Greek heritage, sample delicious cuisine and enjoy traditional entertainment at the New Orleans Greek Festival. Shop ‘til you drop at local vendors, or take a tour of the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the first Greek Orthodox cathedral in North and South America.
Head to the French Quarter for live music, fresh beignets and unparalleled joie de vivre — and to visit the Historic New Orleans Collection. Discover exhibits celebrating immigrant cultures, French Quarter life and the beauty of Louisiana’s natural climate.
Cajun Heartland State Fair
May 23 - June 1
Lafayette
The Cajun Heartland State Fair is old-fashioned fun for all ages! Treat yourself to classic carnival favorites like Lafayette’s unrivaled lemonade, boogie to live music and twirl on your favorite rides. Don’t leave without checking out Miss Dolly’s Lounge, featuring selfie-worthy photo ops and family-friendly karaoke.
Wander through a 32-acre traditional Cajun settlement at Acadian Village. Step back in time and visit a general store, blacksmith shop, doctor’s museum, chapel and houses modeled after the homes of actual residents
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.
