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. Here's a roundup of fun Louisiana events and activities.
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.
Baton Rouge Blues Festival
April 19-21
Baton Rouge
Vocalist Willie Dixon once said the blues are the roots of music — and what better way to experience the genre than at Baton Rouge Blues Festival? Hear the sweet sound of slide guitar and the syncopated rhythm of heart and soul from over 50 artists. This three-day event is free to attend.
Downtown, you’ll find Baton Rouge’s lively art scene. The Baton Rouge Gallery showcases contemporary works, like can’t-miss photography, sculptures and stained-glass exhibitions. Or, visit a few sites on the Louisiana Music Trail.
El Festival Español de Nueva Iberia
April 19-21
New Iberia
Join the fiesta! El Festival Español de Nueva Iberia highlights Spain’s abundant influence on New Iberian history. Rank the best paella and tapa dishes at a cookoff after jiving to dozens of live bands. To honor the city’s founding Spanish families, check out on-site genealogy exhibits
While you’re nearby Shadows-on-the-Teche, a historical home, make time for a tour. The museum explores the lives and experiences of formerly enslaved people, as well as the sugarcane industry’s impact on Louisiana.
Plan your visit to Iberia Parish.
La Fête Du Monde
April 19-21
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.
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 25-May 5
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; world renowned and local performers like The Rolling Stones and Jon Batiste, and Native American educational experiences. Needless to say, Jazz Fest is distinctively New Orleans.
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 26-27
Monroe
For one weekend, the Ouachita River is yellow — with rubber ducks, at least. West Monroe’s Ouachita River Fest 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. Embarking on a sunny spring hike or birdwatch in the bayou.
Azalea Trail of Lafayette
Spring
Lafayette’s Historic 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.
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.
