Things to Do in Louisiana This Month
No matter the season, there's always something to celebrate.
From top-notch festivals to summer celebrations, here's how to spend July in Louisiana.
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.
Fourth of July in Louisiana
Statewide
July 4
This summer, don’t settle for a backyard hot dog and low-key sparkler display. From spectacular firework shows to free concerts, see how Louisiana celebrates the Fourth of July!
Essence Festival of Culture
New Orleans
July 4-6
Experience New Orleans’ star-studded ESSENCE Festival of Culture, the largest Black music and culture event in the United States. Groove to icons like Boyz II Men, Erykah Badu and Jill Scott, or see current superstars like GloRilla, Summer Walker and Ari Lennox. Don’t miss the festival’s SOKO MRKT, where art centers empowerment, impact and equity. Learn more about tickets.
While you’re in town, dive further into New Orleans’ Black history. Start with lunch at Creole eatery The Munch Factory (a favorite of Beyoncé, by the way) before touring StudioBE. This powerful warehouse installation explores the impact of Black revolutionaries.
Lebeau Zydeco Festival
Lebeau
July 5
Celebrate Louisiana’s vibrant Creole music tradition at Lebeau Zydeco Festival, where you can groove to all-day jams from Geno Delafose, Rusty Metoyer and more. Once you’ve two-stepped accordion-drenched hits, fill up with a pork backbone dinner, which the festival is famous for.
While you’re in town, swing by Steamboat Warehouse in nearby Opelousas for fried catfish smothered in crawfish cream sauce, lemon butter-drizzled redfish or cheesy crab-and-shrimp au gratin. Looking to catch some rays? Kayak down Bayou Teche.
Plan your trip to St. Landry Parish.
San Fermin in Nueva Orleans
New Orleans
July 11-13
Modeled after Navarre, Spain’s Enciero de Pamplona, San Fermin in Nueva Orleans brings the running of the bulls tradition down South. Join thousands of red-scarved runners and roller-skaters as they zoom through the city in search of the finish line.
Later, attend the La Fiesta de Pantalones and enjoy live music, beer, sangria and burlesque shows. While you’re there, take note of the French Quarter’s distinct charm, world-class restaurants and rich history.
Island Strong Music Fest
Grand Isle
July 17-19
Hoping to get a little sand in your sandals? Grand Isle’s Island Strong Music Fest offers beachfront shows right at home. Dance to tunes ranging from country to zydeco, or grab delicious seafood like crawfish, shrimp po’boys and crab pasta smothered in a Cajun alfredo.
Sweeping across Louisiana’s shoreline, Grand Isle is a secluded paradise with trails, campsites and peaceful waterfront views. Be sure to visit Grand Isle State Park for a hike or swim before listening to hip-shaking evening performances.
Learn more about Jefferson Parish.
Red River Balloon Rally
Bossier City
July 18-19
One of the best ways to experience Shreveport-Bossier is at Red River Balloon Rally, where dozens of larger-than-life balloons glow at dusk. Not to mention, visitors can float into the clouds on balloon rides or watch kaleidoscopic fireworks illuminate the sky.
Add another dose of color to your trip with the local Agora Borealis, an artisan marketplace designed to feel like a gallery. Need fresh air? Stroll the Asian Gardens of Shreveport, where more than 15 countries are represented through lush landscapes and imported statues.
Plan your stay in Shreveport-Bossier.
Cajun Music & Food Festival
Lake Charles
July 19
Experience the Cajun Music & Food Festival, where swamp pop and boudin take the stage. Wander Lake Charles’ Burton Coliseum for local food, craft vendors and auctions, or hang out at the main stage for all day music from folks like Jason Fry & Ray Thibodeaux and Kevin Naquin.
Come Sunday morning, feel free to join a Cajun French Mass downtown, followed by a coffee and donut social. Later, hit the lake for water sports, or grab gumbo and fried alligator at Steamboat Bill’s.
Plan your trip to Lake Charles.
Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival
Natchitoches
July 19
Grab a hot bowl of jambalaya at the annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival, which honors Louisiana’s culinary and creative legacies. Explore modern folklife through vendors who highlight intricate beadwork, handcrafted quilts, woven baskets and whittled banjos, or listen to fiddlers, Cajun musicians and zydeco artists. Little ones can enjoy a harmonica or blacksmithing workshop, while adults can soak up the wisdom of narrative sessions on Delta blues, juke joints and dance halls.
While you're exploring the city's culinary legacy, stop by Lasyone's Meat Pie Restaurant, a longstanding go-to for Cajun and Creole cuisine. Bite into a crisp, handheld empanada filled with spiced beef or savor a classic shrimp po'boy. Later, stroll around Cane River Lake (part of Cane River National Heritage Area) at sunset for stunning, waterfront views of Louisiana's oldest city.
Learn more about Natchitoches.
Balloons Over DeSoto
Mansfield
July 20
You can blame Balloons Over DeSoto for dotting Mansfield’s sky with pops of color. As you watch checkered balloons rise, enjoy scrumptious meals, live entertainment and an evening fireworks show. Plus, your little ones will love playing in the bounce houses.
Before the event, cast a reel into one of DeSoto Parish’s crystalline lakes, or stroll the shops at the historic Village of Grand Cane.
Plan your stay in DeSoto Parish.
International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo
Grand Isle
July 24-26
Sometimes referred to as the “grandaddy of fishing rodeos,” the annual Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo has brought this quaint island joy for nearly a century. Enjoy crab racing, corn hole and cuisine rich in Louisiana flavor. Better still, bands bring live music all day.
After the hustle of fishing tournaments, make space for a peaceful sunset at Grand Isle State Park, or visit the nearby Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve in Marrero.
Learn more about Jefferson Parish.
Louisiana Watermelon Festival
Farmerville
July 25-26
A slice of fresh, cold watermelon beats the summer sun anytime. Luckily, the Louisiana Watermelon Festival gives the fruit the praise it deserves. Whether you’re spittin’ seeds in competition or entering your best-dressed watermelon in a contest, there’s no shortage of sweet red whimsy.
While you’re in the area, visit Lake D’Arbonne State Park for disc golf, mountain biking, hiking and fishing. If you’re looking for an easygoing activity, kayak down the Ouachita River.
Plan your trip to Union Parish.
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 to experience in Louisiana. Be sure to check our calendar of events for the most up-to-date list of festivities.
