Things to Do in Louisiana This Weekend
Whether you're a culture seeker, food aficionado, outdoor adventurer or history lover, Louisiana is filled with opportunities to #FeedYourSoul.
Here's a roundup of Louisiana events and activities happening this weekend.
Fall in Louisiana brings cool evenings and warm gumbo. Festival season is in full swing, with parish fairs, fall festivals and football games filling the calendar. Get outside and explore our state parks, or stay indoors and discover one of Louisiana’s state museums.
Charpentier District Front Porch Series
November 13
Lake Charles
Listen to live music as you feel the autumn breeze during the Charpentier District Front Porch Series, set amidst the historic homes of Lake Charles’ Charpentier District. For two hours, enjoy performances on shaded porches, complemented by food trucks and art vendors. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and get comfortable for the sounds of musicians Sean Hager and Alyssa Daughtry.
The music starts in the evening, so beforehand, take a morning paddle through Sam Houston Jones State Park, where Bayou Adventure provides self-serve paddle rentals.
Port Barre Cracklin' Fest
November 13-16
Port Barre
If you’re unfamiliar with cracklin’, Port Barre’s festival will give you a taste and then some. These fried pieces of pork fat, some studded with bits of meat, are crispy, salty and not unlike a good piece of bacon. Sample dozens of variations at the festival while listening to zydeco performances, waiting for your turn on carnival rides or watching a parade.
While you’re in the area, listen to swamp pop at Blue Moon Saloon or Prejean’s. These Louisiana-famous joints play live Cajun bands nightly while serving up other regional fare like gumbo and crawfish.
Plan your trip to St. Landry Parish.
Southern Screen Festival
November 13-16
Lafayette
The Southern Screen Festival is a four-day celebration of storytelling in the heart of Cajun country. Featuring dozens of film screenings alongside live performances, panel discussions and creative workshops, the event brings together emerging and established artists in an atmosphere of hospitality and innovation.
Round out your weekend with a stop at Borden’s Ice Cream Shoppe, a nostalgic diner-style ice cream parlor serving up banana splits with creamy malts, towering cones and fizzy ice cream floats. For more adventure, step back in time at Vermilionville Historic Village, an interactive living history museum.
NOLA Reggae Fest
November 14-16
New Orleans
The NOLA Reggae Fest offers three days of reggae rhythms, Caribbean energy and New Orleans flair at Congo Square — a space central to the city’s Black and Creole history. Expect international and local talent, vibrant food and vendor markets, and a festival vibe rooted in community and culture.
Explore New Orleans’ Black history further at top-notch restaurants, including the James Beard award-winning Dooky Chase’s Restaurant — one of the oldest Black-owned restaurants in the United States. You’ll also find the Backstreet Cultural Museum, filled with costumes, memorabilia, exhibits and artifacts showcasing cultural traditions, stories and heritage.
Beignet Fest
November 15
New Orleans
Hooray, beignets! New Orleans wouldn’t be complete without Beignet Fest, a tasty extravaganza that honors the legacy of these warm, pillowy treats. Bring your appetite to the evergreen City Park, where you’ll find everything from traditional beignets to those that are savory and seafood-stuffed. Explore an art market, kids’ village and beer garden, or head to the main stage for funky tunes.
If a day of beignets isn’t enough, make your way to the French Market, where the original Café Du Monde still stands. Alongside a serving of the delightful dessert, order the chicory-spiced café au lait that brought the establishment to fame.
Red Stick Farmers Market
November 15
Baton Rouge
Shop handmade and homegrown at Red Stick Farmers Market. Alongside delightful seasonal produce, shop works from area artisans like hand-painted oyster shells, jewelry and ceramics.
If you can’t make it to Baton Rouge, don’t fret: Louisiana’s wonderful farmers markets are far and wide. From Ruston to Alexandria, it’s easy to shop and support local Louisiana businesses.
Three Rivers Art Festival
November 15-16
Covington
Engage with mediums like ceramics, painting, fiber art and photography at Three Rivers Art Festival. Two hundred carefully selected artists display their work along Columbia Street, where you can stroll with a specialty cocktail in hand. Bringing little ones? Children are encouraged to explore demonstrations on the arts, like ballet or tribal storytelling.
Don’t leave the area without visiting St. Tammany Art Association, which supports emerging and established artists. The center often hosts open pottery studios, panel talks, knitting classes and more, so be sure to check their schedule of events.
Louisiana Renaissance Festival
Throughout November
Hammond
Set your curiosity and creativity alight at the Louisiana Renaissance Festival, a gala of artists and oddities. Shop from wool weavers and welders, watch performances from fiddlers and fire handlers, and sip merlots and meads.
Before your medieval adventure, explore the city’s rich culture. Stroll through art galleries, boutiques and antiques stores, or explore Hammond Regional Art Center’s latest exhibition.
Make Plans for Louisiana This Month
Whether it's one of our many exciting festivals or an adventure in the great outdoors, there's always something to experience in Louisiana. Be sure to check our calendar of events for the most up-to-date list of festivities.
