Louisiana Festivals

Louisiana festivals showcase a state that has an incredible amount to offer both locals and visitors. Louisiana fairs, competitions, festivals, tournaments, holidays, and other special celebrations together illustrate the surprising diversity found throughout the state. Virtually any interest can be accommodated during Louisiana vacations through all the special events happening annually. Larger cities such as New Orleans have so many Louisiana festivals and events it can make your head spin! The many things to do throughout the entire year make put Louisiana at the top as a richly varied, exciting, and fun place to enjoy a getaway.

Baton Rouge festivals give all other Louisiana cities a run for their money when it comes to special events. The largest concentration of Louisiana fairs and festival in Baton Rouge fall between March and October, a time when visitors can enjoy some of the best weather. Kite Fest Louisiane happens every year in March, showcasing hundreds of colorful kites, a kite flying competition, terrific local food, and kite making workshops. Swamp Pop Music Festival in May, Pennington NABA National Ballooning Championship in August, and Cajun Oktoberfest are some of the best examples of the most exciting annual Baton Rouge festivals.

Smaller cities including Alexandria offer a few great Louisiana fairs and festival to experience too. In these close-knit communities, visitors will enjoy a more intimate involvement with activities and a deeper understanding of small-town Louisiana culture. Que in On The Red Barbecue Festival In March showcases some of the finest Cajun food in the state. Enjoy family friendly activities, excellent food, and fun water-based events during RiverFest at the end of April in Alexandra.

Throughout Lake Charles and Lafayette, visitors will find an enormous number of Louisiana festivals and events to choose between. Both vibrant tourist hubs draw visitors from all over exploring both area, which are a convenient hour away from each other by car. Since 1979, Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana has been celebrated with fervor each January in Lake Charles. Mardi Gras in Cajun Country is Lafayette's equal celebrated annually around the same time. Lake Charles also hosts the Black Heritage Festival in March, Cajun Music and Food Festival in July, and many other popular Louisiana fairs and festivals. Lafayette's big festival winners are April's Festival International de Louisiane, La Cajun Music Awards & Festival, and Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, which features the best of French Louisiana food, music, and arts.

Mardi Gras is by far the most popular and exciting of all Louisiana festivals. There is simply no way to be in Louisiana during this historic festival without being affected by it in some way or another. In fact it's nearly impossible to not join in the celebrations. Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is a time to be fastidious about booking flights ahead of time, making reservations at New Orleans hotels, and if you plan on dining anywhere, make it a habit to get reserved seating (or check if the restaurant offers it) before heading out just in case. Then sit back, get your festive hat on, and prepare to meet one of the world's best festivals head on.