Hotels by City

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, APRIL 5-7

• ANNUAL CYPRESS SAWMILL FESTIVAL: Kemper Williams Park, Patterson. Continuous live music; cypress sawmill display; tournaments; a passé partout (two-person saw) contest; arts and crafts; rides; games; Cajun food. Admission: $5 per car on Friday; $10 per car on Saturday and Sunday; and $20, weekend pass. Overnight camping available. (800) 256-2931 or http://www.cypresssawmill.com.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, APRIL 6-7

• FESTFORALL: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday, along North Boulevard, in Town Square, and on the grounds of the Shaw Center for the Arts and the Old State Capitol. Presented by the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, the festival features music, artists, a children’s village and much more. http://www.artsbr.org. (See more, page 18).
• ZIPPITY ZOO FEST: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. admissions (zoo closes at 6 p.m.), BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo, 3601 Thomas Road. Keeper chats, face painting, photo booth, animal shows. Also, the new program Expedition BREC will debut. Regular zoo admission applies; $8.25, adults and teens; $5.25, children 2-12; $7.25, senior citizens; free, children 1 and under. (225) 775-3877 or http://brzoo.org.
• KITE FEST LOUISIANE: 11 a.m.-6 p.m., West Baton Rouge Soccer Complex, La. 415 at Rosedale Road, Port Allen. Kite flying; design competitions; children’s kite making workshop; professional kite flying; indoor kite flying; show kite demonstrations; Louisiana food booths; kite flying lessons; inflatables; night fly (weather permitting). (800) 654-9701 or http://www.westbatonrouge.net.
• PLAQUEMINE POW WOW: Iberville Museum, 57735 Main St., Plaquemine. Native American dance competitions; drumming; singing; Native American arts and crafts; food. Presented by the Iberville Museum Association, the City of Plaquemine and the Louisiana Indian Education Association. Free. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Iberville-Museum/258474536916.

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

• ZAPPS INTERNATIONAL BEER FESTIVAL: 3:30 p.m.-6 p.m., LSU Rural Life Museum, Essen Lane at I-10. Taste more than 200 foreign and domestic beers and ales. Jambalaya and non-alcoholic beverages available. Music by the CJ Solar Band. All proceeds benefit the Rural Life Museum. $30; must be 21 or older to attend. (225) 765-2437 or http://www.zappsbeerfest.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 7

• LOUISIANA IRIS RAINBOW FESTIVAL: noon-4 p.m., Besthoff Sculpture Garden, New Orleans Museum of Art, City Park. The Sculpture Garden is planted with masses of hybrid species of Louisiana irises. The Greater New Orleans Iris Society and Master Gardeners will answer questions and provide information on Louisiana irises. Several brief educational presentations on Louisiana irises, music, food. http://www.louisianairisgnois.com/.
• ALLONS MANGER FOOD FESTIVAL: beginning at 10:30 a.m., St. Jules Catholic Church, La. 1, Belle Rose. Louisiana foods; hamburgers; homemade sweets; games for children; live entertainment; 1 p.m. auction; money raffle. (225) 473-8569.

THURSDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 11-13

• LOUISIANA RAILROAD DAYS FESTIVAL: Railroad Museum Park, DeQuincy. Cupcake eating contest, carnival rides, food booths, queen pageant, arts and crafts, parade at 2:30 p.m. Friday, parent/child look alike contest, 5K run, barbeque cook-off Saturday, live music. Hours: 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Thursday, 2 p.m.-11 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m.-midnight Saturday. http://larailroaddaysfestival.com.

THURSDAY-SUNDAY, APRIL 11-14

• FRENCH QUARTER FESTIVAL: French Quarter, New Orleans. The festival’s 30th anniversary will offer more than 800 local musicians, more than 65 of New Orleans finest restaurants, free special events, family fun with two kids’ areas, and fireworks on the Mississippi River at 9 p.m. Saturday. http://www.fqfi.org/frenchquarterfest/.

FRIDAY, APRIL 12

• FUN AT THE FLEA MARKET: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 5905 Florida Blvd. Kajun Corner, NFL sports and gifts, plant shop, Nita’s Pralines, Deep South furniture, and café.
• COMPANION ANIMAL ALLIANCE: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., EBR Shelter, 2680 Progress Road near the Baton Rouge Airport. Spring Break! All adult cats half price. Includes vaccinations, microchipping, spay/neuter. Pet adoptions and fostering. http://www.caabr.org.
• LIVE AFTER 5: 5 p.m.-8 p.m., Repentance Park, between the River Center Arena and Old State Capitol. Outdoor concert featuring Chris LeBlanc and Friend Blues Review. Free. http://www.downtownbatonrouge.org.
• ARTIST RECEPTION: 6 p.m.-8 p.m., LSU Foster Gallery, 111 Foster Hall, LSU. (225) 578-5402. Reception for exhibition of works by Lauren Hegge and Sarah Shearer, on view through Friday, April 19. (225) 578-5402.
• AN EVENING WITH PHOTOJOURNALIST STEVE SCHAPIRO: 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., West Baton Rouge Museum, 845 N. Jefferson Ave., Port Allen. Talk, book signing, wine and cheese reception and music by the River Road Jazz Quartet. Free. (225) 336-2422, ext. 15 or http://www.westbatonrougemuseum.com.
• SAFARI NIGHT: 6:30 p.m.-9:30 a.m. the next morning, BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo, 3601 Thomas Road. Walking tours, hands-on activities, animal encounters. Designed for groups; 15-person minimum. Preregistration required. (225) 775-3877.
• THE INCIDENT WITH THE MAGICIAN: 7 p.m., Theatre Baton Rouge, 7155 Florida Blvd. World premiere screening of the independent film by Hedges Pictures. Proceeds benefit the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. $5. http://www.hedgespictures.com.
• ALICE THE BRAVE AND OTHER TALES FROM WONDERLAND: 7 p.m., Faith Family Church, 34401 La. 16, Denham Springs. Production by Southeastern Louisiana University Theatre Department. $10. (985) 549-2184.
• RUN FOR YOUR WIFE: 7:30 p.m., Independence Park Theatre, 7800 Independence Blvd. Comedy show by Ray Cooney. $10. (225) 216-0660 or http://www.theparktheatre.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

• BATON ROUGE HEART WALK: 8 a.m., registration; 8:45 a.m., warm-up, 9 a.m., race, LSU Old Front Nine, southeast corner of Nicholson Extension and Nicholson Drive.
• RED STICK FARMERS MARKET: 8 a.m.-noon, Fifth and Main streets, downtown. Fresh seasonal vegetables and other homegrown and homemade food for sale. (225) 267-5060.
• SPRING PLANT SALE: 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Burden Center, 4560 Essen Lane. Sponsored by East Baton Rouge Master Gardeners. Children’s story time and more than 5,000 plants for sale. http://www.mgplantsale.com.
• CAR SHOW AND DRAG RACE: 8 a.m., gates open; noon, time trials, State Capitol Raceway, 11436 U.S. 190 Erwinville. Car show, live entertainment, swap meet, vendors, drag race. $10; free, children 12 and younger. (225) 946-8917.
• POWERHOUSE TOURNAMENT: 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Istrouma High School, 3730 Winbourne Ave. Basketball tournament with the Capital City Lady Elks. $5. http://www.capitalcityladyelks.org.
• CAJUN MODELFEST 28: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., LSU 4H Minifarm behind Parker Coliseum, LSU. Scale plastic models, vendors, raffle, food. Make n’ take for first time model builders. Registration, $10/first model for adults; registration ends at noon. General admission, $2; free, children 17 and younger. http://www.brscalemodelers.com or (225) 205-6633.
• SATURDAY ARTS FOR FAMILIES: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., LSU Museum of Art, Shaw Center for the Arts, 100 Lafayette St. An interactive exploration of furniture in the museum. Design and create an imaginative seat for yourself or someone in your life. Free. http://lsumoa.com.
• AREA INTERNATIONAL SPEECH AND EVALUATION CONTEST: 10 a.m., Jones Creek Regional Branch Library, 6222 Jones Creek Road. Presented by Toastmasters International. Free.
• FUN AT THE FLEA MARKET: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 5905 Florida Blvd. Kajun Corner, NFL sports and gifts, plant shop, Nita’s Pralines, Deep South furniture and café.
• COMPANION ANIMAL ALLIANCE: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., EBR Shelter, 2680 Progress Road near the Baton Rouge Airport. Spring Break: all adult cats half price. Includes vaccinations, microchipping, spay/neuter. Pet adoptions and fostering. http://www.caabr.org.
• CAAWS CAT ADOPTIONS: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Airline Petsmart, 8660 Airline Highway. http://www.caaws.org.
• CAAWS DOG ADOPTIONS: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., CAAWS Shelter, 6357 Quinn Drive. http://www.caaws.org.
• MISS TRUDY’S TRAVELING TRUNK SHOW: 11 a.m., Adalié Brent Auditorium, Louisiana Art & Science Museum. Entertaining, interactive program for young children and families. Free for LASM members and is included in the general price of admission for nonmembers. http://www.lasm.org.
• AUDITIONS FOR SHOUT!: 1 p.m., Independence Park Theatre, 7800 Independence Blvd. African American men and women are needed for the New Venture Theatre production. Prepare a one-minute a capella gospel song and be prepared to participate in a movement/dance audition. Dress appropriately. Email info@newventuretheatre.org.
• CHAMPAGNE AND CAVIAR CONCERTO: 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m., Crowne Plaza Hotel, Cypress Ballroom. Piano recital by LSU faculty and students, and featuring the legendary Horowitz Steinway piano on tour through North America. $75. Proceeds benefit the LSU School of Music Piano/Keyboard Area. (225) 578-9268.
• SPRING SING: 4 p.m., gates open; 5 p.m., music begins, LSU AgCenter’s Windrush Gardens, 4560 Essen Lane. Live music, dance performance by LSU’s music theater students, food trucks. Blankets and lawn chairs welcome. No ice chests. All proceeds benefit Burden Botanical Gardens. $15, adults; $5, children ages 4-12; free, children 3 and younger. (225) 763-3990.
• BATTLE IN THE BAYOU: 5:30 p.m., gates open; 7 p.m., event, Lamar-Dixon Expo Center, 9029 St. Landry Road, Gonzales. Bareback riding, bull riding, saddle bronc riding. http://www.prstickets.com or (888) 695-0888.
• ARTIST RECEPTION: LSU School of Art Glassell Gallery, first floor, Shaw Center for the Arts, 100 Lafayette St. Reception for Tom LaPann MFA Thesis Exhibition, on view through Sunday, April 14. http://www.glassellgallery.org or (225) 389-7180.
• SAFARI NIGHT: 6:30 p.m.-9:30 a.m. the next morning, BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo, 3601 Thomas Road. Walking tours, hands-on activities, animal encounters. Designed for groups; 15-person minimum. Preregistration required. (225) 775-3877.
• RUN FOR YOUR WIFE: 7:30 p.m., Independence Park Theatre, 7800 Independence Blvd. Comedy show by Ray Cooney. $10. (225) 216-0660 or http://www.theparktheatre.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 14

• FUN AT THE FLEA MARKET: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 5905 Florida Blvd. Kajun Corner, NFL sports and gifts, plant shop, Nita’s Pralines, Deep South furniture, and café.
• POWERHOUSE TOURNAMENT: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Istrouma High School, 3730 Winbourne Ave. Basketball tournament with the Capital City Lady Elks. $5. http://www.capitalcityladyelks.org.
• COMPANION ANIMAL ALLIANCE: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., EBR Shelter, 2680 Progress Road near the Baton Rouge Airport. Spring Break! All adult cats half price. Includes vaccinations, microchipping, spay/neuter. Pet adoptions and fostering. http://www.caabr.org.
• SUNDAY IN THE PARK: noon-2 p.m., Galvez Plaza Stage, North Boulevard. Performance by Moreland & Arbuckle. Free.
• SPRING PLANT SALE: 1 p.m.-4 p.m., Burden Center, 4560 Essen Lane. Sponsored by East Baton Rouge Master Gardeners. More than 5,000 plants for sale. http://www.mgplantsale.com.
• RUN FOR YOUR WIFE: 3 p.m., Independence Park Theatre, 7800 Independence Blvd. Comedy show by Ray Cooney. $10. (225) 216-0660 or http://www.theparktheatre.com.
• WOMEN’S HISTORY POETRY READING: 4 p.m., Baton Rouge Gallery, 1515 Dalrymple Drive. Original poems about women, history or both will be read by a wide range of Louisiana women. (225) 383-1470.
• LSU GOSPEL CHOIR: 7:30 p.m., LSU Student Union Theater, LSU. $18, general admission; $15, LSU faculty, staff and seniors; $10, students. (225) 578-5128.

MONDAY, APRIL 15

• GARRISON KEILLOR: A BRAND NEW RETROSPECTIVE: 7:30 p.m., Manship Theatre, Shaw Center for the Arts, 100 Lafayette St. $150, show only; $250, show and post reception with meet and greet and book signing in the theater gallery. (225) 344-0334 or http://www.manshiptheatre.org

TUESDAY, APRIL 16

• BATON ROUGE BALLET THEATRE’S BALLET FOR CHILDREN: 11 a.m., Mall of Louisiana. Performance will include an audience participation portion with instruction on ballet exercises, terms and fun facts. Free.
• COMPANION ANIMAL ALLIANCE: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., EBR Shelter, 2680 Progress Road near the Baton Rouge Airport. Spring Break: all adult cats half price. Includes vaccinations, microchipping, spay/neuter. Pet adoptions and fostering. http://www.caabr.org.
• DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION: 4:30 p.m., Ascension Parish Library, 708 S. Irma Blvd., Gonzales. Teen beginners and experts in grades 6-age 18 are welcome to dance and enjoy refreshments. (225) 647-3955
• CAAWS CAT ADOPTIONS: 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., CAAWS Shelter, 6357 Quinn Drive. http://www.caaws.org.
• LAB SHOW SIX: 7:30 p.m., Studio Theatre in the LSU Music & Dramatic Arts Building, Dalrymple Drive on campus. Presented by the LSU Department of Theatre. $10, at the door only. (225) 578-4174 or http://www.theatre.lsu.edu.
• LSU SYMPHONIC WINDS: 7:30 p.m., LSU Student Union Theater, LSU. (225) 578-5128.
• SCHOLA CANTORUM: 7:30 p.m., St. Alban’s Chapel, Darlymple Drive. $10; $5, students. http://music.lsu.edu or (225) 578-6941.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17

• COMPANION ANIMAL ALLIANCE: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., EBR Shelter, 2680 Progress Road near the Baton Rouge Airport. Spring Break! All adult cats half price. Includes vaccinations, microchipping, spay/neuter. Pet adoptions and fostering. http://www.caabr.org.
• EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE A HOBBY: noon, Broadmoor Presbyterian Church, 9340 Florida Blvd. Multi-interest entrepreneur Doug Woolfolk will talk about his bottle collection and appraise bottles brought by participants. Sponsored by the Chronologically Gifted and Talented. Ages 50 and older welcome. $10. (225) 924-4271.
• WOMEN & WINE ON WEDNESDAYS: 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., the Courtyard Gifts and Interiors, 4467 Arnold Lane. Networking and social opportunity for women. Free. http://womenwinewednesday.com.
• LOVE IS A LOSE GAME: 6 p.m., Manship Theatre, Shaw Center for the Arts, 100 Lafayette St. Student-created/ produced/developed stageplay featuring America’s Billboard’s Top 40 charts. $12. (225) 344-0334 or http://www.manshiptheatre.org.
• ALL THE KINGS MEN: 7:30 p.m., Reilly Theatre, Tower Drive, LSU. Performance by Swine Palace. Pay what you can night. (225) 578-3527 or http://www.swinepalace.org.
• LAB SHOW SIX: 7:30 p.m., Studio Theatre in the LSU Music & Dramatic Arts Building, Dalrymple Drive on campus. Presented by the LSU Department of Theatre. $10, at the door only. (225) 578-4174 or http://www.theatre.lsu.edu.
• THE LISTENING ROOM: 7:30 p.m., Hartley/Vey Theatres, Shaw Center for the Arts, 100 Lafayette St. Featuring jazz bassist Ben Williams. $10. (225) 344-8558 or http://artsbr.org.

THURSDAY, APRIL 18

• COMPANION ANIMAL ALLIANCE: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., EBR Shelter, 2680 Progress Road near the Baton Rouge Airport. Spring Break: all adult cats half price. Includes vaccinations, microchipping, spay/neuter. Pet adoptions and fostering. http://www.caabr.org.
• ROCK N ROWE THURSDAYS: 6 p.m.-9 p.m., Perkins Rowe Courtyard, Bluebonnet at Perkins. With music by Carbon Copy. Free.
• LAB SHOW SIX: 7:30 p.m., Studio Theatre in the LSU Music & Dramatic Arts Building, Dalrymple Drive on campus. Presented by the LSU Department of Theatre. $10, at the door only. (225) 578-4174 or http://www.theatre.lsu.edu.
• ALL THE KINGS MEN: 7:30 p.m., Reilly Theatre, Tower Drive, LSU. Performance by Swine Palace. Preview performance. $15. (225) 578-3527 or http://www.swinepalace.org.

OUTDOORS

• BRAMBA (BATON ROUGE AREA MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION): http://www.bramba.org.
• BATON ROUGE TRIKKE CLUB: http://www.brtrikke.com, email brtrikke@cox.net.
• BATON ROUGE AUDUBON SOCIETY: Robert McLaughlin, (225) 926-2223 (call between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.).
• BAYOU HAYSTACKERS PADDLING CLUB: (225) 387-3717 or http://www.bayouhaystackers.com.
• BATON ROUGE BIKE CLUB: (225) 963-8616 or http://www.batonrougebikeclub.com. Call for details or go to the website for weekend ride information.
• BATON ROUGE HASH HOUSE HARRIERS: (225) 603-8467. Call for details of special events.
• BURDEN CENTER: (225) 763-3990, 5460 Essen Lane. Urban hiking. Two miles of hiking, walking trails.

ONGOING

• ANN CONNELLY FINE ART: 4421 Perkins Road. Works by Sujata Gopalan on display through Monday, April 22. (225) 927-7676.
• ART GUMBO CENTER: 1835 N. Magnolia St., Gonzales, (225) 644-6131. Open noon-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Gumbo Center is a program of the River Region Art Association.
• ARTS COUNCIL COMMUNITY GALLERY: Second floor, 427 Laurel St. Wanderings, Recent work by the Tripod — Beverly Coates, Toni Goss and Dede Lusk, through Friday, April 19. http://www.artsbr.org or (225) 344-8558.
• BEAUREGARD GALLERY AND BISTRO: 715 Europe St. Exhibit of paintings by members of the Associated Women in the Arts through May 18. Mention AWA on Friday, April 12, for a special priced lunch. Hours are 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday through Friday and by appointment at (225) 383-1932. http://www.associatedwomeninthearts.com.
• FRAMEWORKS GALLERY: 8501 Highland Road. The Ideas of Art, through Monday, April 15. (225) 769-0582. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.
• LOUISIANA ART & SCIENCE MUSEUM & IRENE PENNINGTON PLANETARIUM: Exhibits: On the Edge of Vision: Abstraction in Contemporary Photography, Gloriously Colorful Kodaks: Vintage Cameras from the Greg Milneck Collection and Animal Fair: Photographs from the LASM Collection. Planetarium shows: Life of Trees, The Little Prince, Digital Universe and We Are Aliens!, through June 30; visual music shows: Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon and Rock the Dome. For times, visit http://www.lasm.org.
• JONES CREEK REGIONAL BRANCH LIBRARY: 6222 Jones Creek Road. Black Cat Drawings. After reading Edgar Allan Poe’s story “The Black Cat,” budding artists can submit a drawing or painting that depicts their ideas of the character of the black cat through Tuesday, April 30. Entries will be displayed in the library and judges will select the winning pictures. POE-Ster contest: patrons of any age can create an Edgar Allan Poe poster inspired by the author himself or any of his works through April 30. Ribbons will be awarded. All works will be displayed in the library. POE-hotos with Poe. Photos will be taken during library hours through April 30 for any patrons wishing to visit the Poe Corner Exhibit. Each patron will receive a copy of the POE-hoto and it will be added to the Poe wall display. (225) 756-1150.
• LOUISIANA VETERANS HALL OF HONOR: permanent exhibit, USS Kidd, River Road downtown. Dedicated to service men and women who have had outstanding military careers. Each person is a Louisiana native. (225) 342-1942.
• LSU FOSTER GALLERY: 111 Foster Hall, LSU. (225) 578-5402. Works by Lauren Hegge and Sarah Shearer, through Friday, April 19.
• LSU MUSEUM OF ART: 5th Floor, Shaw Center for the Arts, 100 Lafayette St. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Practically Absurd: the Art and Design of Peter Shire, through Sunday, April 14. Quilts Revealed: Exquisite Gowns by Suzanne Perron, through July 28. $5; free, students and children 12 and younger. Free admission, fifth floor, on first Sunday of month.
• LSU SCHOOL OF ART GLASSELL GALLERY: First floor, Shaw Center for the Arts, 100 Lafayette St. http://www.glassellgallery.org or (225) 389-7180. Tom LaPann MFA Thesis Exhibition, through Sunday, April 14. Still Noticing, MFA Thesis Exhibition by Roberta Massuch, through Sunday, April 21.
• LSU SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE: Skip Bertman Drive, LSU. Animals in Art exhibit will be on display in the library through Sunday, April 21. A portion of art sales benefits the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. Free. Email artshow@vetmed.lsu.edu or http://www.vetmed.lsu.edu.
• WEST BATON ROUGE MUSEUM: 845 N. Jefferson Ave., Port Allen. (225) 336-2422 or http://www.westbatonrougemuseum.com. Heroes, photographs by Steven Schapiro, through June 9. Adults, $4; students and seniors, $2; West Baton Rouge Parish residents and West Baton Rouge Historical Association members, free.

SINGLES EVENTS

• BATON ROUGE SINGLES: 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, Singles Trivia Night, Capital City Grill, 3535 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd. Come meet other local singles and have great conversations. Free. Visit http://www.meetup.com/baton_rouge_singles for a full list of events.
• BROADMOOR UNITED METHODIST CHURCH SINGLES: 7 p.m. Friday, April 12, dancing at the VFW Hall, 13214 S. Choctaw; 6 p.m. Saturday, April 13, LSU baseball and dinner at City Café; 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, music and steak night at the VFW Hall, 13214 S. Choctaw; 6 p.m. Thursday, April 18, music in Courtyard at Perkins Rowe, Bluebonnet at Perkins.
• TANGI CHRISTIAN RE-SINGLES: Meets 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Wesley Foundation, 307 W. Dakota St., Hammond. (225) 567-9567.

FRIDAY, APRIL 19

• STEPHANIE JONES BOOK SIGNING: 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Bethany World Prayer Center, 13855 Plank Road, Baker. The author will sign copies of her children’s book The Puddin’ Spot. (888) 361-9473.
• FUN AT THE FLEA MARKET: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 5905 Florida Blvd. Kajun Corner, NFL sports and gifts, plant shop, Nita’s Pralines, Deep South furniture, and café.
• LIVE AFTER 5: 5 p.m.-8 p.m., Repentance Park, between the River Center Arena and Old State Capitol. Outdoor concert featuring Orphan Annie. Free. http://www.downtownbatonrouge.org.
• JOHN T. SCOTT RHYTHM & IMPROVISATION — AN OPENING RECEPTION: 5 p.m., Louisiana Art & Science Museum, 100 River Road S. Meet the artist and Xavier University professor. http://www.lasm.org.
• THE WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE: 6 p.m.-9 p.m., Rue Cou Cou, 1857 Government St. Art, wine, hors d’oeuvres, live music. Twenty-five percent of proceeds benefit Hospice of Baton Rouge. $20. (225) 387-8667.
• MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY ART SHOW: 6 p.m., Haven Gallery and Listening Room, 651 Laurel St. Works by Paige Brown. https://www.facebook.com/HavenGLR.
• SAFARI NIGHT: 6:30 p.m.-9:30 a.m. the next morning, BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo, 3601 Thomas Road. Walking tours, hands-on activities, animal encounters. Designed for groups; 15-person minimum. Preregistration required. (225) 775-3877.
• OPENING RECEPTION: 7 p.m.-10 p.m., Capital Area Corporate Recycling Center, 1400 Main St. (Un)familiar by Raina Wirta, exhibit on display until Friday, April 26. (225) 379-3577.
• IMPRESSIONS DE PELLEAS: 7:30 p.m., Claude L. Shaver Theatre, Music and Dramatic Arts Building, LSU. Performance by LSU Opera. $20, public admission; $15, faculty/staff/seniors (65+); $12, LSU students (with I.D.). http://music.lsu.edu.
• ALL THE KING’S MEN: 7:30 p.m., Reilly Theatre, Tower Drive, LSU. Performance by Swine Palace. $15-$28. (225) 578-3527 or http://www.swinepalace.org.
• LAB SHOW SIX: 7:30 p.m., Studio Theatre in the LSU Music & Dramatic Arts Building, Dalrymple Drive on campus. Presented by the LSU Department of Theatre. $10, at the door only. (225) 578-4174 or http://www.theatre.lsu.edu.

SATURDAY, APRIL 20

• STEPHANIE JONES BOOK SIGNING: 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Bethany World Prayer Center, 13855 Plank Road, Baker. The author will sign copies of her children’s book The Puddin’ Spot. (888) 361-9473.
• RED STICK FARMERS MARKET: 8 a.m.-noon, Fifth and Main streets, downtown. Fresh seasonal vegetables and other homegrown and homemade food for sale. (225) 267-5060.
• GEAUX TEAL OVARIAN CANCER WALK: 8 a.m., registration; 9 a.m., walk starts, Tiger Park, South Stadium Drive, LSU. http://geauxteal.eventbrite.com or email geauxteal@gmail.com.
• BOTANIC GARDEN PLANT SALE AND GARDENING EXPO: 8 a.m.-1 p.m., 7950 Independence Blvd. Proceeds benefit Botanic Garden at Independence Park.
• PLEDGE TO FLEDGE EVENT: all day, Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, 10503 N. Oak Hills Parkway. Sponsored by the Baton Rouge Audubon Society. 9 a.m., bird banding; 9:30 a.m., guided bird walk; 9:30 a.m., “Birds of Bluebonnet Swamp,” photo look at birds; 11 a.m., “Becoming a Birder,” introductory lecture; 1 p.m., “Bald Eagles in Louisiana,” talk; all day, “Feeding and Gardening for Hummingbirds.” Center admission applies. http://www.braudubon.org
• LOOKING FUR LOVE DOG RESCUE: 9 a.m.-noon, Baton Rouge Harley Davidson, 5853 Siegen Lane. Free pancake breakfast. Noon-3 p.m., Mall of Louisiana across from h.h. gregg. http://lfldr.com.
• AUDITIONS FOR AVENUE Q: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Theatre Baton Rouge, 7155 Florida Blvd. By appointment only. (225) 924-6496 or http://.www.brlt.org.
• CHILDREN’S DAY: 10 a.m., Ascension Parish Library main branch, 708 S. Irma Blvd., Gonzales. Children will hear folktales from around the around the world and make a tissue paper flag from the country of their choice. (225) 647-3955.
• THE STORY OF ARPADHON — THE HUNGARIAN SETTLEMENT AT ALBANY, LOUISIANA: 10 a.m., Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library, 9200 Bluebonnet Blvd. Royanne Kropog, author of The Hungarian Settlement will give a visual presentation with comments by Alex Kropog, president of the Hungarian Historical Society & Museum. Sponsored by the Baton Rouge Genealogical and Historical Society. Free. http://batonrougegeneaology.org or (225) 924-8921.
• FUN AT THE FLEA MARKET: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 5905 Florida Blvd. Kajun Corner, NFL sports and gifts, plant shop, Nita’s Pralines, Deep South furniture and café.
• THE COLOR RUN 5K: 10 a.m., State Capitol, downtown. $50; $45 per person for a four person team. http://thecolorrun.com.
• ASCENSION RELAY FOR LIFE: 10 a.m.-3 a.m., Lamar Dixon Expo Center, Gonzales. Car show, live entertainment, food, raffles, space walks and obstacle courses for kids. http://relayforlife.org or (225) 287-5177.
• LAHOUSE SPRING OPEN HOUSE: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 2858 Gourrier Ave. LSU AgCenter housing experts will be on hand to answer questions. $5 suggested donation. http://www.lsuagcenter.com/lahouse.
• BONSAI SHOW: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Baton Rouge Garden Center, 7950 Independence Blvd. Lecture demonstration at 2 p.m. Free. (225) 241-2396.
• MISS TRUDY’S TRAVELING TRUNK SHOW: 11 a.m., Adalié Brent Auditorium, Louisiana Art & Science Museum. Entertaining, interactive program for young children and families. Free for LASM members and is included in the general price of admission for nonmembers. http://www.lasm.org.
• FRIENDS OF THE ANIMALS: noon-3 p.m., Orvis, Perkins Rowe. http://www.friendsoftheanimalsbr.org.
• ATIONAL ASTRONOMY DAY: 1 p.m.-5 p.m., Louisiana Art & Science Museum, 100 River Road S. The Pennington Planetarium will host a variety of astronomy-related activities for the whole family. Included with general admission. http://www.lasm.org.
• SLOW COOKING ON A BUDGET: 2 p.m., Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library, 9200 Bluebonnet Blvd. Julie Kay, contributing writer for The Advocate, will discuss making quick, easy and budget friendly meals. (225) 763-2270.
• GARDEN DISTRICT TOUR OF SUSTAINABLE HOMES & GARDENS: 2 p.m.-5 p.m., 2230 Tulip St. Sponsored by the Garden District Civic Association. $10. Email dprowe@lsu.edu.
• ART RECEPTION: 6 p.m.-8 p.m., LSU School of Art Glassell Gallery, first floor, Shaw Center for the Arts, 100 Lafayette St. Reception for Still Noticing, MFA Thesis Exhibition by Roberta Massuch, on view through Sunday, April 21. http://www.glassellgallery.org or (225) 389-7180.
• SAFARI NIGHT: 6:30 p.m.-9:30 a.m. the next morning, BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo, 3601 Thomas Road. Walking tours, hands-on activities, animal encounters. Designed for groups; 15-person minimum. Preregistration required. (225) 775-3877.
• THE FUNNIES: 7:30 p.m., BREC Independence Park Theatre, 7800 Independence Blvd. Performance of the comedy by New Venture Theatre. $20. (225) 588-7576 or http://www.newventuretheatre.com.
• ALL THE KING’S MEN: 7:30 p.m., Reilly Theatre, Tower Drive, LSU. Performance by Swine Palace. $15-$28. (225) 578-3527 or http://www.swinepalace.org.
• LAB SHOW SIX: 7:30 p.m., Studio Theatre in the LSU Music & Dramatic Arts Building, Dalrymple Drive on campus. Presented by the LSU Department of Theatre. $10, at the door only. (225) 578-4174 or http://www.theatre.lsu.edu.
• LOUISIANA BAYOU SPRINTERS: 8 p.m., Baton Rouge Raceway, 12561 S. Choctaw Drive, Baker. Stock car racing on dirt. (225) 774-4524 or http://www.batonrougeraceway.com.
• PUBLIC STAR PARTY: 8 p.m.-9:30 p.m., Landolt Astronomical Observatory, Nicholson Hall, LSU. Observe the waxing gibbous moon, Jupiter and some of its moons and the Orion Nebula. In case of clouds, makeup date is Sunday, April 21, at the same time. (225) 578-2261.
• BLUNT FORCE BRAWL: 9 p.m., Spanish Moon, 1109 Highland Road. Event presented by the newly-formed Baton Rouge Arm Wrestling Ladies (BRAWL) to benefit the Sexual Trauma Awareness & Response Center (STAR). $8 entry fee. (225) 615-7093 or http://www.brstar.org SUNDAY, APRIL 21
• FUN AT THE FLEA MARKET: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 5905 Florida Blvd. Kajun Corner, NFL sports and gifts, plant shop, Nita’s Pralines, Deep South furniture, and café.
• FRIENDS OF THE ANIMALS: noon-3 p.m., Orvis, Perkins Rowe and Earth Day downtown. http://www.friendsoftheanimalsbr.org.
• BONSAI SHOW: 11 a.m.- 5 p.m., Baton Rouge Garden Center, 7950 Independence Blvd. Lecture demonstration at 2 p.m. Free. (225) 241-2396.
• SUNDAY IN THE PARK: noon-2 p.m., Galvez Plaza Stage, North Boulevard. Performance by the Mulligan Brothers. Free.
• COOKIES FOR CAAWS: 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m., Raisin’ Cane’s Dog Park, Forest Community Park, 13900 S. Harrell’s Ferry Road. Cookies, activities, games, dog training seminars and more. Adoptable CAAWS dogs.
• RUNNELS SPRING ART SHOW: 2 p.m.-4 p.m., Runnels Gym, 17255 S. Harrell’s Ferry Road. Music, refreshments and more than 1,000 original works of art created by students. Free. (225) 751-2192.
• LOUISIANA SINFONIETTA: 2 p.m., School of Music Recital Hall, Darlymple Drive, LSU. $15. http://louisianasinfonietta.org.
• ALL THE KING’S MEN: 2 p.m., Reilly Theatre, Tower Drive, LSU. Performance by Swine Palace. $15-$28. (225) 578-3527 or http://www.swinepalace.org.
• LAB SHOW SIX: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Studio Theatre in the LSU Music & Dramatic Arts Building, Dalrymple Drive on campus. Presented by the LSU Department of Theatre. $10, at the door only. (225) 578-4174 or http://www.theatre.lsu.edu.
• CONFESSIONS OF A WELFARE MOM: 2:30 p.m., Scotlandville Branch Library, 7373 Scenic Highway. Simone Higginbotham, a contributor to the book, will sign copies and discuss her story. (225) 354-7550.
• IMPRESSIONS DE PELLEAS: 3 p.m., Claude L. Shaver Theatre, Music and Dramatic Arts Building, LSU. Performance by LSU Opera. $20, public admission; $15, faculty/staff/seniors (65+); $12, LSU students (with I.D.). http://music.lsu.edu.
• A MUSICAL ZOO: 3 p.m., BREC’s Independence Park Theatre, 7800 Independence Blvd. Performance by the Baton Rouge Concert Band. Free. (225) 216-0660.
• AUDITIONS FOR AVENUE Q: 3 p.m.-7 p.m., Theatre Baton Rouge, 7155 Florida Blvd. By appointment only. (225) 924-6496 or http://.www.brlt.org.

TUESDAY, APRIL 23

• CULINARY ARTS FOR HEALING HEARTS: 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., White Oak Plantation, 17660 George O’Neal Road. Sweet and savory food tastings from 20 local chefs, live and silent auction, live music by Band 5D. Proceeds benefit the Grief Recovery Center. $50. (225) 924-6621 or http://www.grcbr.org.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24

• ALL THE KING’S MEN: 7:30 p.m., Reilly Theatre, Tower Drive, LSU. Performance by Swine Palace. $15-$28. (225) 578-3527 or http://www.swinepalace.org.

THURSDAY, APRIL 25

• OPENING RECEPTION: 5 p.m.-7 p.m., LSU School of Art Sculpture Garden, The River Terrance, fourth floor, Shaw Center for the Arts, 100 Lafayette St. Art in the Public Sphere, an exhibition of sculpture and performance by LSU sculpture undergraduates. (225) 389-7180.
• ART-TINI: 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m., Boudreaux’s, 2647 Government St. Fundraiser for the Arthritis Association of Louisiana featuring appetizers and a martini competition. Casual to cocktail attire. $30. (225) 954-7991 or http://aaola.org
• ROCK N ROWE THURSDAYS: 6 p.m.-9 p.m., Perkins Rowe Courtyard, Bluebonnet at Perkins. With music by Young Blues Nation. Free.
• SHINE YOUR LIGHT GALA FOR THE POOREST OF THE POOR: 6 p.m., cocktails and silent auction; 7 p.m., dinner and live auction, Bourbeau Grand Ballroom, Renaissance Hotel, 7000 Bluebonnet Blvd. Presented by Cross International and the Kobonal Haiti Mission to raise funds for building 62 houses for families in need in Haiti. (800) 914-2420 or VSamaroo@CrossCatholic.org
• HERITAGE LECTURE: 6 p.m., refreshments; 6:30 p.m., lecture, Old Governor’s Mansion, 502 North Blvd. Mary Ann Sternberg will share insights on the River Road. (225) 387-2464
• P.S. 425: 7:30 p.m., Manship Theatre, Shaw Center for the Arts, 100 Lafayette St. Of Moving Colors’ collaborative work with the LSU School of Art and artist Peter Shire. Also the dance company’s finale performance for the 2012-13 season. $25; students with an ID, $15. (225) 344-0334 or http://www.manshiptheatre.org
• ALL THE KING’S MEN: 7:30 p.m., Reilly Theatre, Tower Drive, LSU. Performance by Swine Palace. $15-$28. (225) 578-3527 or http://www.swinepalace.org.

OUTDOORS

• BRAMBA (BATON ROUGE AREA MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION): http://www.bramba.org.
• BATON ROUGE TRIKKE CLUB: http://www.brtrikke.com, email brtrikke@cox.net.
• BATON ROUGE AUDUBON SOCIETY: Robert McLaughlin, (225) 926-2223 (call between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.).
• BAYOU HAYSTACKERS PADDLING CLUB: (225) 387-3717 or http://www.bayouhaystackers.com.
• BATON ROUGE BIKE CLUB: (225) 963-8616 or http://www.batonrougebikeclub.com. Call for details or go to the website for weekend ride information.
• BATON ROUGE HASH HOUSE HARRIERS: (225) 603-8467. Call for details of special events.
• BURDEN CENTER: (225) 763-3990, 5460 Essen Lane. Urban hiking. Two miles of hiking, walking trails.

ONGOING

• ANN CONNELLY FINE ART: 4421 Perkins Road. Works by Sujata Gopalan, through Monday, April 22. (225) 927-7676.
• ART GUMBO CENTER: 1835 N. Magnolia St., Gonzales, (225) 644-6131. Open noon-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Gumbo Center is a program of the River Region Art Association.
• ARTS COUNCIL COMMUNITY GALLERY: Second floor, 427 Laurel St. Wanderings, Recent work by the Tripod-Beverly Coates, Toni Goss and Dede Lusk, through Friday, April 19. http://www.artsbr.org or (225) 344-8558.
• BEAUREGARD GALLERY AND BISTRO: 715 Europe St. Exhibit of paintings by members of the Associated Women in the Arts, through May 18. Hours are 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday through Friday and by appointment at (225) 383-1932. http://www.associatedwomeninthearts.com.
• CAPITAL AREA CORPORATE RECYCLING CENTER: 1400 Main St. Hours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday. (Un)familiar by Raina Wirta, art exhibit on display through Friday, April 26. (225) 379-3577.
• ELIZABETHAN GALLERY: 680 Jefferson Highway. Mid City Art Thaw with works by Andre Savoie, Wilma Roy, Betty Efferson and Jane Flowers on view through April 30. (225) 924-6437.
• LOUISIANA ART & SCIENCE MUSEUM & IRENE PENNINGTON PLANETARIUM: Exhibits: o Rhythm & Improvisation: John T. Scott & his Legacy, April 20-July 14. Animal Fair: Photographs from the LASM Collection, through May 12. Planetarium shows: to Life of Trees, The Little Prince, Digital Universe and We Are Aliens!, through June 30; visual music shows: to Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon and Rock the Dome. For times, visit http://www.lasm.org.
• JONES CREEK REGIONAL BRANCH LIBRARY: 6222 Jones Creek Road. Black Cat Drawings. After reading Edgar Allan Poe’s story “The Black Cat,” budding artists can submit a drawing or painting that depicts their ideas of the character of the black cat through Tuesday, April 30. Judges will select the winning pictures. POE-Ster contest: patrons of any age can create an Edgar Allan Poe poster inspired by the author himself or any of his works through April 30. Ribbons will be awarded. All works will be displayed in the library. POE-hotos with Poe. Photos will be taken during library hours through April 30 for any patrons wishing to visit the Poe Corner Exhibit. Each patron will receive a copy of the POE-hoto and it will be added to the Poe wall display. (225) 756-1150.
• LOUISIANA VETERANS HALL OF HONOR: permanent exhibit, USS Kidd, River Road downtown. Dedicated to service men and women who have had outstanding military careers. Each person is a Louisiana native. (225) 342-1942.
• LSU FOSTER GALLERY: 111 Foster Hall, LSU. (225) 578-5402. Works by Lauren Hegge and Sarah Shearer, through Friday, April 19. I Died I Lived: Shaping an Ecological Balance, works by Shelby Prindeville, April 22-26.
• LSU MUSEUM OF ART: 5th Floor, Shaw Center for the Arts, 100 Lafayette St. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Revealed: Exquisite Gowns by Suzanne Perron, through July 28. $5; free, students and children 12 and younger. Free admission, fifth floor, on first Sunday of month.
• LSU SCHOOL OF ART GLASSELL GALLERY: First floor, Shaw Center for the Arts, 100 Lafayette St. http://www.glassellgallery.org or (225) 389-7180. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Friday and noon-5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Still Noticing, MFA Thesis Exhibition by Roberta Massuch, through Sunday, April 21. Paul Callahan and Justine Holzman, MFA/MLA thesis exhibitions, April 24-27.
• LSU SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE: Skip Bertman Drive, LSU. Animals in Art exhibit will be on display in the library through Sunday, April 21. A portion of art sales benefits the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. Free. Email artshow@vetmed.lsu.edu or http://www.vetmed.lsu.edu.
• SHAW CENTER FOR THE ARTS: 100 Lafayette St. Jeannie Frey Rhodes exhibit A Day in the Life {Version 2}, through May 22.
• WEST BATON ROUGE MUSEUM: 845 N. Jefferson Ave., Port Allen. (225) 336-2422 or http://www.westbatonrougemuseum.com. Heroes, photographs by Steven Schapiro, through June 9. Adults, $4; students and seniors, $2; West Baton Rouge Parish residents and West Baton Rouge Historical Association members, free.

SINGLES EVENTS

• BATON ROUGE SINGLES: Visit http://www.meetup.com/baton_rouge_singles for a full list of events.
• BROADMOOR UNITED METHODIST CHURCH SINGLES: 8 p.m. Friday, April 19, dancing at American Legion Hall, 151 N. Wooddale; 2 p.m. Saturday April 20, dancing at VFW Hall, 13214 S. Choctaw; 6:30 p.m. Sunday April 21, Coffee Call, College Drive; Tuesday, April 23, steak and music night, VFW Hall, 13214 S. Choctaw; 6 p.m. Thursday April 25, music at Perkins Rowe, Bluebonnet at Perkins.
• TANGI CHRISTIAN RE-SINGLES: Meets 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Wesley Foundation, 307 W. Dakota St., Hammond. (225) 567-9567.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, APRIL 26-28

• AGMAGIC: Parker Coliseum, Highland Road, LSU. Presents by the LSU AgCenter, the event offers an interactive experience in a visually stimulating environment that will link food and fiber products Louisiana residents use every day to the forests, field crops and livestock produced by Louisiana farmers, ranchers and forest landowners. Featured crops will be displayed in various stages of development, and the importance of interactions between agriculture, the environment and society at large will be highlighted. Open to school groups 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, and the general public 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Free. http://www.lsuagcenter.com.
• SPRING FESTIVAL: St. Francis Xavier Catholic School grounds, 1150 S. 12th St. Food and drinks, games, music and more. Barbecue chicken dinners available until 3 p.m. Sunday. (225) 387-6639.
• FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DE LOUISIANE: downtown Lafayette. Giant Francophone celebration with food, music, art, dance, film, theater, workshops and more. http://www.festivalinternational.com.
• ITALIAN FESTIVAL: baseball field behind Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church, 50081 U.S. 51, Tickfaw. Parade at 10 a.m. Saturday, spaghetti cook-off, food, rides, entertainment. Hours: 6 p.m.-midnight Friday, 11:30 a.m.-midnight Saturday, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. (800) 542-7520 or http://www.theitalianfestivalorg.com.
• FESTIVAL DE LA PRAIRIE: St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Prairieville. Entertainment, rides, Cajun food, games and more. (225) 673-8307 or (225) 284-7036.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, APRIL 26-MAY 5

• NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL: Fairground Racetrack, 1751 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans. Continuous musical performances on 12 stages, with acts including Billy Joel, Maroon 5, Fleetwood Mac, Aaron Neville, Dave Matthews Band, The Black Keys, and many more. Food, arts and crafts and educational programs. (504) 410-4100 or http://www.nojazzfest.com.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 26-27

• ROCKIN’ & ROASTING ON THE RIVER: Morrison Parkway, New Roads. Friday: live music 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Saturday: barbecue cook-off 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; entertainment 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; kids’ fishing tournament 7 a.m.-11 a.m.; fun jumps 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; raffle. Free admission. Sponsored by the Pointe Coupee Chamber of Commerce. (225) 638-3500 or http://www.pcchamber.org.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

• DENHAM SPRINGS ANTIQUE VILLAGE SPRING FESTIVAL: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Range Avenue between Centerville Street and Florida Boulevard, Denham Springs. More than 100 local and regional craft, antique and art vendors; free kids’ rides; military exhibit; live music on two stages; food booths; arts avenue. Presented by the Denham Springs Antique Village Merchants Association. http://www.denhamspringsantiquesdistrict.com.
• GRILLIN’ IN THE PARK: 9 am.-5 p.m., New Iberia City Park, 300 Parkview Drive, New Iberia. Barbecue cook-off, refreshments, arts and crafts, space walk, mountain climbing and pony rides. Free admission. (337) 365-5651

SUNDAY, APRIL 28

• LAUREL VALLEY SPRING FESTIVAL: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Laurel Valley Village Store, La. 308 2 miles south of Thibodaux. Arts and crafts, Cajun lunch, drinks and homemade sweets. Proceeds go to the preservation of the sugar cane plantation complex. Free admission. (985) 447-5216.

TUESDAY, APRIL 30-SUNDAY, MAY 12

• CONTRABAND DAYS LOUISIANA PIRATE FESTIVAL: See modern day “pirates” in full regalia on boats out on the lake, and hear the cannon fire as Lake Charles residents try to defend the seawall from the “pirates.” The mayor is “captured, put on trial and sent to the lake!” Carnival rides, games, entertainment, live music on multiple stages. http://www.contrabanddays.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 1

• LOUISIANA IRIS RAINBOW FESTIVAL: noon-4 p.m., Besthoff Sculpture Garden, New Orleans Museum of Art, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, City Park, New Orleans. Music and art activities for the entire family. Free.

SATURDAY, APRIL 7

• KNOCKIN’ ON THE BAYOU EASTER FESTIVAL: 7 a.m.-2 p.m., downtown Cottonport. Arts, crafts, music, rides, runs, crawfish eating contest, Easter egg hunt and Easter train. (318) 876-2372.

THURSDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 12-14

• TARZAN LORD OF THE LOUISIANA JUNGLE FESTIVAL: various locations in Morgan City and Patterson. Self-guided tours through sites of Tarzan movie filming, swamp tours, Tarzan yelling contest, documentary movie screening, 5K fun run, children’s activities, costume contest, music. (800) 256-2931, http://www.cajuncoast.com or http://www.tarzanlordofthejungle.com.

THURSDAY-SUNDAY, APRIL 12-15

• FRENCH QUARTER FESTIVAL: French Quarter, New Orleans. Live music on 20 stages with 800 area musicians, art show, patio tours, two children’s areas. Enjoy the festival’s signature event, the “World’s Largest Jazz Brunch” with authentic New Orleans cuisine from 65 of the city’s restaurants. Everything from jambalaya and red beans and rice, to muffulettas and gumbo. Fireworks on the Mississippi, 9 p.m. Saturday, April 14. http://www.fqfi.org.
• THE ORIGINAL DOWNTOWN LAKE CHARLES CRAWFISH FESTIVAL: Lake Charles Civic Center Exhibition Hall, 900 Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles. More than 10,000 pounds of boiled crawfish, other food, music, rides on the Civic Center grounds. http://www.dtcrawfishfest.com.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, APRIL 13-15

• PONCHATOULA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL: Memorial Park, Ponchatoula. Carnival rides, 10K and one-mile run, Saturday parade, egg toss, sack race, game booths, food, including all kinds of strawberry delights. Music lineup includes Kate Austin, the Dominos, Chee Weez, Allison Collins, Wayne Toups and others. (800) 917-7045 or http://www.lastrawberryfestival.com.
• BIRDFEST 2012: various locations in St. Tammany Parish. Featuring four- and six-hour birding trips, workshops, Louisiana food, backyard and garden tours and more. New tour this year in the Bogue Chitto River habitat. Trips range from $20-$50. (985) 626-1238 or http://www.northlakenature.org.
• CAJUN HOT SAUCE FESTIVAL: SugArena, Acadiana Fairgrounds, 713 NW Bypass (La. 3212), New Iberia. Hot sauce competition, jambalaya cook-off, dance contest, talent contest, live music, Cajun food court, arts and crafts, carnival and queens’ pageant. Admission $10, Friday and Saturday; $5, Sunday. Children 12 and younger get in free. http://www.sugarena.com or http://www.iberiatravel.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 14

• 2012 BATON ROUGE BLUES FESTIVAL: noon-10 p.m., Repentance Park downtown between the Baton Rouge River Center and the Old State Capitol. Performers include Johnny Winter, Henry Gray & Lil’ Buck Sinegal, The Royal Southern Brotherhood and Watermelon Slim. http://www.batonrougebluesfestival.com.
• SPRING HERB DAY AND ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL: 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Kent Plantation House, 3601 Bayou Rapides Road, Alexandria. Herbs, roses, assorted plants for sale. Arts and crafts also featured. Food including, homemade cakes, for sale, and a yard sale also is planned. (318) 487-5998 or http://www.kenthouse.org.
• FRANKLIN PARISH CATFISH FESTIVAL: Winnsboro. About 300 arts and crafts and commercial vendors, musical entertainment on three stages including Grammy winner Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band, antique car display, children’s area, and of course, plenty of catfish dishes. (318) 435-7607.

SUNDAY, APRIL 15

• 27TH ANNUAL ALLONS MANGER FOOD FESTIVAL: starting at 10:30 a.m., St. Jules Catholic Church, La. 1, Belle Rose. Cajun food, sweets, games for children, live entertainment by Highway 315, auction, money raffle. (225) 473-8569.
• FOLK ART FESTIVAL: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Chauvin Sculpture Garden and Nicholls State University Art Studio, 5337 Bayouside Drive, Chauvin. Sculpture garden, featuring folk art along with music held in conjunction with the traditional blessing of the fleet boat parade along Bayou Petit Caillou. http://www.nicholls.edu/news.

THURSDAY-SUNDAY, APRIL 19-22

• WASHINGTON CATFISH FESTIVAL: Washington Festival grounds, town of Washington. Thirteenth annual Catfish Festival with parade, catfish cook-off, catfish eating contest, carnival rides, and music all weekend.

FRIDAY, APRIL 20

• 3RD ANNUAL ART IN APRIL: 6-10 p.m., downtown Hammond. 24-plus regional artist exhibits, live music, champagne cocktail challenge. (985) 277-5680 or http://www.dddhammond.com.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, APRIL 20-22

• ITALIAN FESTIVAL: Our Lady of Pompeii Church, 14418 Market St., Tickfaw. Parade, motorcycle poker run, spaghetti cook-off, food, music, crafts, carnival rides. http://www.theitalianfestivalorg.com.
• BAYOU TECHE BLACK BEAR & BIRDING FESTIVAL: downtown Franklin. Live music performances, field trips, educational exhibits, children’s activities, food, a wooden boat show, and more. The St. Mary Loop will take birdwatchers into the swamp for birding opportunities. http://www.bayoutechebearfest.org.
• GRAND ISLE MIGRATORY BIRD FESTIVAL: Grand Isle. Hosted by the Grand Isle Sanctuary Group, this festival features bird-watching tours, island history, bird art and crafts, children’s activities, free videos and birding trail maps, field guides and more. (800) 259-0869.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, APRIL 21-22

• ANGOLA PRISON RODEO: Louisiana State Penitentiary, Angola. Inmates competing in various rodeo events, arts and crafts (made by the inmates), food, live music performances. http://www.angolarodeo.com.
• MELROSE ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL: Melrose Plantation, Natchitoches. Craftsmen from several states will display their works, including wooden sculptures, ironwork, handcrafted jewelry, yard art, candles and more. Enjoy the famous Natchitoches meat pies and other regional foods.

SUNDAY, APRIL 22

• BATON ROUGE EARTH DAY 2012: Noon-8:30 p.m., downtown Baton Rouge, including Galvez Plaza, Old State Capitol and Governmental Plaza. Activities for all ages, animal encounters, educational stations, hands-on craft activities, and live music all day. Artists include Marcia Ball, Tab Benoit, Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie, Paul Daigle and Cajun Gold, the Banana Slug String Band, and others. Free. http://www.laearthday.org.

MONDAY-SUNDAY, APRIL 23-29

• AGMAGIC: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Friday for school groups and organizations, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday for the public, John M. Parker Coliseum, LSU campus. Learn about the magic of agriculture and how it affects your everyday life at this annual event, which features live plants and animals, exhibits, educational booths, demonstrations and much more. (225) 578-2196 or http://agmagic-eorg.eventbrite.com/

WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY, APRIL 25-29

• FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DE LOUISIANE: downtown Lafayette. Giant Francophone celebration with food, music, art, dance, film, theater, workshops and more. http://www.festivalinternational.com.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, APRIL 27-MAY 6

• NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL: Fairgrounds racetrack, 1751 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans. Continuous musical performances on 12 stages with acts such as Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, The Beach Boys, the Neville Brothers, the Eagles, Foo Fighters, and many others. Food, arts and crafts and educational programs. (504) 522-4786 or http://www.nojazzfest.com.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, APRIL 27-29

• BATTLE OF JACKSON CROSSROADS: Jackson. Step back in time and enjoy this Civil War re-enactment event hosted by the Living History Association of Jackson. The event is designed to promote a better understanding and appreciation of Louisiana citizens and America during the early 1860s. Educational day on Friday, demonstrations, re-enactments. http://www.battleofjacksoncrossroads.org.
• FESTIVAL DE LA PRAIRIE: St. John the Evangelist Church, Prairieville. Entertainment, rides, Cajun food, games, plant sale. (225) 673-8307.
• 27TH ANNUAL ETOUFFEE FESTIVAL: St. John Francis Regis Church grounds, 370 Main St., Arnaudville. Mayor’s cook-off, pageant, parade, bingo games, car show, carnival rides, live music all weekend, including Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band. (337) 754-5912 or http://www.johnfrancisregis.net.

SATURDAY, APRIL 28

• DENHAM SPRINGS SPRING FESTIVAL: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Antique Village, Denham Springs. Antiques for sale, arts and crafts, unique gifts, food booths, rides and children’s activities. (225) 284-8231.

THROUGH APRIL 2

OUTHOUSE FILM & VIDEO FESTIVAL: Dodson Auditorium, LSU campus. Founded by a group of LSU students, this is Baton Rouge’s original film festival with three days of guest speakers, workshops, social gatherings and movies from around the world. http://www.myspace.com/outhousefilmfest.

THROUGH APRIL 3

NEW ORLEANS SPRING FIESTA: Experience the grandeur of the past at this tour of homes not usually open to the public. For a list of homes, call (504) 581-1367. http://www.springfiesta.com.

THROUGH APRIL 14

ARTS FEST: Baton Rouge Community College, 202 Community College Drive, Baton Rouge. Musical acts include Peter Harris Quartet, Jason Marsalis, Leah Chase, and the Benji Davis Project. The festival also celebrates art and artists in all disciplines. http://www.mybrcc.edu.

THROUGH APRIL 16

13TH ANNUAL JUBILEE (ARTS & HUMANITIES FESTIVAL): Nicholls State University, Thibodaux. The festival features workshops, conferences, musical performances, receptions, concerts, plays, etc. Many events are free, but some charge for admission. (985) 448-4633.

APRIL 1-3

KITE FEST LOUISIANA: West Baton Rouge Soccer Complex, off La. 415 at Rosedale Road in Port Allen. Fun, games, music, kite-flying performances. Free and open to the public. http://www.westbatonrouge.net.

CYPRESS SAWMILL FESTIVAL: Patterson. Arts and crafts, street fair, food and drink, old engine display, classic car & truck show, souvenir booth, lumberjack show, country showdown musical event. $5 per car, Friday, $10 per car Saturday and Sunday, or $20 for weekend pass. http://www.cypresssawmill.com.

APRIL 2-3

ZIPPITY ZOO FEST: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. both days, BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo. Education stations, animal encounters, children’s village, food court and spring festival. (225) 775-3877 or http://www.brzoo.org.

APRIL 3

KNOCKIN’ ON THE BAYOU EASTER FESTIVAL: all day, downtown Cottonport. Arts, crafts, music, rides rock climbing, cake bake-off and Easter egg hunt. (318) 876-2372.

APRIL 4

SOUTHDOWN MARKETPLACE FESTIVAL: Southdown Plantation House, 1208 Museum Drive, Houma. Cajun food, folklife demonstrations, museum tours, arts and crafts. (985) 851-0154.

APRIL 7-10

FRENCH QUARTER FESTIVAL: French Quarter, New Orleans. Live music on 17 stages, art show, patio tours, children’s activities. Enjoy the festival’s signature event, the “World’sLargest Jazz Brunch” with authentic New Orleans cuisine at more than 105 food and beverage booths. Everything from jambalaya and red beans and rice, to muffulettas and gumbo. http://www.fqfi.org.

APRIL 8-10

PONCHATOULA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL: Memorial Park, Ponchatoula. Carnival rides, 10K and one-mile run, Saturday parade, egg toss, sack race, game booths, food, including all kinds of strawberry delights. Music lineup includes Tyler Kinchen & the Right Pieces, Brandon Bennett, Passing Outlaws, Weathered, Rockin’ Doopsie Jr., Dirty Play, and others. (800) 917-7045 or http://www.lastrawberryfestival.com.

CAJUN HOT SAUCE FESTIVAL: SugArena, Acadiana Fairgrounds, 713 NW Bypass (La. 3212), New Iberia. Hot sauce competition, jambalaya cook-off, live music, Cajun food court, arts and crafts, carnival and queens’ pageant. http://www.sugarena.com or http://www.iberiatravel.com.

APRIL 9

SPRING HERB DAY: 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Kent Plantation House, 3601 Bayou Rapides Road, Alexandria. Herbs, roses, assorted plants for sale. Arts and crafts also featured. (318) 487-5998.

FRANKLIN PARISH CATFISH FESTIVAL: Winnsboro. About 300 arts and crafts and commercial vendors, musical entertainment, antique car display, children’s area, and of course, plenty of catfish dishes. (318) 435-7607.

APRIL 9-10

VELO LOUISIANE: 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Perkins Road Community Park, Baton Rouge. Second annual bicycle festival includes bike rides, Velodrome events, EMS/police bike squad and much more. http://www.velola.org.

APRIL 10

FOLK ART FESTIVAL: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Chauvin Sculpture Garden and Nicholls State University Art Studio, 5337 Bayouside Drive, Chauvin. Sculpture garden, featuring folk art along with music held in conjunction with the traditional blessing of the fleet boat parade along Bayou Petit Caillou. http://www.nicholls.edu/news.

APRIL 14-18

WASHINGTON CATFISH FESTIVAL: Washington Festival grounds, town of Washington. Twelfth annual Catfish Festival with parade, catfish cook-off, carnival rides, and music all weekend.

APRIL 15-17

BIRDFEST 2011: various locations in St. Tammany and Tangipahoa parishes. Featuring birding trips, photo workshop, photo shoot, Louisiana cuisine, backyard and garden tours, and more. (985) 502-2242.

BATTLE OF JACKSON CROSSROADS: Jackson. Step back in time and enjoy this Civil War re-enactment event hosted by the Living History Association of Jackson. The event is designed to promote a better understanding and appreciation of Louisiana citizens and America during the early 1860s. http://www.battleofjacksoncrossroads.org.

GRAND ISLE MIGRATORY BIRD FESTIVAL: Grand Isle. Hosted by the Grand Isle Sanctuary Group, this festival features bird-watching tours, island history, bird art and crafts, children’s activities, free videos and birding trail maps, field guides and more. (800) 259-0869.

BAYOU TECHE BLACK BEAR & BIRDING FESTIVAL: downtown Franklin. Live music performances, field trips, educational exhibits, children’s activities, food, a wooden boat show, and more. The St. Mary Loop will take birdwatchers into the swamp for birding opportunities. http://www.bayoutechebearfest.org.

SPRING POWWOW AMERICAN INDIAN CELEBRATION: Lamar-Dixon Expo Center, Gonzales. Native American dancing, drumming, storytelling, crafts, food, music and more. (504) 837-6085.

APRIL 16-17

ANGOLA PRISON RODEO: Louisiana State Penitentiary, Angola. Inmates competing in various rodeo events, arts and crafts (made by the inmates), food, live music performances. http://www.rodeo.com.

APRIL 16

SOUTHDOWN FESTIVAL: 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Southdown Plantation House and Museum, 1208 Museum Drive, Houma. Homemade crafts, fine arts featured throughout more than 300 booths. Browse and/or buy jewelry, floral wreaths, gourmet food, paintings and dolls. $4 admission, under 12 admitted free. All proceeds benefit Terrebonne Historical & Cultural Society. (985) 851-0154

APRIL 17-18

SPRINGFEST 2011: Livingston Parish Fairgrounds, Livingston. Live music, entertainment, midway rides, games, photo ops, antique car show, food booths with barbecue, jambalaya, fried fish and more. Tickets $10 at the gate each day. (985) 796-5853.

APRIL 17

BATON ROUGE EARTH DAY 2011: Noon-8:30 p.m., downtown Baton Rouge, including Galvez Plaza, Old State Capitol and Governmental Plaza. Activities for all ages, animal encounters, educational stations, hands-on craft activities, and live music all day. Artists include Michael Foster Project, Bucktown All-Stars, Wet Willie, Rockin’ Dopsie & the Zydeco Twisters, and others. Free. http://www.laearthday.org.

ABITA SPRINGS TRAILHEAD ART, MUSIC FESTIVAL: Trailhead Plaza, 22049 Main St., Abita Springs. Afternoon features live music, art vendors, pottery, photography, jewelry and food.

APRIL 25

INTERNATIONAL CAJUN JOKE-TELLING CONTEST: Yambilee Building, Opelousas. Celebration of Cajun humor with Louisiana storytellers, music and food. Get ready to laugh. http://www.opelousaslittletheater.com.

APRIL 26-MAY 8

CONTRABAND DAYS FESTIVAL: Lake Charles. Live entertainment, carnival rides, food booths, Pirate marketplace, concerts, including Con Funk Shun, Fabulous Boogie Kings, Derek Webb, Matt Maher, and other bands and musical artists. http://www.contrabanddays.com.

APRIL 27 – MAY 1

FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DE LOUISIANE: downtown Lafayette. Giant Francophone celebration with food, music, art, dance, film, theater, workshops and more. http://www.festivalinternational.com.

APRIL 29-MAY 1

26TH ANNUAL ETOUFFEE FESTIVAL: Little Flower School Grounds, Arnaudville. Mayor’s cook-off, parade, bingo games, car/truck/motorcycle show, carnival rides, live music all weekend.

LAROSE FAMILY FUN FESTIVAL: Larose. Musicians and performing artists from Lafourche Parish are highlighted during this event, which also includes pirogue races on Bayou Lafourche, food, and tournaments in flag football, kids’ casting and tennis. http://www.laffnet.org.

FESTIVAL DE LA PRAIRIE: St. John the Evangelist Church, Prairieville. Entertainment, rides, Cajun food, games, plant sale. (225) 673-8307.

ITALIAN FESTIVAL: Our Lady of Pompeii Church, 14418 Market St., Tickfaw. Food, music, bass tournament, pageant, crafts, carnival rides and spaghetti cook-off. http://www.theitalianfestivalorg.com.

TOMATO FESTIVAL: 2320 Paris Road, Chalmette. Rides, pageants, live music and the first Creole tomatoes of the season. (504) 271-2953.

APRIL 29-MAY 8

NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL: Fairgrounds racetrack, 1751 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans. Continuous musical performances on 12 stages with groups such as Bon Jovi, Neville Brothers, John Mellencamp, Jimmy Buffet, Pete Fountain, and many others. Food, arts and crafts and educational programs. (504) 522-4786 or http://www.nojazzfest.com.

APRIL 30

DENHAM SPRINGS SPRING FESTIVAL: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Antique Village, Denham Springs. Antiques for sale, arts and crafts, unique gifts, food booths, rides and children’s activities. (225) 284-8231.

APRIL 30-MAY 1

FEST FOR ALL: 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday; Noon-6 p.m., Sunday, downtown Baton Rouge, North Boulevard and on the grounds of the Old State Capitol and the Shaw Center for the Arts. Musical concerts, visual art presentations, dance performances, and art exhibits. http://www.artsbr.org.

Look for current festival updates in each week's Friday FUN section of the
Morning Advocate and Visit Baton Rouge