Hotels by City

NOW THROUGH APRIL 12
NATCHEZ SPRING PILGRIMAGE: Natchez, Miss. Visitors can choose from 25 antebellum mansions for morning or afternoon tours. Many of the mansions are private residences only open to the public during the five weeks of the pilgrimage. Tickets are available for three-house tours, $24, adults, and $18, children 6-13; and three-house tours plus Longwood, called “the grandest octagonal house in America,” $34, adults; and $26, children. Evening entertainment includes the Historic Natchez Pageant and other musical and theatrical productions. (800) 647-6742.

APRIL 4-5
KITE FEST LOUISIANE 2008: West Baton Rouge Soccer Complex, Hwy. 415 at Rosedale Road in Port Allen. Friday is student day, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., includes plenty of kite flying by amateurs and professionals, kite flying lessons,  kite design competitions, sport kite team ballets, food, live music and inflatables for kids. Night flight at 7 p.m. Saturday. Free. (800) 654-9701 or http://www.westbatonrouge.net.

APRIL 4-6
CAJUN HOT SAUCE FESTIVAL: all day, SugArena at Acadiana Fairgrounds, 713 NW Bypass (La. 3212), New Iberia. Hot sauce competition, jambalaya cook-off, carnival, arts and crafts, live music throughout the weekend including  T.K. Hulin, G. G. Shinn & Smoke, Travis Matte & The Kingpins, Chris Ardoin & Nu Step and Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie. Admission charged. http://www.sugarena.com, http://www.iberiatravel.com or (337) 365-7539.

AUDUBON COUNTRY BIRDFEST: St. Francisville. The Feliciana Nature Society puts on this annual event highlighting the bird life, natural habitat and history of the Feliciana Parishes. Look for birding field trips, birding walks, house and  birding tours at Audubon State Historic Site at Oakley Plantation, vendors, exhibits and opening reception/social on Friday night with speaker. Fees for most events. (800) 488-6502 or http://www.audubonbirdfest.com.

SOUTHERN BREEZE WINE & CULINARY FESTIVAL: Old State Capitol, 100 North Blvd. Grand wine tasting, walkabout brunch, chef’s challenge and more. Tickets, call (225) 344-5866.

PATTERSON CYPRESS SAWMILL FESTIVAL: Patterson at Kemper Williams Park. The family festival offers a golf tournament, arts and crafts, country music talent contest, street fair, food and beverages, games, a gumbo cook-off, softball tournament, petting zoo, fireworks on Saturday night, old engine, classic car and truck display; poker run and a passé patout (two-person saw contest) with visiting queens. Bands include: Flashback, Southern Skkyy, The Original Tramps, Satisfaction, Big Cat Daddy featuring Todd O’Neill, Waylon Thibodeaux, The Molly Ringwalds and Foret Tradition. (985) 395-4905. 

APRIL 5
DELTA MUSIC FESTIVAL: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Delta Music Museum, Ferriday. Pete Fountain will join the museum’s Hall of Fame this year. Headlining the entertainment will be Jason D. Williams, whose singing is reminiscent of Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley. Other entertainers will include The Jordans, the Northwest Mississippi Community College Choir, Lujuana Weir and Easy Eddie and the Party Rockers. Admission is $3. (318) 757-9999.

APRIL 5-6
ART, ANTIQUES & AUTHORS: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.  Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, ASHA Museum, 318 Mississippi St.  and adjacent Crescent Park, Donaldsonville. Book signing, artists, food, music and more. (225) 473-4814.

APRIL 10-12
LOUISIANA RAILROAD DAYS FESTIVAL: DeQuincy. Country singer Ronnie McDowell headlines the entertainment at this year’s festival. He’ll perform at 8 p.m. Saturday. Also look for food booths, carnival rides, talent show, pageant, 5K run, diaper derby, model train show, domino and chess tournaments, part-child look-alike contest, live music, street dance, bike parade, children’s activities, scavenger hunt and old timers reunion. (337) 786-2823.

APRIL 11-13
PONCHATOULA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL: Ponchatoula. Parade, strawberry-eating contest, baking contest, hollering contest, sack race and more. Live entertainment includes Brandon Bennett, Big Al & the Heavyweights, The Way Goners, Mojeaux, Bits & Pieces, Five Finger Discount, Magnolia, Soul Vaxxination and Irma Thomas. Hours are 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. http://www.lastrawberryfestival.com or (800) 917-7045.

FRENCH QUARTER FESTIVAL:  New Orleans French Quarter. Showcase for local musicians on outdoor stages throughout the Quarter with jazz, contemporary, Latin, Cajun, gospel and many other types of music. Sample classic New Orleans cuisine at food and drink booths, attend an art show or courtyards tour. A second line parade will kick off the festival on Friday. Also look for live oral history interviews with area musicians, the world’s largest praline contest and children’s entertainment and activities. Live music includes    Dukes of Dixieland, Charmaine Neville, The Ronnie Kole Show with John Perkins, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, the Pfister Sisters and Kermit Ruffins. http://www.fqfi.org.   

GREAT LOUISIANA BIRDFEST: Northlake Nature Center, Mandeville. The festival coincides with the migration of many species north through Louisiana from Mexico and South America. The event includes workshops and trips to Grand Isle, Lake Martin, Manchac Swamp, Big Branch, the Abita Flatwoods Preserve, east Pearl River and Pine Island Rookery. There’s a riverboat cruise on the Tchefuncte on Saturday evening. http://www.northlakenature.org.

ST. JAMES HIGH SPRING FAIR: 5181 Wildcat Drive, St. James. Rides, games, food, music and more. (225) 265-3911.

APRIL 12
FRANKLIN PARISH CATFISH FESTIVAL: starting at 8 a.m., downtown Winnsboro.  Doug Kershaw is the headlining musician. More musical acts are planned, as well as food booths, 300 arts and crafts vendors, children’s games, a Corvette show. (318) 435-7607 or http://www.franklinparishcatfishfestival.com.

April 12-13
FESTIVAL IN THE PARK: Cassidy Park on Willis Avenue in Bogalusa. Live entertainment, carnival, arts and crafts, food, children’s entertainment, Civil War camp life and battle re-enactments both days. (985) 839-5228 or http://www.washington
parishtourism.com

APRIL 16-19
RED STICK INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION FESTIVAL: downtown Baton Rouge, including Manship Theatre, Shaw Center for the Arts, Louisiana Art & Science Museum, Old State Capitol. Workshops, film screenings, lectures, princess ball for girls and their fathers, cartoon-a-palooza and more. (225) 578-3469.

APRIL 18-19
BAYOU TECHE BEAR FESTIVAL: downtown Franklin. The festival salutes the Louisiana Black Bear with an art and photography show, food, run/walk, live bands, arts and crafts, children’s area, cooking contest, fireworks on the bayou, Teddy bear repair clinic, boat trips,  a Mutt Strut, and oyster eating contest. http://www.bayoutechebearfest.org, (985) 395-3126 or (800) 256-2931.

GRAND ISLE MIGRATORY BIRD CELEBRATION: Grand Isle Bird Sanctuary woods and Grand Isle State Park. Bird-watching tours, island history tours, bird-related arts and crafts.  Call (800) 259-0869.

APRIL 19
ART UNDER THE OAKS: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Edward Douglass White Historic Site, six miles north of Thibodaux. Live music, food, children’s entertainment. Free. (985) 447-0915.

APRIL 19-20
ANGOLA PRISON RODEO: Louisiana State Penitentiary, Angola. Bareback riding, wild cow milking, barrel racing, bull riding, buddy pick-up, prison arts and crafts, bands, food, and more. Gates open at 9 a.m., and the rodeo starts at 2 p.m. Crafts booths stay open until 5 p.m. Admission $10. (225) 655-2133, http://www.angolarodeo.com.

APRIL 20
RUE DE LA ROUX: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Lemann Center, Donaldsonville. This benefit for Ascension Catholic School offers food of all kinds, plenty of games for kids, and an auction in the afternoon. Free admission. (225) 473-9227.

APRIL 19-27
BATON ROUGE BLUES WEEK: Venues include Phil Brady’s Bar & Grill, Teddy’s Juke Joint, Roux House, Manship Theatre, Chelsea’s Cafe. Performers include Chris Thomas King, Walter ‘Wolfman’ Washington, James Johnson, Lil Ray Neal, Tabby Thomas Blues Revue, Michael Foster Project, Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience, Henry Butler, Henry Gray and many more. http://www.louisianasmusic.com.

APRIL 20
LOUISIANA EARTH DAY: North Boulevard by Galvez Plaza, Baton Rouge. Formerly Baton Rouge Earth Day, the theme of the 19th annual celebration is “Lead the Way” to encourage citizens to take the lead as environmental stewards. The event will include hands-on environmental education activities, including the wetlands tent, recycling fair, Earth market, international pavilion, natural health and healing, Louisiana and Native American culture, Earth-friendly habitat, agricultural exhibits and petting zoo. The all-species parade begins activities, and music on four stages starts at 1 p.m. featuring Mr. Hinson’s File 13, Iguanas, Marva Wright and the BMWs, Wayne Toups and Zydecajun, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Savoir Faire, Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie, Walter Wolfman Washington and the Michael Foster Project. http://www.earthdaybr.org.

APRIL 21-27
AGMAGIC: Parker Coliseum, LSU campus. Learn about the magic of agriculture at this annual event that features live plants and animals, ranging from a simulated forest to a barnyard full of animals. Also see a butterfly exhibit, tanks of fish and crawfish, demonstrations, education stations and more. (225) 578-2263.

APRIL 23-27
FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DE LOUISIANE: downtown Lafayette. The five-day event, which celebrates music and food from all over the world, features musical performers on six stages. Food court areas, street musicians, arts and crafts boutiques, art galleries, international cooking demonstrations and a world music store. Free. Hours are 6-11 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. http://www.festivalinternational.com.

APRIL 24-26
LIVE OAK CAJUN ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL: South Live Oak Elementary School, 8400 Cecil Drive, Watson. In addition to arts and crafts, there will be carnival rides, local artists, children’s games, live auction, spacewalk, entertainment. Hours are 5-9 p.m. Thursday (carnival rides only), 1-9 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday. (225) 667-9330.

APRIL 25-27
BATTLE OF JACKSON CROSSROADS: La. 68, Jackson. Civil War re-enactments Saturday and Sunday sponsored by the Living History Association of Jackson. Park opens to spectators at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Battle of Jackson Crossroads is at 2:45 p.m. Saturday and 1:45 p.m. Sunday. Friday is special demonstration for schools, and there will be a night barrage, way station, ladies’ tea and a church service Sunday at 10 a.m. Admission $7 adults, $6 seniors 62 and older, $3 children 5-12, free children 4-under. http://www.battleofjacksoncrossroads.org.

LAROSE FAMILY FUN FEST: Larose Regional Park, Larose. Festival organizers say the food is the fest’s biggest draw, from shrimp boulettes to jambalaya to crawfish fettuccine, and all those sweets. Musical entertainment will include Seabrook, Plow, Harry Anselmi and the Cajun Boys, Blue-Eyed Soul, Raux Shambo, Southern Cross, Waylon Thibodeaux and Wayne Foret. Also look for basketball, flag football and kids’ casting tournaments, pirogue races and folklife demonstrations. Hours are 6 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday, 11:30 a.m.-1 a.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Free. (985) 693-7355.

FESTIVAL DE LA PRAIRIE: St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 15208 La. 73., Prairieville. This annual church fundraiser features live bands, carnival rides, games, an auction and all kinds of food. (225) 673-8307.

ETOUFFEE FESTIVAL: Little Flower School grounds, Main Street, Arnaudville. It’s the 22nd anniversary of the fair, which benefits St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church. Look for a pageant, silent auction, mayor’s cook-off, dancing, live musical entertainment, bingo, silent auction, carnival, parade, car, truck and motorcycle show, and lots of food booths. Hours are 5 p.m.-midnight Friday, 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. (337) 754-5912.

APRIL 25-27, MAY 1-4
NEW ORLEANS JAZZ AND HERITAGE FESTIVAL: Fairgrounds Racetrack and various other locations in New Orleans. A host of performers will be on hand, including the Neville Brothers, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Jimmy Buffett, Tim McGraw, Santana, Maze feat. Frankie Beverly, Sheryl Crow, Widespread Panic, Dr. John, Al Green, Diana Krall, Keyshia Cole, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, The Raconteurs and Irma Thomas. Enjoy crafts, villages and marketplaces in addition to a food extravaganza. All-day admission $40 in advance, $50 at the gate, $5 children 2-11. http://www.nojazzfest.com.

APRIL 26
BATON ROUGE BLUES FESTIVAL: 10 a.m.- 10 p.m. in Repentance Park (located in the fountain area between the River Center and Old State Capitol.)  Featuring the BRHMS Bulldog Blues Band, Phil Guy, Larry Garner, Marcia Ball, Luther Kent & Trick Bag, Tab Benoit, Lazy Lester w/ Rudy Richard & James Johnson, Kenny Neal and more.  http://www.louisianasmusic.com or http://www.batonrougebluesfestival.org.

DENHAM SPRINGS SPRING FESTIVAL: Antique Village, Range Avenue, Denham Springs. Antiques and collectibles booths featuring pottery, artwork, jewelry, etc. Food, carnival rides and live entertainment. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (225) 665-4666.

APRIL 29-MAY 11
CONTRABAND DAYS FESTIVAL: Lake Charles. The 51st annual event includes classic car show, golf tournament, sailboat regatta, barbecue cook-off, fireworks display and plenty of music. Performers include Louisiana Express, Dr. Hook with Ray Sawyer, T.K. Hulin, Georgia Satellite, John Ieyoub and many more. Admission $3, pre-school children free. Parking on grounds, $2. http://www.contrabanddays.com.

APRIL 1
RUE DE LA ROUX: 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Lemann Center, Donaldsonville. This benefit for Ascension Catholic School offers food of all kinds, plenty of games for the kids, and an auction in the afternoon. Free admission. (225) 473-9227.

APRIL 7
DELTA MUSIC FESTIVAL:
10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at the Delta Music Museum, Ferriday. Named to the museum’s Hall of Fame will be John Fred and the Playboys and Dale and Grace. Headlining the entertainment will be Vince Vance and the Valliants. Other entertainment by Groove Line and Madonna Massey. Admission $3. (318) 757-9999.

April 12-14
LOUISIANA RAILROAD DAYS FESTIVAL: DeQuincy. Three-day festival features food booths, carnival rides, talent show, pageant, 5K run, diaper derby, model train show, domino and chess tournaments, parent-child look-alike contest, live music, street dance, bike parade, children’s activities, scavenger hunt and old timers reunion. (337) 786-2823

APRIL 13-14
GRAND ISLE MIGRATORY BIRD CELEBRATION: Grand Isle Bird Sanctuary woods and Grand Isle State Park. Bird-watching tours, island history tours, boat tours to Queen Bess Island, bird-related arts and crafts. Cost is $5 for each walking tour, and $20 for boat tour. Call (800) 259-0869.

APRIL 13-15
GREAT LOUISIANA BIRDFEST: Northlake Nature Center, Mandeville. The festival coincides with the migration of many species north through Louisiana from Mexico and South America. The event includes workshops and trips to Grand Isle, Lake Martin, Manchac Swamp, Big Branch, the Abita Flatwoods Preserve, east Pearl River and Pine Island Rookery. There’s a riverboat cruise on the Tchefuncte on Saturday evening. http://www.northlakenature.org.

PONCHATOULA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL: Ponchatoula. Live music, auction, parade, strawberry-eating contest, baking contest, hollering contest, sack race and more. http://www.lastrawberryfestival.com or (800) 917-7045.

CAJUN HOT SAUCE FESTIVAL:. all day, SugArena at Acadiana Fairgrounds, 713 NW Bypass (La. 3212), New Iberia. Hot sauce competition, jambalaya cook-off, carnival, arts and crafts, local and national recording artists Billy Currington and Percy Sledge performing, along with other live music throughout the weekend. Admission charged. http://www.sugarena.com, http://www.iberiatravel.com or (337) 365-7539.

FRENCH QUARTER FESTIVAL: New Orleans French Quarter. Showcase for local musicians on outdoor stages throughout the Quarter with jazz, contemporary, Latin, Cajun, gospel and many other types of music. Sample classic New Orleans cuisine at food and drink booths, attend an art show or courtyards tour. A second line parade will kick off the festival on Friday. Also look for live oral history interviews with area musicians, the world’s largest praline contest and children’s entertainment and activities. http://www.frenchquarterfestivals.org.

APRIL 14
WINNSBORO/FRANKLIN PARISH CATFISH FESTIVAL: starting at 8 a.m., downtown Winnsboro. T. G. Sheppard is the headlining musician, and is expected to perform Saturday afternoon on the Old Glory Stage. Several more musical acts are planned, as well as food booths, 300 arts and crafts vendors, children’s games, a Corvette show and motorcycle show. Last year, more than 5,000 pounds of pond-raised catfish were served. (318) 435-7607 or http://www.franklinparishcatfishfestival.com.

HUNGARIAN SETTLEMENT HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S SPRING CELEBRATION: American Legion Post 258, La. 43, Springfield. Evening program features musical entertainment and dancers. Admission is free. Dinners will be sold before the program. Doors open at 5 p.m.; program begins at 6 p.m. All proceeds go to the Hungarian Settlement Museum. (985) 507-5133

APRIL 15
ALLONS MANGER (LET’S EAT) FOOD FESTIVAL: St. Jules Catholic Church, La. 1, Belle Rose, five miles south of Donaldsonville. Fair opens at 10:30 a.m. and food goes on sale at 11 a.m. The fest offers Cajun delicacies in the forms of crawfish, oysters, turtle, fish and shrimp, etouffee, sauce piquante, hamburgers and homemade sweets. Look for arts and crafts, games for children and live entertainment with Wes Thibodeaux’s band Boudin and L’angelus. Auction begins at 1 p.m. (225) 473-8569.

APRIL 18- 22
2007 RED STICK INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION FESTIVAL The festival has its roots firmly planted in the creative side of the animation business and acts to provide animators, directors, students, artists, designers, writers and educators with a forum in which they can share their knowledge and skills and promote the art of animation. The 2007 festival will be April 18-22, 2007, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Festival venues include the Shaw Center for the Arts, the Manship Theatre, the Louisiana Arts & Science Museum, and the Louisiana Old State Capital.

APRIL 20-21
BAYOU TECHE BEAR FESTIVAL: downtown Franklin. The festival salutes the Louisiana Black Bear with an art and photography show, food, run/walk, live bands, arts and crafts, children’s area, cooking contest, fireworks on the bayou, Teddy bear repair clinic, boat trips, parade of stars for kids, a bicycle tour, Tour de Bear, a Mutt Strut, and more. Also added this year is an oyster eating contest. http://www.bayoutechebearfest.org, (985) 395-3126 or (800) 256-2931.

APRIL 20-22
NATCHITOCHES JAZZ/R&B FESTIVAL: music and fun on Cane River Lake and downtown Natchitoches featuring Edgar Winter, Monte Montgomery, Marva Bell and others. For details, go to http://www.natchjazzfest.com or call (800) 259-1714.

FAMILY FESTIVAL: Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 11470 La. 77, Maringouin. Dance on Friday night, bingo on Saturday, barbecue chicken dinners ($5) on Sunday, along with raffle, games and more. (225) 625-2438.

LOUISIANA INDIAN HERITAGE ASSOCIATION SPRING POW WOW: Hidden Oaks Family Campgrounds, Robert, La. Arts and crafts, colorful dancers, drum music, demonstrations, humanities symposium, etc.

ASCENSION PARISH BICENTENNIAL FESTIVAL: Lamar-Dixon Expo Center, Gonzales. Concerts, nightly fireworks, carnival snacks, children’s play area, more than 150 arts and craft vendors, historical booths and displays, car exhibit, art show, pageant and more. (225) 673-0200

April 21
LIVINGSTON PARISH JAZZ FESTIVAL: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Wal-Mart parking lot, Denham Springs. Fundraiser for Tony Castigliola, displaced New Orleans musician who currently performs with the Livingston Parish Community Band. Admission $10, $5 children. Artists interested in participating in the festival’s art display should contact Alexis Anderson at aaanderson@ladotdfcu.org

APRIL 21-22
ANGOLA PRISON RODEO: Louisiana State Penitentiary, Angola. Bareback riding, wild cow milking, barrel racing, bull riding, buddy pick-up, prison arts and crafts, bands, food, and more. Gates open at 9 a.m., and the rodeo starts at 2 p.m. Crafts booths stay open until 5 p.m. Admission $10. (225) 655-2133 or http://www.angolarodeo.com.

APRIL 22
BATON ROUGE EARTH DAY: noon-8:30 p.m., along North Boulevard, Baton Rouge. This year’s theme of the festival celebrating the Earth is “Louisiana Strong.” The 18th annual event, one of the nation’s largest, will offer an “all-species” parade at 12:30 p.m., interactive and creative educational activities, exhibits, recycle fair, arts market, earth walk, international music and dance, local music, children’s entertainment and music by Mike Esnault Group, Michael Foster Project, Eric Baskin, Mr. Henson & The Blisters, Sweet Root, L’Angelus, Phat Hat, Benjy Davis Project, The Lucky Playboys, Savior Faire, and Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie. http://www.earthdaybr.org

APRIL 22-29
BATON ROUGE BLUES WEEK: Venues include Phil Brady’s Bar & Grill, Teddy’s Juke Joint, Slippery Pete’s, Manship Theatre, Old Governor’s Mansion, Hollywood Casino, Baton Rouge. Performers include James Johnson, Lil Ray Neal, Linda Hopkins, Mose Allison, Deacon John & the Ivories, Mem Shannon and Henry Gray. http://www.louisianasmusic.com/brbw05.

APRIL 25-29
FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DE LOUISIANE: downtown Lafayette. The five-day event, which celebrates music and food from all over the world, features musical performers on six stages. Food court areas, street musicians, arts and crafts boutiques, art galleries, international cooking demonstrations and a world music store. Free. Hours are 6 p.m.-until on weekdays, 8:30 a.m.-until on Saturday, and 11 a.m.-until on Sunday. http://www.festivalinternational.com

APRIL 26-28
LIVE OAK CAJUN ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL: South Live Oak Elementary School, 8400 Cecil Drive, Watson. In addition to arts and crafts, there will be carnival rides, local artists, children’s games, live auction, spacewalk, entertainment. Hours are 5-9 p.m. Thursday (carnival rides only), 12:30-10 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday. (225) 667-9330.

APRIL 27-29
BATTLE OF JACKSON CROSSROADS: La. 68, Jackson. Civil War re-enactments Saturday and Sunday sponsored by the Living History Association of Jackson. Park opens to spectators at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Battle of Jackson Crossroads is at 2:45 p.m. Saturday and 1:45 p.m. Sunday. Friday is School Day, and there will be a night barrage, way station, ladies’ tea, Jackson Social at the way station at 9 p.m. Saturday, and a church service Sunday at 10 a.m. Admission $7 adults, $6 seniors 62 and older, $3 children 5-12, free children 4-under. http://www.battleofjacksoncrossroads.org

LAROSE FAMILY FUN FEST: Larose Regional Park, Larose. Festival organizers say the food is the fest’s biggest draw, from shrimp boulettes to fried crab claws, jambalaya to crawfish fettuccine, and all those sweets. Musical entertainment will include Seabrook, DNA, Cajun Toujours, Aaron Foret, Masquerade, Lafourche Cajun Band and Good Feelings. Also look for basketball, flag football and kids’ casting tournaments, pirogue races and folklife demonstrations. Hours are 6 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday, 11:30 a.m.-1 a.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Free. (985) 693-7355 or http://www.mobiletel.com/bayoucivicclub

FESTIVAL DE LA PRAIRIE: St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 15208 La. 73., Prairieville. This annual church fundraiser features live bands, carnival rides, games, an auction and all kinds of food. (225) 673-8307.

ETOUFFEE FESTIVAL: Little Flower School grounds, Main Street, Arnaudville. It’s the 22nd anniversary of the fair, which benefits St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church. Look for a pageant, silent auction, mayor’s cook-off, dancing, live musical entertainment, carnival, parade, car, truck and motorcycle show, and lots of food booths. Hours are 5 p.m.-midnight Friday, 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. (337) 754-5912.

APRIL 27-29 MAY 4-6,
NEW ORLEANS JAZZ AND HERITAGE FESTIVAL: Fairgrounds Racetrack and various other locations in New Orleans. A host of performers will be on hand, including Harry Connick Jr., Brad Paisley, Jill Scott, Ludacris, Dr. John, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Bonnie Raitt, New Edition, Irma Thomas, Jerry Lee Lewis, Counting Crows, Better than Ezra, Rod Stewart, Steely Dan, ZZ Top, Norah Jones, Van Morrison and Allen Toussaint. Enjoy crafts, villages and marketplaces in addition to a food extravaganza. All-day admission $35 in advance, $45 at the gate, $5 children ages 2-11. http://www.nojazzfest.com.

APRIL 28
DENHAM SPRINGS SPRING FESTIVAL: Antique Village, Range Avenue, Denham Springs. Antiques and collectibles booths featuring pottery, artwork, jewelry, etc. Food, carnival rides and live entertainment. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (225) 665-4666.

PATTERSON CYPRESS SAWMILL FESTIVAL: Patterson at Kemper Williams Park. Family festival featuring continuous live music, cypress sawmill display, tournaments, arts and crafts, Cajun cooking contest, petting zoo, street fair with rides and games, classic car and truck display, 5K run/walk, food and drink, and more. For directions or a schedule of events, call (985) 395-4905.

BLUEGRASS ON THE BAYOU: Baton Rouge, Burbank at Nicholson. Rhonda Vincent, Blue Highway and the Larry Stephenson Band will be the featured performers among many bands playing on a festival site set up on the former front nine of the LSU golf course. Hot-air balloon glows, cooking competitions, guitar camp and chef John Folse's Kiss My Stone-Ground Grits International Cookoff are among the activities. Admission $15 per day or $25 for entire festival. Hours are 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday. (225) 922-9074. http://www.bluegrassonthebayou.com.

AUDUBON COUNTRY BIRDFEST: St. Francisville. Bird-watching opportunity for visitors and residents of the Felicianas. Seminars, exhibits, nature trail walk, tours of Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge, Oakley House and much more. Will include hands-on nature activities and games for youngsters at Audubon State Historic Site. Field trips and tours Friday afternoon, all day Saturday and Sunday morning. Birdfest headquarters are St. Francisville Inn downtown. (225) 635-3873.

CAJUN DAY FESTIVAL: Port Allen, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at Port Allen Community Center, 750 N. Jefferson St. Dancing, Cajun food and drink, music from Savior Faire with Paul Daigle, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Donnie Broussard and the LA Stars, 1-3 p.m.; and the T-Rouge Cajun Band, 3-5 p.m. Admission $6 for adults, free for children 12 and under.

SWAMP CELTS' FESTIVAL & GAMES: 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Lamar-Dixon Expo Center, Gonzales. Highland games, Celtic canine exhibit, bagpipe demonstration, Irish currach boat demonstration, music stage, Harley Davidson motor parade, children's activities. (225) 928-3080.

ZIPPITY ZOO DAZE:BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo near Baker. This annual spring event brings thousands of visitors to see the animals and enjoy children's entertainment, displays and more. (225) 775-3877.

CATFISH FESTIVAL: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Winnsboro. Great music, family fun, fried catfish, arts and crafts, antique car show, art exhibit, activities for children. (318) 435-7607.

STARKEY ACADEMY SPRING FLING: 10 a.m.-9 p.m., 10510 Joor Road, Baton Rouge. Activities include food, games, fingerprinting, face painting, spacewalk, art show, plant sale, live and silent auctions, live music and talent show. (225) 261-1390.

CELEBRATION OF THE LOUISIANA IRIS: Jean Lafitte. Tours of seven area swamps and gardens, speaker series, lunch at Victoria Inn & Gardens, art exhibit, sale of iris plants, craft displays and more. (504) 689-4757.

SPRING HERITAGE FESTIVAL: Destrehan Plantation in Destrehan, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. both days. Theme is "Back of the Big House." The festival features demonstrations of weaving, spinning, blacksmithing, candle-making, open hearth cooking and other folklife traditions. Visitors will also enjoy performances of slave songs and spirituals, Civil War era music, period dancing, skits and monologues that depict life of the 18th and 19th centuries. (985) 764-9315.

LOUISIANA HIGHLANDS WINE FESTIVAL AND AMATEUR WINE COMPETITION: Feliciana Cellars Winery, 1848 Charter St. (La. 10), Jackson. Louisiana wines, foods and music. Amateur winemakers can enter the competition for a $5 entry fee per bottle. Wines must be entered by 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 17. Among the food vendors will be The Surrey at Bear Corners and Amato's. The Renee McCrary Band will perform Saturday, and Harmonica Mike and the Delta Heat from Mobile, Ala., will be featured Sunday.

MERRYVILLE LIVING HISTORY HERITAGE FESTIVAL: Museum grounds, La. 110 West, Merryville. Parade, heritage demonstrations, skits, entertainment and attractions reminiscent of the late 1800s and early 1900s. "The Guns of Timber Creek" acting group is expected to return to this family-type festival. Free admission. (337) 463-5534.

CAJUN ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL: South Live Oak Elementary School, 8400 Cecil St., Watson. In addition to arts and crafts, there will be carnival rides, local artists, children's games, auction, spacewalk, entertainment. Hours are 5-9 p.m. Thursday, 12:30-10 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday. (225) 667-9330.

SIMMESPORT ATCHAFALAYA RIVER FESTIVAL: Yellow Bayou Park, Simmesport. Live music, food, carnival, arts and crafts, games. Hours are 4:30 p.m.-midnight Friday, 9 a.m.-midnight Saturday, and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Admission $4; free, for children under 6. Free admission all day Sunday. Entertainment includes Danny Maddie and Southern Express with Clint West on Friday, Woodrow Joshua Jr., Cypress City and Southwind on Saturday, and Angola Band on Sunday. Carnival rides will be open starting Wednesday, April 20. (318) 941-2493.

ST. JOHN SCHOOL AUCTION AND FOOD FEST: Iberville Parish Civic Center, Plaquemine. Silent auction at 3 p.m., food fest at 4 p.m., live auction at 7 p.m. http://www.stjohnschool.org.

FESTIVAL IN THE PARK: Bogalusa. Carnival rides, arts and crafts, food, raffles, stage entertainment, canoe and pony rides, pageants. Carnival begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday, with festival starting on Friday at 4 p.m., Saturday at 10 a.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (985) 735-5731.

CAJUN FUN FEST: Catholic High School, De la Salle Drive., New Iberia. New to the festival this year is the "Great Egg Scramble," a breakfast cook-off that starts bright and early at 6:30 a.m. Saturday. A carnival, food, crafts and music also are planned. Admission is free. (337) 364-1253.

REBEL SPRING FEST: Rebel State Historic Site., Marthaville. The fest opens at noon on Friday with the sixth annual harmonica contest at 7 p.m. Music starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, running throughout the day, culminating with a jam session at 7 p.m. The free fest opens at 10 a.m. on Saturday. There will also be games, crafts and food. Free. (888) 677-3600.

DENHAM SPRINGS SPRING FESTIVAL: Antique Village, Range Avenue, Denham Springs. Antiques and collectibles booths featuring pottery, artwork, jewelry, etc. Food, carnival rides and live entertainment. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (225) 665-4666.

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