Events

Beginning August 24th - August 26th art of shuttle tatting, which involves knotting double thread and dates back to the 1700s. 1 pm–3 pm. $30. westbatonrougemuseum.org. •

AUG 24th - AUG 27th

FEATHERED FESTIVALS

GUEYDAN DUCK FESTIVAL

Gueydan, Louisiana

Before Jean Pierre Gueydan founded the town named after himself, he lived in Abbeville, which was thirty miles west of a hunter's paradise that Gueydan visited often. What else could a dyed-in-the-wool hunter do but found a town for himself bang in the middle of all that bounty? That fair-feathered reputation follows the town of Gueydan into the present day and is celebrated at the town's annual Duck Festival. All the usual small-town festival fare is available, along with duck-and goose-calling competitions, cook-offs, skeet shooting competitions, dog trials, pageantry, rides and games, duck carving, and other unique activities. This year's musical entertainment includes Richard

LeBouef & Two Step, Wayne Toups & Zydecajun, Swampland Revival, and many more. Free. Find the full schedule at duckfestival.org. •

AUG 25 th

MEMPHIS AT THE MANSHIP

SOUTHERN AVENUE AT THE MANSHIP

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The Manship Theatre presents an electrifying blues performance by Grammy-nominated Memphis band, Southern Avenue, who are bringing their award-winning albums, along with their recent single "That's All" to the Hartley/Vey Theatre stage. 7:30 pm. $30. manshiptheatre.org. •

AUG 25 th

COMMUNITY OCCASIONS

COLUMBIA STREET BLOCK PARTY

Covington, Louisiana

This long-running last-Friday-of-themonth event closes the 200 to 500 blocks of Columbia Street to anything with an engine, providing lots of opportunities for fun on foot instead. The classic car people and the shop owners will be handing out goodies accordingly, plus live music at local venues. Shops and restaurants open late, too. 6 pm–9 pm. Free. covla.com. •

AUG 25 th - AUG 26 th

DINNER THEATRE MURDER MYSTERY DINNER THEATER AT THE STRAUSS THEATRE CENTER

Monroe, Louisiana

We can't explain why dinner pairs so well with murder mysteries, but the timeless combination is reuniting at the Strauss Theatre Center in Monroe this month when they present You Have the Right to Remain Dead. 7 pm Friday and Saturday. strausstc.com. •

AUG 25 th - AUG 27 th

BLOWING SMOKE

LOUISIANA CIGAR FESTIVAL

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

There'll be plenty of smoke being blown when the Louisiana Cigar Festival comes to Johnson's Courtyard in Baton Rouge—bringing with it a cigar-infused brunch, a smoke 'n' paint event, and more. $25–$130. Find more information at eventbrite.com. •

AUG 25 th - AUG 27 th

PRISON PLAYS

225 THEATRE COLLECTIVE PRESENTS THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Andy Dufresne's friendship with Red that unfolds within the walls of Shawshank Prison has long captured the hearts of those who have read or seen the film adaptation of the Stephen King novella. Now, 225 Theatre Collective is bringing the classic to the stage of the LSU Studio Theatre (minus Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins, but plus a talented cast of local actors). 7:30 pm Friday and Saturday, 2:30 pm Sunday. $25, students $15. 225theatrecollective.com. •

AUG 25th - AUG 27th

GOOD EATS & TIMES

LOUISIANA SOUL FOOD FALL FEST

Shreveport, Louisiana

Empire Queenz presents Shreveport's 3rd annual Louisiana Soul Food Fall Fest, a three-day festival celebrating diversity, music, and culinary arts. The weekend will be full of familyfun, including Southern cuisine, competitions from seafood-boiling to donut-eating, live music, a dog showcase, dance groups, vendors, and more. Noon–9 pm. $10. For details, visit louisianasoulfoodfallfestival.com. •

AUG 26 th

CREEPY CRAWLIES INSECT DAY AT THE LAFAYETTE SCIENCE

MUSEUM

Lafayette, Louisiana

Things are getting creepy crawly at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette's Science Museum for its summer Insect Day event. Guests can explore the wild and mysterious world of bugs through displays of live and preserved insects, featuring specimens from here in Louisiana as well as far, far away. 11 am–4 pm. Free. lafayettesciencemuseum.org. •

AUG 26th

SEASON STARTERS

ULTIMATE TAILGATE PARTY AT THE COVINGTON TRAILHEAD

Covington, Louisiana

Your biggest dilemma for this event will be "What color do I paint my face?!" The Ultimate Tailgate Party promises a blowout for Tiger fans, Saints fans, and the large cross-section of those who root for both, themed around a Sports Tailgating Experience featuring a barbecue competition, live music from Four Unplugged, an online auction, and a large variety of food and drink. 7 pm–10 pm at the Covington Trailhead. $75. Proceeds go to benefit the West St. Tammany Exchange Club as they raise money to help local youth. ultimatetailgateparty.org. •

AUG 26 th

TRIP THE LIGHT FANTASTIC BATON ROUGE BALLROOM

PRESENTS A SUMMER AFFAIR

Mandeville, Louisiana

Baton Rouge Ballroom is presenting an elegant evening of ballroom dancing and dinner at the Lake House for their Fall Showcase and dance. 6 pm–9 pm. $35. For tickets, contact Janice Barrios at (225) 324-6395. •

AUG 26 th - AUG 27 th

HGTV HOPEFULS

FALL PONTCHARTRAIN

HOME SHOW & LOUISIANA FOOD FEST

Kenner, Louisiana

The Fall Pontchartrain Home Show— Louisiana’s largest and longest running fall home show—returns to encourage (and enable) your DIY dreams. This year’s event will feature exhibitors boasting the latest trends in kitchens, remodeling, flooring, outdoor living, and so much more. While you're there,