2011
gambit’s
FAIRS ®
FESTIVALS
FAIRS + FESTIVALS LOUISIANA’S PLETHORA OF FESTIVALS TURNS SHORT ROAD TRIPS INTO ADVENTURES.
COMPILED BY JULIE POSNER AND KANDACE POWER GRAVES
FAIRS & FESTIVALS > bestofneworleans.com > marcH 29 > 2011
5
02
n times like these, with the economy tanked and gas prices high, Louisianians should be extra thankful we live in a state where celebrations showcasing our food, music, history, heritage and just plain quirkiness are on the calendar almost every week. You can learn about a variety of cultures, sample exotic foods, drink in the beauty of nature and take in new experiences without boarding a plane, crossing an ocean or cleaning out your wallet. There are plenty of fairs, festivals and special events that require only a day trip or a weekend to fully enjoy. Plus, Louisiana’s people have a joie de vivre that is infectious and they love to share their talents and specialties with anyone who cares to pass a good time. Here are some ideas for making the rest of your year one big vacation.
I
29-APRIL 4 — Azalea Trail, New Iberia (Various locations, 888-942-3742; www.iberiatravel.com)
30-APRIL 3 — Art in Bloom, New Orleans (New Orleans Museum of Art, City Park, 658-4100; www.noma.org)
30— Young Leadership Council Wednesday at the Square
concert series, New Orleans (Lafayette Square Park, 5851500; www.wednesdayatthesquare.com)
1-2 — Bon Temps Festival, Broussard (800-346-1958; www.bontempsfest.org)
1-3 — Italian Heritage Festival, Kenner (Rivertown, 388-
8758; www.italianheritagefestival.com)
5 1-3 — Kite Fest Louisiane, Port Allen (West Baton Rouge Soccer Complex, 3553 Rosedale Road, 800654-9701; www.westbatonrouge.net) 1-3 — Cypress Sawmill Festival, Patterson (Kemper Williams Park, 800-256-2931; www.cypresssawmill.com) 2 — Freret Street Festival, New Orleans (Freret Street, 899-5900; www.freretstreetfestival.com) 2 — Jazz’n the Vines, Bush (81250 Old Military Road, Hwy. 1082, 985-892-9742; www.pontchartrainvineyards.com) 2 — Cracklin’ Cookoff, Cut Off (Cut Off Youth Center, 205 W. 79th St., 985-632-7616; www.cutoffyouthcenter.org) 2-3 — Spring Garden Show, New Orleans City Park (New Orleans Botanical Gardens, 483-9386; www.garden.neworleanscitypark.com) 2-3 — Old Algiers RiverFest, Algiers (Mardi Gras World, 233 Newton St., 529-4341; www.oldalgiersriverfest.com) 3 — Blessing of the Fleet, Dulac (Various bayou locations, 985-563-2325) 6 — Young Leadership Council Wednesday at the Square concert series, New Orleans (Lafayette
Square Park, 585-1500; www.wednesdayatthesquare.com) 7-9 — Louisiana Railroad Days Festival, DeQuincy (DeQuincy Railroad Museum Fairgrounds, 337-7868241; www.larailroaddaysfestival.com) 7-10 — French Quarter Festival, New Orleans (French Quarter, 522-5730; www.fqfi.org) 8-10 — Cajun Hot Sauce Festival, New Iberia (Acadiana Fairgrounds, 713 N.W. Bypass, Hwy. 3212, 337-365-7539; www.sugarena.com)
8-10 — Strawberry Festival, Pontchatoula (800-9177045; www.lastrawberryfestival.com)
8-10 — Family Fun Festival, Larose (Larose Regional
Park and Civic Center, 985-693-7355; www.bayoucivicclub.org) 8-10 — St. Joan of Arc Spring Festival, LaPlace (529 W. 5th St., 415-2016; www.sjachurch.com) 9 — Civil War Re-enactment and Open House, DeSoto Parish (Various locations, 318-872-1177; www.discoverdesoto.com) 9 — Top of the Hops Beer Fest, Lafayette (Cajundome, 444 Cajundome Blvd.; www.topofthehopsbeerfest.com/lafayette) 9-10 — Spring Food Festival “La Fete du Monde,” Lockport (Church Street, 985-532-3117; www.townoflockport.com) 9-10 — St. Philomena Spring Festival, Labadieville (St. Philomena Church, 118 Convent St., 985387-0321) 10 — Blessing of the Fleet, Chauvin (Various locations, 985-594-5859; www.stjosephchauvin.parishesonline.com) 10 — Chauvin Folk Art Festival, Chauvin (5337 Bayou Side Drive, 985-594-5859; www.nicholls.edu)
13 — Young Leadership Council Wednesday at the Square concert series, New Orleans (Lafayette
Square Park, 585-1500; www.wednesdayatthesquare.com)
14-16 — Great Southern R.V. Park Bluegrass Fest,
Angie (Hwy. 21, 985-516-4680; www.sabinebluegrass.com/events/AngieLa.html) 15-16 — Jazz and R&B Festival, Natchitoches (Downtown riverbank, 800-259-1714; www.natchjazzfest.com)
FAIRS + FESTIVALS 15-17 — Migratory Bird Celebration, Grand Isle (Grand Isle Sanctuary, 985-787-2229; www.btnep.org) 15-17 — Great Louisiana Bird Fest, Mandeville (Northlake Nature Center, 23135 Hwy. 190 East, 985626-1238; www.northlakenature.org) 15-17 — Louisiana Indian Heritage Association, A Spring Powwow, Gonzales (Trademart Building, Lamar-Dixon Expo Center, 837-6085; www.lihanews.com) 15-17 — Bayou Teche Bear Fest, Franklin (Downtown, 800-256-2931; www.bayoutechebearfest.org) 15-17 — Wagon Festival and Trail Ride, Cankton (337668-4671; www.cajuntravel.com) 15-22 — Dewey Balfa Cajun & Creole Week, Ville Platte (Chicot State Park, 3469 Chicot Park Road, 337-234-8360; www.lafolkroots.org) 16 — Spring for Art, Covington (Downtown, various locations, 985-892-8650; www.sttammanyartassociation.org) 16 — Southdown Marketplace Arts and Crafts Festival, Houma (Southdown Plantation, 1208
20 — Young Leadership Council Wednesday at the Square concert series, New Orleans (Lafayette
Square Park, 585-1500; www.www.wednesdayatthesquare.com) 22-24 — Laotian New Year Festival, Broussard (Lanexang Village, 7913 Champ Ave., 888-942-3742; www.iberiatravel.com) 23 — Crescent City Classic, New Orleans (Starting line Decatur and St. Peter streets, 861-8686; www.ccc10k.com) 24 — Goodchildren Easter Parade, New Orleans (www.myspace.com/goodchildrencarnivalclub) 26-MAY 8 — Contraband Days, Lake Charles (Lake Charles Civic Center, 900 Lakeshore Drive, 337-4365508; www.contrabanddays.com)
27 — Young Leadership Council Wednesday at the Square concert series, New Orleans (Lafayette Square Park, 585-1500; www.wednesdayatthesquare.com)
30 — Denham Springs Antique Village Spring Festival, Denham Springs (North Range Avenue, 225-665-4666; www.denhamspringsantiquedistrict.com/festivals)
30 — Greater New Orleans International Dragon Boat Festival, Madisonville (Tchefuncte River, 416-962-8899; www.gwndragonboat.com)
30- MAY 1 — Blues Week and Festival,
Baton Rouge (Repentance Park, 275 S. River Road, 800-527-6843; Boating enthusiasts will take to the water during the Greater New Orleans International Dragon Boat Festival on the Tchefuncte River in Madisonville.
www.batonrougebluesfestival.org) 30-MAY 1 — FestforAll, Baton Rouge (Downtown 225344-8558; www.artsbr.org)
1 — Allons Manger Food Festival, Belle Rose (St. Jules Catholic Church, 7161 Hwy. 1, 225-473-8569)
2-5 — Louisiana Music Factory In-Store Concerts, New
Orleans (210 Decatur St., 586-1094; www.louisianamusicfactory.com) 4 — ChazFest, New Orleans (3020 St. Claude Ave., www.chazfestival.com)
4 — Young Leadership Council Wednesday at the Square
concert series, New Orleans (Lafayette Square Park, 585-1500; www.wednesdayatthesquare.com) 5-7 — Pecan Ridge Bluegrass Festival, Jackson (Pecan Ridge Bluegrass Park, 4225 Hwy. 952, 225-629-5852; www.sabinebluegrass.com/events/jacksonla.html) 5-8 — New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, New Orleans (Fair Grounds Race Course, 410-4100; www.nojazzfest.com) 6 — Zoo-To-Do, New Orleans (Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St., 581-4629; www.auduboninstitute.org) 6-7 — Strawberry Jam ’n Toast, Pontchatoula (Downtown, 985-350-1460; www.strawberryjam.org) 6-7 — May Festival, Abbeville (Mount Carmel Elementary School, 405 Park Ave., 337-898-0859; www.vrml.k12.la.us/mc) 6-8 — Crawfish Festival, Breaux Bridge (Parc Hardy, 2090 Rees St., 337-332-6655; www.bbcrawfest.com) 7 — Herbs & Garden Festival, Sunset (Marie Street, 337662-3542; www.sunsetherbfestival.com) 7-8 — N’awlins Air Show, Belle Chasse (Naval Air Station, Joint Reserve Base, 400 Russell Ave., 6783260; www.nawlinsairshow.com)
11 — Young Leadership Council Wednesday at the Square
concert series, New Orleans (Lafayette Square Park, 585-1500; www.wednesdayatthesquare.com) 12-15 — Cochon de Lait Festival, Mansura (Cochon de Lait Civic Center, Main Street, 318964-2887; www.cochondelait.com)
12-15 — Plaquemines Parish Heritage and Seafood Festival, Belle Chase (225 F.
Edward Hebert Blvd., 394-6328; www.plaqueminesparishfestival.com) 13-15 — Family Fun & Food Festival, PAGE 5
FAIRS & FESTIVALS > bestofneworleans.com > marcH 29 > 2011
Museum Drive, 985-851-0154; www.southdownmuseum.org) 16 — Art in April with Champagne, Hammond (Downtown, 985-542-3471; www.dddhammond.com) 16 — Jazz’n the Vines, Bush (81250 Old Military Road, Hwy. 1082, 985-892-9742; www.pontchartrainvineyards.com) 16-17 — Antique Street Fair, Slidell (Olde Towne Antiques District, 985-641-6316; www.slidellantiques.com) 16-17 — Angola Spring Rodeo, Angola (Louisiana State Penitentiary, Hwy. 66, 225-655-2030; www.angolarodeo.com) 16-17 — Battle of Jackson Crossroads, Jackson (Hwy. 68, 225-634-7155; www.battleofjacksoncrossroads.org) 17 — Earth Day Celebration, Baton Rouge (Downtown, 225-205-2680; www.laearthday.org) 17 — Laurel Valley Spring Event, Thibodaux (706 Hwy. 308, 985-446-7456; www.visitlafourche.com/event_calendar.php)
27- MAY 1 — Festival International de Louisiane, Lafayette (Downtown, 337-232-8086; www.festivalinternational.com) 28-MAY 1 — Thibodaux Volunteer Firemen’s Fair, Thibodaux (1101 Tiger Drive, 985-447-1986) 29 — Bunk Johnson Jazz Festival, New Iberia (SugArena, 713 Northwest Bypass, Hwy. 3212, 888942-3742) 29-30 — Cracklin’ Cookoff, Parks (Cecile Rousseau Poche Memorial Park, 337-288-3509; www.parkscracklincookoff.com) 29- MAY 1 — New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, New Orleans (Fair Grounds Race Course, 4104100; www.nojazzfest.com) 29- MAY 1 — Festival de la Prairie, Prairieville (St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 15208 Hwy. 73, 225-673-8307) 29- MAY 1 — New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, New Orleans (Fair Grounds Race Course, 4104100; www.nojazzfest.com) 29- MAY 1 — Cajun Fest, Marrero (Visitation of Our Lady School, 3520 Ames Blvd., 347-7248; www.cajunfest.vol.org) 29- MAY 1 — Italian Festival, Tickfaw (Our Lady of Pompeii Church baseball field, Boscoe Avenue, 800-542-7520) 29- MAY 1 — Etouffee Festival, Arnaudville (St. John Francis Regis Church, 370 Main St., 337-754-5912; www.johnfrancisregis.net/etouffee_festival.html) 29-MAY 1 — Tomato Festival, Chalmette (Our Lady of Prompt Succor, 2320 Paris Road, 271-2953; www. oplsschool.org/tomatofest.html) 29-MAY 1 — Little Red Church Food Fun Festival, Destrehan (St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 13396 River Road, 985-764-6383; www.archdiocese-no.org/scbparish) 30 — Jazz’n the Vines, Bush (81250 Old Military Road, Hwy. 1082, 985-892-9742; www.pontchartrainvineyards.com) 30 — Crawfish Etouffee Cook-off, Ville Platte (Belaire Cove Chapel, Belaire Cove Road, (Hwy. 1168, 337-363-3957; www.evangelinetourism.com/festivals)
03
PRODUCED BY FRERET MARKET
Saturday, April 2, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm FRERET STREET FROM NAPOLEON TO SONIAT
4 Music Stages 200 Vendors
showcasing local Arts, Crafts and Wearables
Festival Food Court
featuring New Orleans Restaurants and Local Chefs
Kids’ Activity Area
with Inflatables, Petting Zoo and a Maze Free Open-Air
Roller Derby Bout
FAIRS & FESTIVALS > bestofneworleans.com > marcH 29 > 2011
presented by The Big Easy Roller Girls
04
FRERET STAGE OCHSNER STAGE
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm The Help 1:40 pm - 2:50 pm Tanglers 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm Big Sam’s Funky Nation
ZEUS’ PLACE STAGE STAGE ZEUS’ PLACE 12:10 pm - 1:20 pm Debauche 2:10 pm - 3:20 pm Sunpie & Louisiana Sunspots
CURE STAGE CURE STAGE
3:50 pm - 5:00 pm Tin Men
12:10 pm - 1:30 pm Billy Iuso and Restless Natives 2:00 pm - 3:10 pm Creole String Beans 3:40 pm - 5:00 pm Los Poboycitos
FRERET MARKET STAGE STAGE FRERET MARKET 12:30 pm - 1:50 pm Lagniappe Brass Band 2:20 pm - 3:30 pm Free Agents Brass Band
N’Fungola Sibo Dance and Drum Parades and Stilt Walkers throughout the day.
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm 101 Runners
FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO www.freretstreetfestival.com SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:
FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO www.freretstreetfestival.com
FAIRS + FESTIVALS
Civil War Re-enactment and Open House in DeSoto Parish. PAGE 3
Westlake (St. John Bosco Church, 1301 Sampson St., 337-439-6585) 14 — Jazz’n the Vines, Bush (81250 Old Military Road, Hwy. 1082, 985-8929742; www.pontchartrainvineyards.com)
18 — Young Leadership Council Wednesday at the Square concert
24-28 — New Orleans Wine and Food Experience, New Orleans (Various locations, 529-9463; www.nowfe.com)
25 — Young Leadership Council Wednesday at the Square concert
series, New Orleans (Lafayette Square Park, 585-1500; www.wednesdayatthesquare.com) 26-29 — Jambalaya Festival, Gonzales (Civic Center, 219 S. Irma Ave., 225647-2937; www.jambalayafestival.org)
26- JUNE 5 — Cajun Heartland State Fair, Lafayette (337-265-2100; www.cajundome.com)
27-29 — Greek Festival, New Orleans (1200 Robert E. Lee Blvd., 282-0259; www.greekfestnola.com) 28 — Jazz’n the Vines, Bush (81250 Old Military Road, Hwy. 1082, 985-8929742; www.pontchartrainvineyards.com) 28 — Bunk Johnson Jazz Festival, New Iberia (St. Edward School, 175 Porter St.; City Hall, 457 E. Main St., 888-9423742; www.iberiatravel.com) 28-29 — Bayou Country Superfest,
1 — Young Leadership Council Wednesday at the Square concert series, New Orleans (Lafayette Square Park, 585-1500; www.www.wednesdayatthesquare.com)
3-4 — Cookin’ on the Cane BBQ Cookoff and Festival, Natchitoches (Downtown,
337-401-0883; www.natchitochesjaycees.com/bbq) 3-5 — Back to the Beach, Kenner (Kenner’s Laketown, Williams Boulevard at the lake, 836-2205; www.saveourlake.org) 3-5 — Spice and Music Festival, Opelousas (Downtown, 800-424-5442; www.opelousasspiceandmusicfestival.com) 3-5 — Bon Mange Festival, Gheens (1783 Hwy. 654; 985-537-5800) 3-5 — Buggy Festival, ChurchPoint (City Park, Lougarre Street, 337-684-2739; www.churchpointbuggyfestival.com) 4-5 — New Orleans Oyster Festival, New Orleans (French Quarter parking lot between Jax Brewery and Hard Rock Cafe, 835-6410; www.neworleansoysterfestival.org)
8 — Young Leadership Council Wednesday at the Square concert
series, New Orleans (Lafayette Square Park, 585-1500; www.wednesdayatthesquare.com) 10-12 — Louisiana Corn Festival, Bunkie (208 Pershing Ave., 318-346-2575) 10-12 — The Day the War Stopped, St. PAGE 7
FAIRS & FESTIVALS > bestofneworleans.com > marcH 29 > 2011
series, New Orleans (Lafayette Square Park, 585-1500; www.wednesdayatthesquare.com) 19-21 — Mayhaw Festival, Starks (Starks Mayhaw Festival Grounds, Hwy. 12 and Hwy. 109, 337-745-6297) 20-22 — Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo, New Orleans (Bayou St. John, www.thebayouboogaloo.com)
Baton Rouge (LSU Tiger Stadium, 800527-6843; www.bayoucountrysuperfest.com) 29 — Zydeco Extravaganza, Opelousas (Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino, 2235 Cresswell Lane Extension, 800-346-1958; www.zydecoextra.com)
05
FAIRS + FESTIVALS
Raphael Academy Educating the minds, bodies, & spirits of children with special needs
PAGE 5
Francisville (Various locations, 225-6354791; www.daythewarstopped.net) 11 — Jazz’n the Vines, Bush (81250 Old Military Road, Hwy. 1082, 985-892-9742; www.pontchartrainvineyards.com) 11 — Cajun Culture and Music Festival, Eunice (Downtown, 337-457-5601; www.eunice-la.com/festivals) 11-12 — Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival, New Orleans (Old U.S. Mint, 400 Esplanade Ave., 558-6100; www.jazzandheritage.org/events/lou) 11-12 — Creole Tomato Festival, New Orleans (French Market, 522-2621; www.frenchmarket.org)
15 — Young Leadership Council Wednesday at the Square concert series,
30-JULY 2 — Pecan Ridge Bluegrass Festival, Jackson (Pecan Ridge
Bluegrass Park, 4225 Hwy. 952, 225-6295852;www.sabinebluegrass.com)
30-JULY 4 — Erath 4th of July Celebration, Erath (Erath City Park, 337937-5585; www.erath4.com)
1-3 — Essence Music Festival, New Orleans (Louisiana Superdome, www.essencemusicfestival.com) 1-4 — Seafood Festival, Mandeville (Fontainebleau State Park, 67825 Hwy. 190, 985-624-9762; www.seafoodfest.com) 2 — Lebeau Zydeco Festival, Lebeau (Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 103 Lebeau Church Road, 337-623-0303) 8-10 — Catfish Festival, Des Allemands (St. Gertrude The Hot Air Balloon Championship will be held in Baton Rouge in August.
8-10 — San Fermin in Nueva Orleans, New Orleans (Three Legged Dog, 400 Burgundy St., 247-3714; www.nolabulls.com) 9 — Running of the Bulls, New Orleans (French Quarter, corner Conti and Burgundy streets, 247-3714; www.nolabulls.com) 15-16 — Natchitoches/NSU Folk Festival and Louisiana State Fiddle Championship, Natchitoches (Northwestern State University, Prather Coliseum, 318-357-4332; www.louisianafolklife.nsula.edu)
15-16 — Swamp Pop Music Festival,
Gonzales (Lamar Dixon Expo Center, 9039 St. Landry Road, 877-753-9990; www.swamppopmusicfest.com) 16 — Harvest Festival, Bush (81250 Old Military Road, Hwy 1082, 985892-9742; www.pontchartrainvineyards.com)
16-17 — Cajun French Music and Food Festival, Lake Charles (Burton
Coliseum, 7001 Gulf Hwy., 800-4567952; www.cfmalakecharles.org) 20-24 — Tales of the Cocktail, New Orleans (Various locations, 948-0511; www.talesofthecocktail.com) 28-30 — Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo, Grand Isle (615-0099; www.tarponrodeo.org) 29-30 — Marshland Festival, Lake Charles (Lake Charles Civic Center, 900 Lakeshore Drive, (337) 762-3876; www.marshlandfestival.com)
30-31 — Feliciana Hummingbird Celebration, St. Francisville (Various
locations, 800-488-6502; www.audubonbirdfest.com)
4-7 — Satchmo SummerFest, New Orleans
(Old U.S. Mint, 400 Esplanade Ave., 5225730; www.fqfi.org) 5-7 — Hot Air Balloon Championship, Baton Rouge (Pennington Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Road, 225933-2027; www.laballooning.com) 6 — White Linen Night, New Orleans (Various locations, 210-0224; www.cacno.org) 11-13 — Empire South Pass Tarpon Rodeo, Empire (Delta Marina, 317 Rose Marie Drive, 657-5116; www.lafishrodeo.com) 13 — Blessing of the Fleet, Chalmette (278-4242; www.visitstbernard.com) 13 — Red Dress Run, New Orleans (French Quarter, 889-HASH; www.neworleanshash.com) 13 — Dirty Linen Night, New Orleans (French Quarter, 453-3664)
17-21 — Shrimp Festival and Blessing of the Fleet, Delcambre (Shrimp Festival
Building, 441 E. Main St., 337-685-2653; www.shrimpfestival.net)
18-20 — Le Cajun French Music Association Festival & Awards Show,
Join Us for an Open House! SATURDAY, APRIL 2ND 10:00 AM until NOON (presentation to begin at 10:15 am) 517 SORAPARU STREET New Orleans, LA 70130 504-598-3227 Raphael Academy accepts children with Asperger’s, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Delay, ADD/ADHD and other learning differences.
For more information visit: www.raphaelacademy.org Email us at: info@raphaelacademy.org Raphael Academy admits students of any race, color, creed and national or ethnic origin.
Lafayette (Various locations, 800-3461958; www.cajunfrenchmusic.org) 25-28 — Duck Festival, Gueydon (Duck Festival Grounds, Main and First streets, 337-536-6456; www.duckfestival.org)
27 — Krewe of Oak’s Mid-Summer Mardi Gras Parade, New Orleans (Various locations, 866-9359)
27 — Jazz’n the Vines, Bush (81250 Old
Military Road, Hwy. 1082, 985-892-9742; www.pontchartrainvineyards.com) 31-SEPT. 5 — Southern Decadence, New PAGE 9
June 2-5, 2011 www.opelousasspiceandmusicfestival.com
FAIRS & FESTIVALS > bestofneworleans.com > marcH 29 > 2011
New Orleans (Lafayette Square Park, 585-1500; www.wednesdayatthesquare.com) 18 — Bicycle Festival, Abita Springs (Downtown Abita Springs, 985-8922624; www.labicyclefestival.com) 24-25 — Smoked Meat Festival, Ville Platte (Ville Platte Civic Center, 704 N. Soileau St., (337) 363-6700; www.smokedmeatfestival.com) 25 — Jazz’n the Vines, Bush (81250 Old Military Road, Hwy. 1082, 985-892-9742; www.pontchartrainvineyards.com) 25-26 — Crab Festival, LaCombe (John Davis Park, U.S. 190 and 12th Street, 985867-9490; www.lacombecrabcookofffestival.com)
Catholic Church, Hwy. 632, 985758-7542)
07
FAIRS + FESTIVALS PAGE 7
Orleans (French Quarter, www.southerndecadence.com)
1-5 — Shrimp and Petroleum Festival,
Morgan City (Downtown, 985-385-0703; www.shrimp-petrofest.org) 2-3 — Cane River Zydeco Festival, Natchitoches (Historic downtown district, 318-471-9960 or 318-354-0899; www.explorenatchitoches.com/eventsand-festivals) 3 — Drake Salt Works Festival, Goldonna (318-727-8860; www.explorenatchitoches.com/events-and-festivals or www.louisianatrails.org)
3 — Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Festival, Plaisance (Zydeco Park, Hwy. 167,
9-10 — Roastin’ with Rosie Barbecue Festival, Jennings (Grand Marais
Courtyard, 919 N. Lake Arthur Ave., 337821-5534; www.jeffdavis.org) 9-10 — Cajun Food Festival, Lydia (Weeks Park, 4412 Weeks Park Road, 337-365-5577)
9-11 — Bayou Lafourche Antique Show and Sale, Thibodaux (Warren J. Harang
Municipal Auditorium, 310 N. Canal Blvd., 985-413-1147; www.tawasi.net)
17 — Cajun French Music Association Cajun Music Festival, New Iberia (City Park, Parkview Drive, 337-364-7975 or 888942-3742)
21-25 — Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival,
New Iberia (Various venues, 337-3699323; www.hisugar.org) 22-25 — Alligator Festival, Luling (West Bank Bridge Park, 13825 River Road, 985783-5140; www.stcharlesgov.net)
24-25 — Congo Square New World Rhythms Festival, New Orleans (Old U.S.
Mint, 400 Esplanade Ave., 558-6100; www.jazzandheritage.org)
24-25 — Great Southern R.V. Park Bluegrass Fest, Angie (Great Southern
R.V. Park, Hwy. 21, 985-516-4680) 26 — La Fete d’Ecologie, Thibodaux (Jean Lafitte National Historic Park, 314 St. Mary St., 800-259-0869; www.lafourchetourism.org/event_calendar.php) 25 — Calca-Chew Food Festival, Lake Charles (St. Margaret Family Center, 103 17th St., 337-439-4585; www.visitlakecharles.org) 28-OCT 2 — Tangipahoa Parish Free Fair, Amite (400 Reid Ave., 985-229-3132; www.tangi-cvb.org) 30-OCT. 1 — Robeline Heritage Festival, Robeline (El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail, Hwy. 6, 800-2591714; www.robelineheritage.org) 30-OCT 2 — St. Tammany Parish Fair,
Artist Bruce Hume took home a red ribbon for his painting during last year’s inaugural Art in April with Champagne festival in Hammond.
Covington (St. Tammany Parish Fair Grounds, 1505 N. Florida St., 800-6349443; www.sttammanyparishfair.info)
1 — Art for Art’s Sake, New Orleans
(Various locations, 210-0224; www.neworleansartsdistrict.com) 1 — Jazz’n the Vines, Bush (81250 Old Military Road, Hwy. 1082, 985-8929742; www.pontchartrainvineyards.com) 1 — Antique Fall Festival, Denham Springs (Denham Springs Antique Village, N. Range Avenue, 225-6654666; www.denhamspringsantiquevillage.com) 1 — Okra Cookoff and Festival, St. Martinville (Evangeline Oak Park, 337394-2230) 1 — Shadows Arts and Crafts Festival, New Iberia (Shadows-on-the-Teche Plantation, 317 E. Main St., 877-2004924; www.shadowsontheteche.org) 1 — Festival of Quilts, Cottonport (Cottonport Museum & Cultural Center, 220 Cottonport Ave., 318876-3517) 1 — Hungarian Harvest Dance, Springfield (American Legion Hall, Hwy. 43, 225-567-3598; www.magyars.org) 1-2 — Germanfest, Robert’s Cove (7212 Roberts Cove Road, 337-334-8354; www.robertscovegermanfest.com) 2 — Sugarfest, Port Allen (West Baton Rouge Museum, 845 N. Jefferson Ave., 225-336-2422; www.westbatonrougemuseum.com) 2 — Angola Prison Rodeo, Angola (Louisiana State Penitentiary, Hwy. 66, 225-655-2030; www.angolarodeo.com) 5-8 — Jefferson Davis Parish Fair, Jennings (Jennings Fairgrounds, Hwy. 26 South, 337-824-1773) 7-9 — Gretna Heritage Festival, Gretna (Historic downtown, Fourth Street and Huey P. Long Ave., 361-7748; www.gretnafest.com) 7-9 — Gumbo Cookoff, New Iberia (337364-1836; www.iberiachamber.org/
Visitors to the Plaquemines Parish Fair and Orange Festival in Buras in December can try a variety of fruits at the citrus tasting booth. gumbo.php)
7-9 — Gumbo Festival, Bridge City (2594718; www.gumbofestival.org)
7-9 — Festivals Acadiens, Lafayette
(800-346-1958; www.festivalsacadiens.com)
7-9 — Voice of the Wetlands Festival,
Houma (800-688-2732; www. voiceofthewetlands.org)
7-9 — Cut Off Youth Center Fair, Cut
Off (985-632-7616; www.cutoffyouthcenter.org) 9 — Angola Prison Rodeo, Angola (Louisiana State Penitentiary, Hwy. 66, 225-655-2030; www.angolarodeo.com) 11-15 — Livingston Parish Fair, Livingston (Parish Fairgrounds, 13325 Florida Blvd., Hwy. 190, 225-686-1333) 11-16 — Cal-Cam Parish Fair, Sulphur (Cal-Cam Fairgrounds, 923 Lewis St., 337-527-9371) 13-16 — Louisiana Cattle Festival, Abbeville (Downtown, 337-652-0646; www.louisianacattlefestival.org) 13-16 — Cotton Festival, Ville Platte (1293 Lee St., 337-363-6367; www.louisianacottonfestival.com) 14-16 — Boucherie Festival, Sorrento (Ascension Civic Center, 9608 Airline Hwy., 225-675-5337; www.ascensiontourism.com)
14-16 — Crescent City Blues and Barbecue Festival, New Orleans
(Lafayette Square Park, 558-6100; www.jazzandheritage.org/events) 14-16 — International Acadian Fest, Plaquemine (C. M. “Mike” Zito MultiPurpose Center, 61755 Bayou Road, 225-659-7579; www.acadianfestival.org) 14-16 — Andouille Festival, LaPlace (St. John Community Center, 2900 Hwy. 51, 985-652-9569; www.andouillefestival.com)
14-20 — New Orleans Film & Video Festival, New Orleans (Various loca-
FAIRS & FESTIVALS > bestofneworleans.com > marcH 29 > 2011
337-942-2392; www.zydeco.org) 4 — Creole Zydeco Festival, St. Martinville (Adam Carlson Memorial Park, 800 Isadore Drive, 888-565-5939 or 337-3944635; www.cajuncountry.org) 5 — BooZoo’s Dog Hill Festival, Lake Charles (Lake Charles Civic Center, 900 Lakeshore Drive, 800-456-7952; www.visitlakecharles.org) 8-10 — Pecan Ridge Bluegrass Festival, Jackson (Pecan Ridge Bluegrass Park, 4225 Hwy. 952, 225-629-5852;www.sabinebluegrass.com/events/JacksonLa)
15-17 — Burlesque Festival, New Orleans (Various locations, 975-7425, www.neworleansburlesquefest.com) 16-17 — Meat Pie Festival, Natchitoches (Downtown Riverbank Stage, 800-2591714; www.meatpiefestival.com) 17 — Jazz’n the Vines, Bush (81250 Old Military Road, Hwy. 1082, 985-892-9742; www.pontchartrainvineyards.com)
09
tions, 309-6633; www.neworleansfilmsociety.org) 15 — Fall for Art, Covington (Downtown, 985-892-8650; www.sttammanyartassociation.org) 15 — Jazz’n the Vines, Bush (81250 Old Military Road, Hwy. 1082, 985-8929742; www.pontchartrainvineyards.com) 15-16 — Old Farmer’s Day, Loranger (Brunett Farms, 56136 Loranger Road, 985-878-2360; www.oldfarmersday.com) 15-16 — Fall Garden Show, New Orleans (New Orleans Botanical Gardens, City Park, 483-9386; www.neworleanscitypark.com/garden) 15-16 — Cajun Heritage Festival, LaRose (Larose Regional Park and Civic Center, 307 E. Fifth St., 985-693-7355; www.bayoucivicclub.org)
15-16 — Oak Alley Plantation Fall Arts & Crafts Festival, Vacherie (3645 Hwy.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS > bestofneworleans.com > marcH 29 > 2011
18, Great River Road, 800-442-5539; www.oakalleyplantation.com) 15-16 — Wooden Boat Festival, Madisonville (Mulberry and Water streets, 985-845-9200; www.woodenboatfest.org)
10
15-16 — Tailgating Cook-off & Fais Do Do, Loreauville (Loreauville Park, 601
Ed Broussard Road, 888-942-3742) 16 — Angola Prison Rodeo, Angola (Louisiana State Penitentiary, Hwy. 66, 225-655-2030; www.angolarodeo.com) 16 — Pepper Festival, St. Martinville (Evangeline Oak Park, 337-394-9396; www.pepperfestival.org)
16 — Laurel Valley Village Fall Festival,
Grand Isle Migratory Bird Celebration
Art by Donna Dittmann Ruby-throated Hummingbird and Crossvine
April 15, 16 and 17, 2011
Birdwatching, local hospitality and more • Birdwatching tours • Rich Island history • Bird art and bird crafts • Binoculars and field guides • Fun for families with children
Barataria-Terrbonne National Estuary Program • 800.259.0869 • http//grandisle.btnep.org
Canine Costume Contest & Trick or Treating (For Dogs!)
SaTurDay, OCTOber 22, 2011 4920 Tchoupitoulas Street 218-4098 www. canineconnectionnola.com
100% OF PrOCeeDS beneFiT La/SPCa
Thibodaux (Laurel Valley Plantation, Hwy. 308, 985-447-5216) 16 — Louisiana Tournoi, Ville Platte (Industrial Park, 337-826-3831 or 337363-3343; www.louisianatournoi.com) 19-22 — Washington Parish Free Fair, Franklinton (Washington Parish Fairgrounds, Main Street, 985-8397840; www.freefair.com) 20-22 — Rice Festival, Crowley (Downtown, 337-783-3067; www.ricefestival.com) 21-23 — Louisiana Gumbo Festival, Chackbay (326 Hwy. 304, 985-6332828; www.lagumbofest.com) 21-23 — Bucktown Seafood Festival, Metairie (1600 Lake Ave., 833-8224; http://bucktownseafoodfestival.com) 22 — Barktoberfest, New Orleans (Canine Connection, 4920 Tchoupitoulas St., 218-4098; www.-
FAIRS + FESTIVALS canineconnectionnola.com)
12-13 — Fall Festival, Destrehan
(Destrehan Plantation, 13034 River Road, 985-764-9315; www.destrehanplantation.org) 12-13 — Renaissance Festival, Hammond (46468 River Road, 985-429-9992; www.larf.org)
23 — International Heritage Celebration, Baton Rouge (275 S.
River Road, 225-930-0901; www.brcwa.com) 23 — Angola Prison Rodeo, Angola (Louisiana State Penitentiary, Hwy. 66, 225-655-2030; www.angolarodeo.com) 26-30 — Yambilee Festival, Opelousas (Yambilee Grounds, Hwy. 190, 337-948-8848; www.yambilee.com)
27-NOV. 6 — Greater Baton Rouge State Fair, Baton Rouge (16072 Airline
2-6 — LadyFest New Orleans, New
Orleans (Various locations, 949-3001; www.ladyfestneworleans.org) 4-6 — Louisiana Swine Festival, Basile (Various locations, 337-230-1479; www.laswinefestival.com) 5 — New Orleans Coffee Festival, New Orleans (Freret Market, Freret Street at Napoleon Avenue; www.neworleanscoffeefestival.com) 5 — Great Chili Challenge, New Iberia (City Park, 337-365-5471) 5 — Swamp Pop Music Festival, Robert (Hidden Oaks Family Campground, 21544 Hwy. 190 East, 985-345-9244 or 800- 359-0940; www.hiddenoaksfami-
lycampground.com)
5 — Mirliton Festival, New Orleans
(Markey Park, Piety and Royal streets, www.mirlitonfestival.com) 5 — Southdown Fall Festival, Houma (Southdown Plantation, 1208 Museum Drive, 985-851-0154; www.southdownmuseum.org) 5-6 — Black Pot Festival, Lafayette (Acadian Village, 200 Greenleaf Drive, 800-346-1958; www.blackpotfestival.com) 5-6 — Swamp Festival, New Orleans (Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St., 5814629; www.auduboninstitute.org) 5-6 — Shadows Civil War Encampment, New Iberia (Shadows-on-the-Teche Plantation, 317 E. Main St., 877-200-4924; www.shadowsontheteche.org) 5-6 — Renaissance Festival, Hammond (46468 River Road, 985-429-9992; www.larf.org) 5-6 — Celebration of the Giant Omelette, Abbeville (Magdalen Square, 337-8930013; www.giantomelette.org) 9-14 — Words & Music: A Literary Feast, New Orleans (586-1609; www.wordsandmusic.org) 10-13 — Cracklin’ Festival, Port Barre (337585-2827; wwwportbarrecracklinfestival.com) 11-13 — Westwego Cypress Swamp Fest, Westwego (341-1003) 11-14 — Frog Festival, Rayne (Gossen Memorial Blvd., Frog Festival Drive, 337366-2884; www.raynefrogfestival.com) 12 — Atchafalaya Basin Festival, Henderson (Henry Guidry Memorial Park, 103 Park Drive, 337-257-2444; www.atchafalayabasinfestival.org) 12 — Thibodeauxville Fall Fest, Thibodaux (Downtown, 985-446-1187; www.thibodauxchamber.com) 12-13 — Three Rivers Arts Festival, Covington (Columbia Street, 985-3279797; www.threeriversartfestival.com)
www.poboyfest.com)
16-20 — Fringe Festival, New Orleans (Various locations, 941-3640; www.nofringe.org) 19-20 — Renaissance Festival, Hammond (46468 River Road, 985-429-9992; www.larf.org) 19-20 — Civil War Living History Reenactment, Camp Moore (Hwy. 51,
985-229-2438; www.louisianatravel. com/camp-moore-confederate.museum.cemetery) 25-27 — Renaissance Festival, Hammond (46468 River Road, 985-429-9992; www.larf.org) 26 — Andrezejki NOLA, St. Andrews Day, New Orleans (Bacchanal, 600 Poland Ave., 247-3714; www.nolabulls.com) 26 — Bayou Classic, New Orleans (Louisiana Superdome, 587-3663; www.statefarmbayouclassic.com)
26-27 — Louisiana Indian Heritage Association Fall Powwow, Gonzales
(9039 St. Landry Road, 225-621-1700; www.liha-news.com)
ALL MONTH — Celebration in the Oaks,
New Orleans (City Park, 483-9415; www.neworleanscitypark.com)
ALL MONTH — Noel Acadien au Village,
Lafayette (Acadian Village, 200 Greenleaf Drive, 337-981-2364; www.acadianvillage.org)
2-4 — Plaquemines Parish Fair and Orange Festival, Buras (Fort Jackson, 220
Herbert Harvey Drive, 656-7599; www.orangefestival.com) 2-4 — Christmas Extravaganza, Covington (Covington Fairgrounds, 600 N. Hwy. 190, 985-796-5853; www.steinhauerproductions.com) 2-4 — Christmas in the Country, St. Francisville (Various locations, 225-6354224; www.stfrancisville.us) 3 — Bonfire on the Levee, Vacherie (Oak Alley Plantation, 3645 Hwy. 18, 800-4425539; www.oakalleyplantation.com) 3 — Christmas Festival Gumbo Cook-off, Jennings (Louisiana Oil and Gas Park, I-10 and Hwy. 26, 337-821-5532; www.cityofjennings.com)
Delcambre (Boat docks, 888-942-3742; www.delcambreboatparade.com) 3 — A Rural Life Christmas, Baton Rouge (Rural Life Museum, 4560 Essen Lane, 225-765-2437; http//appl027.rurallife.lsu.edu) 3-4 — Renaissance Festival, Hammond (46468 River Road, 985-429-9992; www.larf.org) 9-11 — Fire and Water Celebration, Arnaudville (1024 Cortableau St., 337453-3307; www.fireandwater.homestead.com) 9-11 — Festival of the Bonfires, Lutcher (Lutcher Recreation Park, Hwy. 3193, 800-367-7852; www.festivalofthebonfires.org) 10 — A Bayou Christmas, LaRose (Larose Regional Park and Civic Center, 985-6937355; www.bayoucivicclub.org) 10 — Bayou Christmas Boat Parade, Galliano (985-693-7355; www.bayoucivicclub.org) 10 — Baton Rouge Christmas Parade, Baton Rouge (800-527-6843)
10 — Madewood Christmas Heritage Festival, Napoleonville (Madewood
Plantation, 4250 Hwy. 308, 800-375-7151; www.madewood.com) 10-11 — Renaissance Festival, Hammond (46468 River Road, 985-429-9992; www.larf.org) 11 — St. Lucy Festival of Light, St. Martinville (St. Martin de Tours Church Square, S. Main St., 337-394-9404; www.stlucyfestival.com) 11 — Caroling in Washington Square, New Orleans (Washington Square Park, Dauphine and Frenchmen streets, 888312-0812; www.faubourgmarigny.org) 11 — Creole Christmas Bonfire, Baton Rouge (Magnolia Mound Plantation, 2161 Nicholson Drive, 225-343-4955; www.magnoliamound.org)
17 — Ala Bayou Terrebonne Christmas Boat Parade, Bourg (Starts at Bourg
Volunteer Fire Station, 4402 Hwy. 24, 800-688-2732; www.houmatourism.com)
18 — Caroling in Jackson Square & Home Tour, New Orleans (Various locations, 523-7047; www.patioplanters.org)
24 — Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Levee, Lutcher/Gramercy (Various loca-
tions, 800-367-7852; www.stjamesparish.com)
FAIRS & FESTIVALS > bestofneworleans.com > marcH 29 > 2011
Hwy., 225-755-3247; www.gbrsf.com) 28-30 — Voodoo Experience, New Orleans (City Park, www.thevoodooexperience.com) 28-30 — French Food Festival, LaRose (Larose Regional Park and Civic Center, 307 E. 5th St., 985-693-7355; www.bayoucivicclub.org) 29 — Jazz’n the Vines, Bush (81250 Old Military Road, Hwy. 1082, 985-892-9742; www.pontchartrainvineyards.com) 29 — Louisiana Book Festival, Baton Rouge (Spanish Town Road at N. Fourth Street, 225-219-9503; www.louisianabookfestival.org) 29-30 — Antique Street Fair, Slidell (Olde Towne Antique District, 985-641-6316; www.slidellantiques.com) 29-30 — Cajun Village Fallfest, Sorrento (6470 Hwy. 22, 225-675-5572; www.thecajunvillage.com) 30 — Angola Prison Rodeo, Angola (Louisiana State Penitentiary, Hwy. 66, 225-655-2030; www.angolarodeo.com) 30 — Feast on the Levee, Brusly (St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 402 S. Kirkland Drive., 225-749-2189; www.sjbbrusly.com)
The skies over Belle Chasse will be filled with flying machines during the N’awlins Air Show.
13 — Po-boy Preservation Festival, New Orleans (Oak Street,
3 — Christmas Bayou Boat Parade,
11
© 2010 Margaret Slade Kelley
Old Algiers RiverFest™
April 2 & 3, 2011
April 2 & 3 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Mardi Gras World-Westbank, 233 Newton Street Free live music honoring the New Orleans jazz tradition! Authentic New Orleans cuisine, local arts and crafts! Free shuttles from the Algiers ferry to the festival site!
More than 80 juried artists
Painting, Jewelry, Sculpture, Photography, Pottery and more
Food Court • Silent Auction • Live Music by Bobby Allison Children’s Activities Saturday & Sunday Celebrate the Gulf on Saturday features... Audubon Zoo Wetlands Express - Touch Tanks - Many Hands-on Activities Please visit www.grandbaynerr.org/community-programs
Saturday, April 2 3 Sunday, April 18 rs nte Hu wk ha Mo 12 noon 12 noon Thelonious Monk Mardi Gras Indian Institute Parade of Jazz Ensemble 12:45 p.m. Shades of Praise 12:45 p.m. Tuba Skinny Gospel Choir 1:45 p.m. Tommy Sancton’s 2:00 p.m. Leah Chase New Orleans Legacy 0 p.m. Rebirth Brass Band 3:0 nd Ba s as Br s 3:00 p.m. Algier p.m. Shamarr Allen & the 5 z 4:1 Jaz a ram no Pa . p.m 0 4:0 Underdawgs Band ’s 5:30 p.m. Dr. Michael White 5:15 p.m. Irvin Mayfield Liberty Jazz Band Quartet :
xhibitors
On-Site E
ct ere Proje Riversph enter C l a ic ed M Ochsner t Bank Wes ment edevelop Algiers R dation Foun
Children's Art Activities • Student Art Show Scholarships on Sunday For more information, visit www.artinthepass.com call (228-234-3812 or e-mail info@artinthepass.com
SPRING 2011
outdoor music concert Tasting Room Open Wednesday - Sunday 12-4pm
APRIL 2 Jon Cleary APRIL 16 Greensky Bluegrass APRIL 30 Gal Holiday &
the Honky Tonk Revue
MAY 14 MAY 28 JUNE 11 JUNE 25
Luther Kent Big Al & the Heavyweights Javier Guttierez & VIVAZ The Iguanas
6:30PM - 9PM • GATES OPEN@ 5:30PM ADMISSION: $10/person Do not bring outside wine, beer or spirits. Sorry, no pets. Arnie Fielkow, Jacquelyn B. Clarkson MCC Group, L.L.C.
Regina Bartholemew, Attorney-At-Law; James Carter, Attorney-At-Law, Crescent River Port Pilots, Dauphine Orleans Hotel, Fifth District Savings Bank, Sen. David Heitmeier, Lakewood Golf Club, Marriott Convention Center, Sen, J.P. Morrell, St.Louis Hotel, Wyndam Riverfront Hotel, Woodward Design+Build, Village Aurora
Visit www.oldalgiersriverfest.com for details!
81250 Hwy. 1082 • just north of Covington, LA.
For more info & schedule: www.pontchartrainvineyards.com 985-892-9742