Things to Do in Louisiana This Month
No matter the season, there's always something to celebrate in Louisiana.
From lively arts-and-culture celebrations to buzzing music festivals, here’s how to spend April in Louisiana.
Louisiana comes alive during the spring. Magnolia blossoms unfold, Cajun-spiced crawfish boils steam and lively parades roll through the streets. It’s the season for street fairs, music fests and farmers markets. Go on a pick-your-own berry adventure, paddle our bayous or try a new waterfront restaurant.
EggstravaganZoo
April 3-5
Broussard
Catch the last pastel-streaked weekend of EggstravaganZoo, a month-long celebration at Zoosiana where Easter fun meets wild encounters. Enjoy festive activities like an Easter-themed scavenger hunt, meet the Easter Bunny or make fun crafts. Best of all, the event is included with regular admission.
Keep the family fun going at Moncus Park for open green space and playgrounds, or head to Acadiana Center for the Arts to explore rotating exhibits centering contemporary regional artists. If you’re ready to refuel, grab a casual Cajun meal at Prejean’s.
Louisiana Lao New Year Festival
April 3-5
Broussard
Celebrate the Year of the Horse at the Louisiana Lao New Year Festival. Held annually over Easter weekend, explore Laotian culture, cuisine and traditions at this three-day festival. Watch vibrant lamvong and fon dances, explore exquisite textiles and rattan goods and dine on delicious dishes like pho.
While you’re in the area, see adorable critters at Zoosiana or catch the Easter Bunny stirring up some fun. Or savor a sunny spring day at Cypress Island Preserve, where you can hike, bike or birdwatch around Lake Martin.
French Quarter Easter Parade
April 5
New Orleans
Experience the French Quarter Easter Parade, a joyful celebration filled with glamorous attire and shades of butter yellow, sky blue and mint. This longstanding tradition was founded by local legend Chris Owens and honors her life and legacy. Whether you bring the family or go with friends, watch vibrant floats, charming performances and brassy marching bands stroll by.
Stick around the area to explore Jackson Square, known for its stunning architecture — like the St. Louis Cathedral. Nearby is the famous French Market, where you can grab delicious drinks and peruse an open-air market with handmade goods, souvenirs and tasty Louisiana spices.
Hogs for the Cause
April 10-11
New Orleans
At New Orleans’ annual Hogs for the Cause, sample sizzlin’ pork dishes, from spice-glazed ribs to bacon-wrapped tenderloin. If incredible food isn’t enough of a draw, groove to the soulful sounds of Stephen Wilson Jr., East Nash Grass and Buffalo Traffic Jam. See the lineup here.
When you’re not jamming to live music, experience the Crescent City’s unforgettable culture. Learn about the sacred practice of Voodoo at the Voodoo Spiritual Temple, take a carriage tour of the mystic French Quarter or stroll through verdant paths at New Orleans City Park.
Books Along the Teche Literary Festival
April 10-12
New Iberia
Love BookTok? Turn pages IRL at Books Along the Teche Literary Festival, where you can learn from a host of Southern writers — including Rick Bragg, author of the bestselling memoir “The Best Cook in the World.” Have little ones? Spark their creativity at the Children’s Book Fair, where they can meet local children’s authors, glimpse the sun with an astronomer and jam to live Cajun music.
While you’re experiencing Iberia Parish, take a TABASCO® Factory Tour. The hot red sauce livens up Southern staples like gumbo, hot chicken and collard greens. Watch the bottling process from start to finish, learn how the famous sauce began and take home a few spicy souvenirs from the gift shop.
Plan your visit to Iberia Parish.
Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival
April 10-12
Ponchatoula
Find strawberry fields forever at the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival. Celebrate the beloved fruit — and the farmers that grow them — at the largest free harvest celebration in the state. Jam to live music, dine on delicious food and drinks and compete in a berry fun strawberry eating contest.
Explore nearby Hammond, whose historic district highlights the food and culture Tangipahoa Parish is known for. Stroll through downtown’s art galleries, boutiques and antique stores, or explore Hammond Regional Art Center’s latest exhibition.
French Quarter Festival
April 16-19
New Orleans
Let your joie de vivre ring true at French Quarter Fest. Fantastic food and masterful melodies have colored this kaleidoscopic block party for more than 40 years. Admission is free, and you’ll find great music and dancing at each stage.
After a weekend of revelry, make your way to the French Market, where the original Café Du Monde still stands. Alongside a serving of pillowy beignets, order a frozen café au lait, a modern twist on the chicory-spiced drink that brought the establishment to fame.
Baton Rouge Blues Festival
April 17-18
Baton Rouge
Vocalist Willie Dixon once said the blues are the roots of music — and where else to hear them live than at the Baton Rouge Blues Festival? Jam to the sweet sounds of slide guitar and the warm, whining tone of harmonicas from more than 50 artists. This two-day event is free to attend.
Downtown, you’ll find the city’s lively art scene. The Baton Rouge Gallery showcases contemporary works, like can’t-miss photography, sculptures and stained-glass exhibitions. Or visit a few sites on the Louisiana Music Trail.
La Fête Du Monde
April 17-19
Raceland
Welcome to Louisiana’s three-day swamp pop extravaganza. Raceland’s La Fête Du Monde combines the rhythm and blues of New Orleans jazz with the Delta’s smooth, Southern twang. Enjoy carnival rides and Cajun food by day and a two-step twirl by night.
Experience the area’s natural beauty at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Stop by the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center for a deep dive into the marshes of Bayou Lafourche. Then, embark on an adventurous hike or boat tour.
Take a trip to Lafourche Parish.
New Iberia Spanish Festival
April 17-19
New Iberia
Love celebrating culture? Explore the New Iberia Spanish Festival, which honors Spain’s influence on the region. Rank the best paella and tapas dishes at a cook-off, groove to dozens of live bands and check out on-site genealogy exhibits.
While you’re in the area, tour Shadows-on-the-Teche, a historic home that explores the lived experiences of enslaved people whose labor upheld the sugarcane industry.
Plan your visit to Iberia Parish.
Tomato Festival
April 17-19
Chalmette
Kick off spring Creole-style at Chalmette’s Tomato Festival. Relish delicious offerings like jambalaya, tomato-a-la-Chalmette, grilled oysters and crawfish fried rice, and see live blues, rock and country performances. Enjoy carnival rides and see the crowning of new festival royalty at a pageant, too.
While you’re in town, check out the area’s heritage at Chalmette Battlefield or the Malus-Beauregard House. Walk among tall, ancient oaks dripping with Spanish moss as you learn about the 1815 Battle of New Orleans and view the 100-foot-tall Chalmette Monument. After touring the grounds, refuel at the iconic Arabi Food Store with traditional po’boys and muffulettas.
Learn more about St. Bernard Parish.
This Is Home Fest
April 18
Lake Charles
This Is Home Fest celebrates the culture of Southwest Louisiana, which centers around music like electric funk, smooth jazz and rhythmic zydeco. Nosh on local cuisine, and bring little ones to the Kids Zone for face painting, accessible play stations and a petting zoo.
After the festival, head to Sabine National Wildlife Refuge for time in the sunshine. Hike the Wetland Walkway or Blue Goose Trail for stunning coastal landscapes and opportunities to see and photograph alligators, waterfowl and butterflies.
Festival International de Louisiane
April 22-26
Lafayette
Imagine: You’re enjoying crisp, caramelized plantains while French pantomimes perform in the distance. On stage is an African band. It’s not EPCOT — it’s Festival International de Louisiane, a 5-day celebration in the heart of Lafayette. Admission is free.
Explore the area’s rich natural beauty, too. Located 10 minutes from downtown Lafayette is Acadiana Park Campground, which offers 6 miles of hiking trails and 150 acres of forest to camp within.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
April 23-May 3
New Orleans
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is one of the city’s most anticipated annual events, praised for its music lineup, food vendors and cultural exhibitions. In fact, more than 40,000 people — many from around the world — attend each year. Taste sweet-and-fruity mango freeze, see the legendary Stevie Nicks and learn more about Native American culture.
If you didn’t get enough of the city’s delicious food at the festival, grab lunch at The Munch Factory (a Creole eatery loved by the likes of Beyoncé) before grabbing a bananas Foster at Brennan’s, a world-famous restaurant.
Ouachita Riverfest
April 24-25
Monroe
For one night, the Ouachita River is yellow — with rubber ducks, at least. At Ouachita River Fest, shop from local artisans, picnic with food truck fare and see the legendary rubber duck drop. Bring a blanket, too, and enjoy the sounds of live music all day long.
Later, soak up nature from the observation decks at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, where you can embark on a sunny spring hike or birdwatch in the bayou.
Wine Down on False River
April 24-25
New Roads
Find Napa Valley luxury at Wine Down on False River. Sip select wines paired with upscale local cuisine; browse art markets and jam to live music — all along the city’s enchanting Main Street. Get tickets here.
No weekend in the New Roads is complete without pastries from Dough & Joe, a specialty café with goods like Bananas Foster donuts and amaretto lattes. Later, enjoy a spring hike along False River, a winding stretch of goldenrod-dotted trails.
Learn more about Pointe Coupee Parish.
Azalea Trail
Spring
Lafayette
Have a sunny day to spare? Explore Lafayette’s fuchsia-lined Azalea Trail. Spot the vibrant Southern perennial, which is typically in bloom from March through May, along 20 miles of historic neighborhoods.
21 Beautiful State Parks & Preserves
Statewide
Louisiana is home to 21 beautiful state parks filled to the brim with fun family experiences. As temperatures rise and foliage blooms, consider the state’s exciting hiking, biking and paddle trails. Or book a getaway at one of our lovely cabins!
Make Plans for Louisiana This Month
Whether it's one of our many exciting festivals or an adventure in the great outdoors, there is always something unique to experience in Louisiana. Be sure to check our calendar of events for the most up-to-date list of festivities.
