Louisiana in Spring

Come see Louisiana at its most colorful. Hear jazz melodies wafting through open windows, while the scent of blooming azaleas from gardens and Cajun spices from kitchens fill the air. Festival season is in full swing, with the streets coming alive to celebrate everything from blues music to crawfish.

Music Festivals 

Marvel at the arrival of spring in Louisiana by immersing yourself in diverse music celebrations, where every beat brings people together. New Orleans bursts with music during the French Quarter Festival, the largest free music extravaganza in the nation, and then again just weeks later for the world-renowned Jazz Fest. 

Festival International de Louisiane is a testament to Lafayette's rich cultural tapestry, blending French, Creole and Cajun influences into a five-day celebration. Jazz originated from Louisiana and is honored with live concerts during the Natchitoches Jazz R&B Festival every May. The state has also played an important role in the popularity of blues music, so enjoy free concerts at the Baton Rouge Blue Festival. 

Food Celebrations 

Toast the season’s bounty by indulging in Louisiana's spring food fests and farmers markets, where local chefs and home cooks showcase the best of the Bayou State's cuisine. Try tasty crawfish at the Mud Bug Boil Off in Thibodaux, Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival, Louisiana Crawfish Festival in St. Bernard Parish or year-round at any of the spots along the Bayou Country Crawfish Trail around Houma. 

Come hungry to other foodie celebrations like the Amite Oyster Festival, Hammond Smokin' BBQ Challenge, Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival and Tickfaw's Italian Festival. Visit Shreveport-Bossier puts on its 318 Restaurant Week every March, with special menus and nightly experiences at participating restaurants. 

Other Spring Events 

Every spring weekend brings a new reason to gather in Louisiana. At the Rayne Frog Festival, enjoy Southern cuisine, live music and plenty of frog-inspired fun at one of the state’s most beloved small-town get-togethers. Held at the Vernon Parish Fairgrounds, the Louisiana Moonshine Festival offers a blend of musical performances, tastings and family-friendly activities.

Be awed as hot air balloons take to the sky at the Washington Parish Balloon Festival or at hundreds of masterpieces at the Chauvin Folk Art Festival. Numerous spring festivals celebrate the nice weather with food, music and games, including ones at Afton Villa Gardens in St. Francisville.

Cultural Trails 

With the temperature remaining mild, spring is the perfect time to trek to historically and culturally significant spots. From courthouses to churches and schools, the Louisiana Civil Rights Trail preserves the legacy of those who fought for equality and progress, while museums and landmarks along the African American Heritage Trail tell stories of resilience, creativity and achievements that shaped history.

The Louisiana Film Trail offers a behind-the-scenes look at the rich cinematic past that has made the state a favorite filming destination. Exploring the Louisiana Music Trail reveals the venues, streets and musicians that brought jazz, blues, zydeco, Cajun and other genres from local clubs to global stages. Traveling the Wetlands Cultural Byway connects visitors with the natural beauty and cultural treasures of Louisiana’s coastal communities.

Fishing Trips 

As the weather warms, Louisiana's waterways come alive, offering anglers prime opportunities to catch redfish, speckled trout and flounder in both inshore and offshore waters. Grand Isle's diverse ecosystems, from marshes to beaches, provide anglers with a variety of fishing experiences, making it a top destination for spring fishing enthusiasts.

Whether you're casting from a boat or fishing from the shore, Lake Pontchartrain provides accessible fishing spots near New Orleans. At the Louisiana-Texas border, Toledo Bend Reservoir offers unmatched trophy bass fishing. Get access to the fish-filled waters from North or South Toledo Bend State Park — two of almost two dozen state parks in Louisiana that all offer epic fishing. 

Outdoor Tours 

Mild temperatures allow for comfortable outdoor tours that showcase the best of the state’s heritage and charm. Popular walking tours of New Orleans’ French Quarter and Garden District offer visitors a close-up look at the city’s rich history and vibrant architecture. Glide along the mighty Mississippi River by riverboat or through the winding bayous on airboat or kayak tours.

Visit historic homes like Oak Alley, Houmas House and Whitney Plantation for immersive looks at the 19th-century lives of those who lived there and the enslaved who worked in the fields. Head to Avery Island for a guided tour of the famed TABASCO® Factory and the nearby Jungle Gardens.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spring in Louisiana

What is the weather like in Louisiana during the spring? 

During the spring months, Louisiana experiences mild mornings, sunny afternoons, rising humidity and frequent rain showers with the occasional thunderstorm.

What should I pack for a vacation to Louisiana in spring? 

Since Louisiana’s spring weather can shift from sun-filled to stormy in a single day, packing a mix of lightweight clothing and rain gear is essential. Temperatures during the day can warm up, especially with the added humidity, so bring short-sleeved shirts and shorts to stay cool.

What are the top spring festivals in Louisiana? 

Springtime in festival time in Louisiana. From jazz and crawfish to art and heritage, spring in Louisiana is filled with lively festivals that showcase the spirit and flavor of the region. Top festivals include Jazz Fest and French Quarter Fest in New Orleans, Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival and Louisiana Peach Festival in Ruston, Festival International de Louisiane in Lafayette, and the Rayne Frog Festival.