Louisiana Festivals for August of 2010

Satchmo SummerFest August 5-8, 2010, Old U.S. Mint, 400 Esplanade Ave. Celebrates Louis Armstrong with outdoor concerts, seminars, children’s activities, a club crawl and second-line parade.

National Hot Air Balloon Championships August 6, 2010, Baton Rouge, Pennington Center and BREC’s Perkins Road Park. The Southeast Regional and Louisiana State Hot Air Balloon competitions, liftoffs, fireworks, music, kids’ activities. (225) 933-2027, Official site

Great American Seafood Cook-Off, August 7-9, 2010, New Orleans Morial Convention Center, downtown New Orleans. Delicious seafood and culinary challenges.

Whitney White Linen Night Aug 7, 2010, New Orleans, Contemporary Arts Center and Warehouse Arts District. Gallery openings, food and music. Official website

New Orleans International Children’s Film Festival No date set, Savvy Gourmet, 4523 Magazine St. Daytime Screenings are free. Saturday and Sunday: 10:30 a.m. Showcasing more than 100 short films from around the world made for children and teens. Official website.

DecaFest, New Orleans, French Quarter and CBD. Theater music, films, literary and culinary events, benefiting HIV/AIDS and LGBT community organizations.

Visit our New Orleans, French Quarter Hotels, while in town for the Festivals.  The Hotel St. Pierre and Andrew Jackson Hotel are steps from the world famous Bourbon Street, French Market and Jackson Square. French Quarter Inns welcomes you to enjoy delightful guestrooms located amid centuries-old, landscaped courtyards & authentic Creole architecture. Book online for our best French Quarter Hotel Louisiana Festivals-Summer & August 2010 rates and specials. Easy on-line French Quarter Hotel reservations or call us at 504-524-4401 or 1-800-225-4040!

Louisiana Festivals for June of 2010

Church Point Buggy Festival June 5-7, 2010, City Park. Accordion-playing contest, Cajun music, buggy and horse-drawn carriage parade, food, rides and a children’s French-speaking contest. (337) 684-2739, Official site.

Opelousas Spice and Music Festival May 30, June 5 – 7, 2010, Evangeline Downs Racetrack. Cajun and zydeco music, food, rides, pageant parade. Official site.

Cajun Day Festival June 12, 2010, St. Rose, American Legion Hall, 12188 River Road. Celebration of Cajun culture with music, dancing, food and family fun.

Bayou Liberty Pirogue Races No date set, Slidell, St. Genevieve Boat Launch. Races for men, women, children and “Yankees,” along with crafts, food and games.

Juneteenth Freedom Festival June 11 – 13, 2010, Louisiana Square, downtown Donaldsonville. Family entertainment, concerts, cultural programs, the “Real Men Who Cook Contest,” crafts and art displays.

Louisiana Seafood Festival June 12 – 13, 2010, New Orleans, Jackson Square and French Quarter locations. Music, cooking demonstrations, tastings, cookbook signings, vendors.

Great French Market Creole Tomato Festival June 12 – 13, 2010, New Orleans, French Market. Cooking demonstrations, tomato tastings, food and music. Official site

Mandeville Purple Martin Festival, June 31, 2010, 6-8 p.m., Gazebo on the Lakefront in Old Mandeville. Jazz music, Purple Martini’s, snowballs and books.

Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival June 12 – 13, 2010, New Orleans, French Market, Food, cooking demonstrations, crafts, art market and music.  Official site.

Louisiana Bicycle Festival June 19, 2010, Abita Springs, UCM Museum, 22275 Louisiana 36. Antique bicycle exhibits, bicycle flea market, food, music bike contests. Official site.

Le Festival de Viande Boucanee June 25- 26, 2010, Ville Platte. Smoked meat festival with food booths, music, heritage expo, cooking contest and demonstrations.

Louisiana Peach Festival, June 25-27, Ruston, La. Headline entertainer is country group Shenandoah. Official site

Erath Fourth of July Celebration July 30 – July 4, 2010, downtown. 60th annual celebration with fireworks, barbecue cook-off, rides, watermelon-eating contest, water fights, fais do-do, music, food. Official site

Visit our New Orleans, French Quarter Hotels, while in town for the Festivals.  The Hotel St. Pierre and Andrew Jackson Hotel are steps from the world famous Bourbon Street, French Market and Jackson Square. French Quarter Inns welcomes you to enjoy delightful guestrooms located amid centuries-old, landscaped courtyards & authentic Creole architecture. Book online for our best French Quarter Hotel Louisiana Festivals-Summer 2010 rates and specials. Easy on-line French Quarter Hotel reservations or call us at 504-524-4401 or 1-800-225-4040!

Louisiana Festivals for September of 2010

Southern Decadence Festival Sept. 1-6, 2010, French Quarter. Gay and lesbian festival with dances, street parties, talent shows, costume contest and a parade. Visit the Official site

New Orleans Burlesque Festival, Sept. 17-19, 2010, New Orleans, La. Performances and workshops. Official site

Annual Alligator Day September 19, 2010, Hammond, Kliebert Alligator and Turtle Farm. Tours, alligator racing, music, food. (800) 854-9164. Official site

Gospel Fest, Sept. 19, 2010, Congo Square, The Gospel Fest will feature over fifteen choirs, vendors selling beverages, food, goodies and specialty items of all sorts.

Alligator Festival September 24-26, 2010, Luling/Boutte, Luling-Destrehan Bridge, Louisiana 310. Rides, food, alligator displays, poker run, family fun. 985-785-4545 Official site

Oktoberfest New Orleans, Degas House. German food and beer with music by Julie Council and German Jubilee Band.

American Whiskey Fest, New Orleans, La. Pairing the Nation’s Best Master Distillers with Distinctive New Orleans Cuisine and Supports the Southern Food and Beverage Museum.

Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival New Iberia, City Park. Parades, agricultural exhibits, rides, fais do-do, art, livestock and flower shows. (888) 942-3042. Official site

The Hotel St. Pierre and Andrew Jackson Hotel are steps from the world famous Bourbon Street, French Market and Jackson Square. French Quarter Inns welcomes you to enjoy delightful guestrooms located amid centuries-old, landscaped courtyards & authentic Creole architecture. Book online for our best French Quarter Hotel Louisiana Festivals for September of 2010 rates and specials. Easy on-line French Quarter Hotel reservations or call us at 504-524-4401 or 1-800-225-4040!

Louisiana Festivals for May of 2010

Cinco de Mayo Festival, May 5, 2010. New Orleans, Tomatillo’s. 437 Esplanade Ave. Block party on Frenchmen Street, Latin bands, food, pinata contests, face painting, games, vendors and Mexican art, 945-9997

Whitney Zoo-To-Do May 7, 2010, 7:30 p.m. – midnight. Audubon Zoo, New Orleans. Entertainment, online and silent auction, luxury vehicle raffle, cuisine from local restaurants.

Saints and Sinners GLBT Literary Festival May 13-16, 2010. New Orleans, Bourbon Orleans Hotel and other French Quarter locations. Writing workshops, literary panel discussions, readings and theater. 581-1144. for visit their website here.

Greek Festival May 28-30, 2010, New Orleans, Hellenic Cultural Center, 1200 Robert E. Lee Blvd. Greek food, dancing, children’s activities, 5K race, music, cathedral tours and a gift shop. 282-0259, Official Website

New Orleans String Project Crawfish Boil New Orleans, Burke Park, Annunciation Street, between 2nd and 3rd streets. Food, classical and jazz music, raffle and children’s games. 228-0787 Visit the official website here.

New Orleans Banjo Rendez-Vous Metairie, Four Points Sheraton Hotel, 6401 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Music festival for banjo players, with workshops and seminars, jam sessions, evening concerts and vendors.

Jammin’ on Julia French Quarter, New Orleans. Art, Music & Food–Dance to the tunes of the 60’s. Enjoy viewing the 60’s automobiles on site.

Ford Fest Three Ring Circus, 1638 Clio Street. (504) 569- 2700. Two different stages, music and free food. Performances start at 9:30 P.M. Website

Nawlins Air Show Belle Chasse, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base. Aircraft displays, performances by U.S. Navy Blue Angels Jet Demonstration Team, the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team and the U.S. Army Golden Knights free-fall demonstration team.

The Porch 7th Ward Festival New Orleans, 1910 Urquhart St. Food, music, children’s activities and a resource fair. 401-1836

Abita Springs Crawfish Festival Abita Springs Tourist Park. Crawfish, Creole food, music and children’s activities. (985) 892-2065

Broadmoor Fest 2008 South Galvez at Napoleon Avenue. Music, food, crafts, children’s activities and a silent auction. 914-9989

Pastries and Poboys: Brunch in the Garden New Orleans Botanical Garden at the Plano Demonstration Garden Patio. 1 Palm Drive, New Orleans, La. Sunday events which will be held outdoors and will feature pastries from La Louisianne, po-boys, cocktails and music from local bands. 504·482·4888

Summer Sippin Wine Tasting New Orleans Botanical Garden at the Conservatory. 1 Palm Drive, New Orleans, La. Local food and beverage vendors. Wine tasting events, music and entertainment and the opportunity to mingle with garden experts. 504·482·4888

Italian Cultural & Heritage Festival  New Orleans, Piazza d-Italia. Food, artists’ village, entertainment. 962-7260

The Hotel St. Pierre and Andrew Jackson Hotel are steps from the world famous Bourbon Street, French Market and Jackson Square. French Quarter Inns welcomes you to enjoy delightful guestrooms located amid centuries-old, landscaped courtyards & authentic Creole architecture. Book online for our best French Quarter Hotel Louisiana Festivals for May of 2010 rates and specials. Easy on-line French Quarter Hotel reservations or call us at 504-524-4401 or 1-800-225-4040!

Louisiana Festivals for April of 2010

NOLA Pyrate Week March 26-April 4, 2010, New Orleans. and other locations. Art, music, food, merchandise, pub crawl, general swashbuckling for pirates and pirate lovers alike. Events benefit local charities.

Laotian New Year’s Festival April 2, 2010. New Iberia, Wat Thammarattanaram Temple (337) 364-3403 www.cityofnewiberia.com Parade, rides, food, music, kids activities.

Crescent City Classic April 3, 2010, New Orleans. (504) 861-8686 www.ccc10k.com One of the world’s great 10K races, the Crescent City Classic is an Easter Weekend Tradition, not only in New Orleans, but in the world, because it runs on a flat, fast, 6.2 mile course.

Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival April 9-11, 2010. Ponchatoula, Memorial Park. (800) 917-7045, (985) 370-1889 www.lastrawberryfestival.com Rides, music, games, strawberry-eating and -cooking contests, food and antiques.

French Quarter Festival. April 9-11, 2010, 2010. New Orleans, French Quarter. (504) 522-5730 www.frenchquarterfestivals.org Music on 15 outdoor stages, world’s largest jazz brunch, patio tours, art shows and music workshops.

Annual Spring Garden Show April 10-11, 2010. (504) 483-9386 garden.neworleanscitypark.com City Park Botanical Gardens. Horticultural exhibits throughout the Garden, sales of plant and garden products, educational speakers, kids area plant health clinic.

Great Louisiana Bird Fest April 16-18, 2010. Northlake Nature Center, Mandeville. (985) 626-1238. northlakenature.org Birding trips through Louisiana’s various avian habitats in the springtime “when many species are migrating north through Louisiana from Mexico and South America.”

Grand Isle Migratory Bird Celebration April 16-18, 2010, Grand Isle. 985-787-2997 grandisle.btnep.org Celebration for birdwatchers and nature lovers with bird-watching tours, food, crafts, exhibits, videos, and birding trail maps and seminars.

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. April 23 – May 2, 2010. New Orleans, Fair Grounds racetrack. (504) 410-4100. www.nojazzfest.com Music, contemporary and traditional crafts, food, educational workshops.

The Hotel St. Pierre and Andrew Jackson Hotel are steps from the world famous Bourbon Street, French Market and Jackson Square. French Quarter Inns welcomes you to enjoy delightful guestrooms located amid centuries-old, landscaped courtyards & authentic Creole architecture. Book online for our best French Quarter Hotel Louisiana Festivals for April of 2010 rates and specials. Easy on-line French Quarter Hotel reservations or call us at 504-524-4401 or 1-800-225-4040!

Louisiana Festivals for October of 2010

Oktoberfest September 26 and every Friday and Saturday in October, 2010. New Orleans, Deutsches Haus, 200 S. Galvez St. Traditional German music, dancing, food and drink. 522-8014. Official site.

Denham Springs Olde Downtown Antique Festival Oct 2, 2010, downtown. Antiques and collectibles, entertainment, food and children’s activities. (225) 665-4666. Official site.

Ponchatoula Quilt & Art Expo Oct. 8, 2010, Ponchatoula, 154 W. Pine Street. 200 quilts in outdoor display, raffle quilt, fat quarter stroll, Hoffman challenge, merchants mall, exhibits, demonstrations, children’s activities by the alligator cage, oral quilt appraisals, free parking, handicap accessible. 9 am to 4 pm. (225) 667-5634, Official site

World Championship Gumbo Cook-off Oct. 8 – 10, 2010, New Iberia, Bouligny Plaz. Food Festival and gumbo cook-off with music and samplings. (337)354-1836, Official site

Festivals Acadiens Oct. 8 – 10, 2010, Girard Park and downtown Lafayette. A combination of festivals includes Downtown Alive!, the Louisiana Craft Fair, the Bayou Food Festival and Festival de Musique Acadienne. Zydeco and Cajun music, Cajun and Creole food, native crafts, special events, folk-life exhibits. (800) 346-1958, Official site

Jefferson River Road Art and Cultural Foundation “Second Saturday Festival” Oct. 9, 2010, Harahan Recreational Complex, Corner Hickory Avenye and Colonial Club Drive. With art, music, and food. For more information call (504) 250-1659

Art in Autumn Gardens Art Festival Oct. 9 – 10, 2010, Darrow, Houmas House Plantation and Gardens, 40136 River Road. Art show with demonstrations, entertainment, booths, music and tours of the plantation. (225) 473-7841, Official site

New Orleans Film Festival October 14 – 21, 2010, Contemporary Arts Center & other locations. Local, national and international film and video screenings, workshops, seminars and social events. 309-6633, Official site

Louisiana Gumbo Festival Oct 15 – 17, 2010, Chackbay, Choupic Fairgrounds, Highway 304, north of Thibodaux. Cajun food, music, dancing, rides, gumbo cook-off, parade and auction. (985) 633-7789, Official site

Wild Things Oct. 16, 2010. Lacombe, Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. Wildlife festival during National Wildlife Refuge week with exhibits, games, boat and canoe tours, food, contests, a youth wildlife art contest and show. (985) 882-2000. Official site

Oak Alley Plantation Fall Arts & Crafts Festival Oct. 16 – 17, 2010, Oak Alley Plantation, Vacherie, LA. Call 1 (800) 44ALLEY for more information. Official site

Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival Oct. 23 – 24, 2010. Water Street along the Tchefuncte River. Boat-building demonstration and contests, marine auction, entertainment, flea market, food, crafts and music. (985) 845-9200 or (985) 892-0520. Official site

VooDoo Music Experience October 29, 30, 31, 2010, New Orleans, City Park, behind New Orleans Museum of Art. The huge music festival with seven stages, more than 150 bands, the Preservation Hall Tent and bingo! Parlor, food booths, interactive games andd crafts. Voodoo Fest news.

Krewe of Boo Parade October 30, 2010, New Orleans, La. Parade follows traditional Uptown Mardi Gras route. Official site

Halloween, Oct. 31, 2010.

Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival: Oct. 2010, Dates TBD, New Orleans, Lafayette Square Park. Buddy Guy, Bobby Rush, Sonny Landreth, Irma Thomas, T-Model Ford, Guitar Shorty and many other local and national blues greats will perform at this free, two-day festival produced by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation. Food vendors will feature some of the best barbecue in the region, and a large crafts area showcases local hand-made goods. (504) 558-6100. Official site.

New Orleans Bikefest Motorcycle Rally & Music Festival Oct 2010, dates TBD, Westwego, Bayou Segnette State Park, 7777 West Bank Expressway. This new festival plans to showcase a bike show, games, stunt riders, food, poker run, camping and music. 274-0226, Official site

Shadows-on-the-Teche Arts and Crafts Festival Oct. 2010, Date TBD, New Iberia, Shadows-on-the-Teche, 317 E. Main St. Fine arts, pottery, tile art, metal and woodwork, demonstrations and plantation tours. (888) 9-IBERIA. Official site

Carnaval Latino Oct 2010, dates TBD, New Orleans, New Mardi Gras World Location, Eastbank/Riverside at Henderson Street. Outdoor concerts, food, crafts, children’s entertainment, a parade, dance, and street entertainers. 581-2000, Official site

Fall Fest 2010, Oct 2010, dates TBD, Our Lady of Holy Cross. New Orleans, La. Music, arts, crafts, food. Activities for children of all ages. Official site

CongoSquare Rhythms Festival November 2010, dates TBD, New Orleans, Congo Square/ Armstrong Park, 718 N. Rampart St. African art market, crafts, food, cultural activities and music. 558-6100, Official site

Reds, Whites and the Blues Oct 2010, dates TBD, City Park, New Orleans, La. Wine, food and music.

Fall Euro Fest Oct 2010, dates TBD, The Foundry, New Orleans, La. Food and music with the Taino Quartet featuring Fredy Omar. (504) 587-0900 ext 105

The Hotel St. Pierre and Andrew Jackson Hotel are steps from the world famous Bourbon Street, French Market and Jackson Square. French Quarter Inns welcomes you to enjoy delightful guestrooms located amid centuries-old, landscaped courtyards & authentic Creole architecture. Book online for our best French Quarter Hotel Louisiana Festivals for October of 2010 rates and specials. Easy on-line French Quarter Hotel reservations or call us at 504-524-4401 or 1-800-225-4040!

Louisiana Festivals for November of 2010

Mirliton Festival Nov. 6, 2010 (tentative date), New Orleans, Piety Street at Dauphine Street in Bywater. Mirliton dishes, crafts, children’s activities and music. 944-5422 Official site

Southdown Marketplace Nov. 6, 2010, Houma, Southdown Plantation. Crafts booths, seasonal items, antiques and food. (985) 851-0154. Official site

Louisiana Renaissance Festival Nov. 6 – Dec. 12, 2010, Hammond, Highway 1064. Jousting, merchants, food and entertainment. (985) 429-9992 or Official site

Red Stick International Animation Festival November 10-13, 2010, Baton Rouge. (225) 389-7182 www.redstickfestival.org Workshops, lectures and public screenings of classic animated films and films from the festival competition.

Destrehan Plantation Fall Festival Nov 13 – 14, 2010, Destrehan Plantation. Antique village, chefs’ demonstrations, food, music, dancing. (985) 764-9315. Official site

Congo Square Rhythms Festival Nov. 14, 2010 (tentative date), New Orleans, Congo Square/ Armstrong Park, 718 N. Rampart St. African art market, crafts, food, cultural activities and music. 558-6100 Official site

Broadmoor High Arts & Crafts Festival Nov. 19 – 20, 2010 (tentative date). Baton Rouge, 10100 Goodwood Blvd. 35th annual show with handmade items, art, food and Santa Claus. (225) 926-1420 Official site

North RampART Festival Nov. 20, 2010 (tentative date), New Orleans, La. This year the 3rd Annual North Rampart Festival is taking it to the street, North Rampart Street! We will be showcasing more than 20 local artists and food vendors, as well as famous New Orleans musicians. For more information, Official site or 504-256-4848.

New Orleans Po-Boy Festival Nov. 21, 2010, New Orleans, Oak Street and South Carrollton Avenue in Riverbend. The sandwich is celebrated with music, po-boy contests, children’s activities, an auction and a history venue, exploring the origins of the local favorite. For more information visit Official site

Celebration in the Oaks Nov. 26 – Dec., 2010, New Orleans City Park. Lighting displays, entertainment, rides, Santa visits. 483-9415. Official site

St. Andrew’s Day Nov. 27, 2010 (tentative date), Bacchanal Wine Shop, New Orleans. For only $5 guests will be treated to face-painting, future-telling, and a scavenger hunt. There will also be a bagpipe-led procession. For more information, visit Official site or call (571) 265-9723.

Our French Quarter Hotels, the Hotel St. Pierre and Andrew Jackson Hotel are steps from the world famous Bourbon Street, French Market and Jackson Square. French Quarter Inns welcomes you to enjoy delightful guestrooms located amid centuries-old, landscaped courtyards & authentic Creole architecture. Book online for our best French Quarter Hotel Louisiana Festivals for November of 2010 rates and specials. Easy on-line French Quarter Hotel reservations or call us at 504-524-4401 or 1-800-225-4040!