The Creole state is famous for its bayous, Cajun cuisine, Mardi Gras celebrations, and jazz music. Indeed, Louisiana is a state full of culture, history, and festivities. With all there is to see and experience, attending festivals in Louisiana is a must!
With so much happening in Louisiana, it is a popular destination for festival-goers year-round. And at Courvelle’s, we did some research on the best festivals in Louisiana to attend this year. In 2023, the Bayou state will host a wide range of events, from food and music festivals to cultural celebrations and outdoor adventures. Here are some of the top festivals happening in Louisiana in 2023:
Top 8 Festivals in Louisiana
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is a staple of Louisiana culture and this year Mardi Gras Day is February 21, 2023. Also known as Fat Tuesday, this is the day to indulge in fatty foods and sweet treats. The festival is a time for people to let loose and have fun before the solemn season of Lent begins. Taking place in the state capital, New Orleans is the heart of Mardi Gras. Every year the streets are packed with parades, live music, food, and drinks. This is such a big festival in fact, that our RV dealership will be closed this year on Mardi Gras!
Louisiana Crawfish Festival
Next, taking place in historic St. Bernard Parish, the Louisiana Crawfish Festival began in 1975. With intentions to rebuild the community, it has since become a Louisiana tradition. As home of the Battle of New Orleans site, St. Bernard Parish over-looks the Mississippi River and the adjoining Crescent City, New Orleans. While at this festival you can enjoy the cultural heritage, moss covered oak trees, and Louisiana Bayous. Additionally, enjoy live entertainment while delighting in Cajun cuisine. Sample all the crawfish dishes, from crawfish boils with all the “fixins” to crawfish pies and jambalaya. And it will include carnival games, cotton candy, candied apples and rides for all ages. Undoubtedly, this event is guaranteed to be fun. Thus, we recommend attending this event which takes place March 23-26, 2023.
Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival
Another festival we are excited about is the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival. This festival is held each April in the town of Ponchatoula. In fact, this is Louisianna’s largest free festival and is held in honor of the beloved strawberry. This year the festival will be held April 14-16 at Ponchatoula Memorial Park. The festival will host time-honored traditions, local food and drinks, live music, rides, and loads of family fun!
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, also known as Jazz Fest, is slated to be held April 28- May 7, 2023. This one of the best festivals in Louisiana to celebrate the music and culture of New Orleans. The festival features a wide range of musicians and performers, including local artists, national acts, and jazz legends. Attendees can enjoy Creole and Cajun food from local vendors, peruse craft booths, and kids can play in the kids’ area.
Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival
This festival is held in Morgan City, LA in August and honors the two industries that built the community: shrimp and petroleum. The Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival will take place Thursday, September 1st through Monday, September 5th. This festival features a variety of food and drinks, including plenty of shrimp dishes. Attendees can also enjoy live music, a carnival, and a parade. Additionally, visitors can participate in arts and crafts, a coronation ball and a 5k run.
Louisiana Seafood Festival
While there are so many amazing Creole dishes, can you ever get enough seafood? The Louisiana Seafood Festival is held on Labor Day weekend in City Park in New Orleans. This festival celebrates the state’s rich seafood industry. Indeed, the festival features various seafood cuisine dishes from Louisiana vendors– oysters, crawfish, shrimp, and more – cooked every which way. From oyster po-boys, barbecue oysters, crawfish etouffee, shrimp remoulade to barbecue shrimp wraps and blackened alligator tacos –you won’t leave hungry! The festival lasts three days and is full of fantastic food, music, dancing and arts and crafts.
Louisiana Cattle Festival
The Louisianna Cattle Festival is held annually on the first full weekend of October in Abbeville, LA. The festival celebrates the Bayou state’s cattle industry. The festival features a rodeo, a parade, and a variety of food and drinks. Attendees can immerse themselves in Cajun culture and enjoy beef and Cajun eats, livestock shows, live music and a carnival.
Louisiana Film Prize
Last but certainly not least, we’re wrapping up our list with Prize. This film festival is held in Shreveport in mid-October and is a celebration of the state’s thriving film industry. The Louisiana Film Prize Festival features short films made by filmmakers from around the world, and attendees can vote for their favorite films.
Which festivals will you attend this year?
All in all, in 2023 there are a wide range of fun events and festivals. And with so many different options in Louisiana, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in food, music, film, or history, you’re sure to find a festival that suits your interests. So if you’re a local or a visitor, make sure to check out some of these top festivals in Louisiana in 2023.
And if you’re travelling in your RV, stop and see us in Opelousas, LA! Because Courvelle’s RV is located on 1-49, we are a convenient stop off if you are needing an RV service & repair work. Additionally, we also have a great selection of RV parts and accessories in stock to get you back on the road quickly when it matters most.
