There are many reasons in Louisiana to get in the car and go (from the wacky to the educational), and they all fall under the category of FESTIVALS! For those of you who take it to the sky, InRegister also updates our festival information with some notable festivals beyond our state borders.
Travelers, pay attention to the "Traveler's notes" listed throughout to save time (and maybe money) when it comes to area accommodations, dining, entertainment and more. |
Mamou Cajun Music Festival
Aug. 29-30
Mamou
Talk about some crazy Cajuns! Check out some of the competitive activities squeezed into this two-day festival … a potato dance, egg throwing, Cajun dizzy dance, women's and men's beer drinking and boudin eating.
Wait, there is more … children watermelon eating, washerboard tournament, arm wrestling, nail driving, passe partout and greased pole climbing, among others.
If the entertainment through competition isn't enough to catch your interest, there's also the traditional Cajun music, dancing and food that help preserve the Cajun culture in Mamou and Evangeline Parish. And every penny you spend at the festival insures the Mamou Cajun Music Festival's message lives on to educate both locals and tourists alike.
Visit the Evangeline Parish Tourism Commission |
Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival
Aug. 30-31
Opelousas
The actual Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival is Aug. 30-31, but for the days and hours leading up to it, it's still a celebration. Thursday is the Zydeco Jam Session and parade, kick-off dance Friday night and Saturday morning, a Zydeco breakfast at the Opelousas Courthouse Square.
And then, things really kick into high gear. Games, arts and crafts, a free gas card drawing (who does that not appeal to?), lots and lots of Zydeco music and dancing and, of course, just as much Creole food from the known favorites to the eccentric. Cooked and served by locals are specialties such as jambalaya, red beans, alligator and sweet potato pies, all the way down to the tail … the fried pig tails, that is.
For those who just don't want to leave the festivities, overnight RV and tent camping is available (just be sure to pay the $10 fee).
Visit the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission |
New Orleans Bikefest
Oct. 17-19
Westwego
Jump on that hog and head down I-10 to the New Orleans Bikefest (just be sure you register in advance or you just might not be able to get in!).
This limited attendance event, sanctioned by the AMA, features a motorcycle rally, live music from local and national rock bands, a poker run for cash prizes, games, bike show, stunt riders … a lot of activities that embrace the motorcycle culture.
And don't worry, if you don't own a hog, you can still enjoy the festivities, just show up in your car, on your bicycle, in your boat … yes, in your boat since the festival takes place at Bayou Segnette State Park with an open boat launch.
If you want in, be sure to register a.s.a.p. As an incentive, the first 500 to pre-register for weekend passes also get a ticket to the big kick-off party at Big Al's Saloon … and you can wear your free t-shirt
you get with that early registration.
Visit the City of Westwego's tourism center |
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