April in Louisiana is packed with fun for the whole family! While there are plenty of events happening all across the state, we’ve rounded up some of the most notable ones right here so you don’t have to go searching. Whether you’re thinking about making a trip or just want to know what’s going on this spring, there’s no shortage of good times—think amazing food, live music, fun activities for the kids, and so much more. Louisiana knows how to celebrate, and spring is one of the best times to experience it!
Always be sure to double-check dates and details before heading out—things can change, and we’d never want you to miss the fun!
Louisiana Railroad Days Festival
April 9–11
DeQuincy
A family-friendly event honoring DeQuincy’s rich railroad heritage, featuring a train museum, live entertainment, food vendors, and activities for all ages.
Books Along the Teche Literary Festival
April 10–12
New Iberia
Various venues across New Iberia celebrate literature and its impact on the area’s culture with storytelling, author events, and readings inspired by the Bayou Teche region.
Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival
April 10–12
Ponchatoula
Louisiana’s largest free harvest festival since 1972, celebrating the state’s famous strawberry crop with carnival rides, live music, a parade, eating contests, and strawberry-themed food.
Scott Boudin Festival
April 10–12
Scott
A beloved Cajun celebration of boudin with eating and dancing contests, carnival rides, arts and crafts, and live music all weekend.
Old Schoolhouse Antique Fair & Yard Sale
April 10–12
Washington
A highly anticipated semi-annual antique show in the charming historic town of Washington, Louisiana, drawing vendors and shoppers from across the region for three days of treasure hunting.
Boot Brew Fest
April 10–11
Eunice
A yearly craft beer event held the Saturday after Easter in Eunice, Louisiana—celebrating local and regional brews with live music and a festive community atmosphere.
El Festival Español de Nueva Iberia
April 17–19
New Iberia
Celebrating New Iberia’s Spanish colonial roots with the ‘Dave Robicheaux Running of the Bulls’ 5K race, re-enactments, traditional Spanish food and music, and cultural activities for families.
Le Fête Du Monde
April 17–19
Raceland
Known as the swamp pop extravaganza of Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou, this three-day festival in Raceland brings live music, Cajun culture, food, and family fun to the bayou community.
French Quarter Festival
April 16–19
New Orleans
The world’s largest free showcase of Louisiana music, with 300+ performers across 20+ stages in the historic French Quarter. Free admission, local food from 60+ restaurants, and all ages welcome.
Dragon Boat Festival
April 18
Monroe
Teams of 12–16 paddlers race colorful dragon boats on Bayou DeSiard to raise funds for the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana. Great spectator fun for the whole family.
Festival International de Louisiane
April 22–26
Lafayette
The largest free outdoor Francophone festival in the U.S., celebrating its 40th anniversary with world music, Cajun and international food, and art across seven stages in downtown Lafayette.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
April 23 – May 3 (Weekend 1: Apr 23–26)
New Orleans
One of the world’s greatest music festivals, featuring jazz, gospel, blues, and more at the Fair Grounds Race Course. Headliners include the Eagles, Stevie Nicks, and Rod Stewart.
The Italian Festival
April 24–26
Tickfaw
The Village of Tickfaw, with its strong Italian heritage, hosts this beloved festival celebrating Italian culture with food, music, dancing, and family activities for all ages.
Annual Étouffée Festival
April 24–26
Arnaudville
The 34th annual celebration of Louisiana’s classic crawfish étouffée dish, featuring the Mayor’s Cook-Off competition, live Cajun music, and a warm small-town community atmosphere.
Ouachita RiverFest
April 24–25
West Monroe
Named Louisiana’s 2026 Festival of the Year, this downtown riverfront event features live music, artisan vendors, food trucks, a rubber duck drop, and kid zones on the banks of the Ouachita River.
Kite Fest Louisiane’
April 25
Port Allen
A sky-filled family day with professional kite flyers, kite-making workshops, Louisiana food booths, candy drops for kids, and a fireworks night flight at dusk on the West Baton Rouge riverfront.
Plaquemines Parish Seafood & Heritage Festival
April 24–26
Belle Chasse
A celebration of Plaquemines Parish’s seafood traditions and cultural heritage with fresh Gulf seafood, live music, crafts, and family activities south of New Orleans.
Louisiana Forest Festival
April 24–25
Winnfield
An annual festival in the heart of Louisiana’s timber country honoring the state’s forestry heritage with live entertainment, food, arts and crafts, and outdoor family activities.
Good Times Bluegrass Festival
April 24–25
Florien
A laid-back festival in the piney woods of Sabine Parish with live bluegrass performances, camping, and a family-friendly atmosphere celebrating traditional American string music.
Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair
April 30
Thibodaux
An annual festival put on by the volunteer firefighters of Thibodaux, featuring rides, games, live music, and food—a beloved community tradition that supports the local fire department.
Alex River Fête
April 30
Alexandria
A three-day celebration of the arts, culture, and heritage of Central Louisiana along the Red River in Alexandria, featuring live music, local food, art vendors, and family entertainment.
