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A trombonist with the Paulin Brothers plays during the French Quarter Fest parade on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Thursday, April 16, 2026. (Staff photo by Enan Chediak, The Times-Picayune)

 STAFF PHOTO BY ENAN CHEDIAK

Jackson Square is filling up with jazz, food vendors and revelers as French Quarter Festival kicks off the peak of Louisiana’s beloved spring festival season.

Along with the crawfish boils and blooming flowers, Louisiana’s countless festivals draw excitement from locals and visitors each year. Thousands will trek to the state for New Orleans' Jazz and Heritage Festival and Lafayette's Festival International, while smaller events attract a more local following.

April has already seen a few favorites, including the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival and Chalmette’s Tomato Festival is about to start on Friday.

Here's a schedule of some of the most notable 2026 festivals and events across Louisiana for the rest of spring:

April

  • , New Orleans, April 16-19

  • , Baton Rouge, April 17-18

  • , New Iberia, April 17-19

  • , Raceland, April 17-19

  • , Zwolle, April 17-18

  • , Slidell, April 18

  • , Lafayette, April 22-26

  • , New Orleans, April 23-28 and April 30-May 3

  • , Arnaudville, April 23-25

  • , Tickfaw, April 24-26

  • , Belle Chasse, April 24-26

  • , Port Allen, April 25

  • , Alexandria, April 30-May 2

  • , Thibodaux, April 30-May 3

May

  • l, Breaux Bridge, May 1-3

  • , Leesville, May 1-2

  • , Monroe, May 1-3

  • , Sunset, May 2

  • , Rayne, May 7-9

  • , Natchitoches, May 15-16

  • , New Orleans, May 15-17

  • , DeRidder, May 21-23

  • , Gonzales, May 21-24

  • , Shreveport, May 22-24

  • , New Orleans, May 22-24

  • , Lafayette, May 24

  • , Franklinton, May 29-31

June

  • , Gheens, June 5-7

  • , Ruston, June 6

  • , New Orleans, June 6-7

  • Larose, June 6-7

  • , Bunkie, June 11-13

  • Cameron, June 12-14

  • , Donaldsonville, June 13

  • , Gilliam, June 20