Louisiana is a state that is steeped in culture, from its music and food to its crafts and elaborate costumes. From the world-famous Mardi Gras to the Crescent City Blues BBQ Festival, there are plenty of exciting cultural events to explore in Louisiana. Here are 10 of the best events that you won't want to miss.
Crescent City Blues BBQ Festival & Markets
- Every year, New Orleans hosts this event which features music, food, crafts, and markets.It has been featured on ABC's “Good Morning America”, and Top Events USA has ranked it among the 10 best events in Louisiana along with many other prestigious awards. The festival also supports environmental sustainability through the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center, a non-profit organization.
Festival International
- This festival is held in Lafayette and brings together people from all over the world who want to experience the annual meeting held the third week of October of each year. Representing the rich diversity that exists in Louisiana culture, the Lafayette festival presents performances of the culture's oldest ballads to the rhythm of modern experimental Cajun music and Zydeco.Louisiana Market Place - This event is held in Baton Rouge and features cultural exhibits, such as Cajun House, Louisiana Market Place and Congo Square Market Place. It offers interesting shows of Louisiana culture and is a great way to learn more about the state's unique culture.
Cajun Food Festival
- This festival is held in New Orleans and celebrates the state's unique cuisine. It features traditional Cajun dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish étouffée, and more.There are also live music performances and cooking demonstrations.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
- This festival is held annually in New Orleans and celebrates the city's rich musical heritage. It features performances by local and international jazz musicians as well as other genres such as blues, gospel, R&B, funk, and more. There are also food vendors offering traditional New Orleans cuisine.Louisiana Seafood Festival - This festival is held annually in New Orleans and celebrates the state's seafood industry. It features live music performances, cooking demonstrations, seafood tastings, and more. There are also vendors offering traditional Louisiana dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish étouffée, and more.
Crawfish Boil Festival
- This festival is held annually in Baton Rouge and celebrates the state's unique cuisine.It features traditional Cajun dishes such as crawfish étouffée, jambalaya, gumbo, and more.
Mardi Gras
- This world-famous event is held annually in New Orleans and celebrates the city's unique culture. It features parades with elaborate floats, costumes, music performances, food vendors offering traditional New Orleans cuisine, and more.French Quarter Festival
- This festival is held annually in New Orleans and celebrates the city's French heritage.It features live music performances by local musicians as well as traditional French cuisine such as beignets, jambalaya, gumbo, crawfish étouffée, and more.
