5 Festivals In Louisiana Most People Didn’t Know Existed

Louisiana is the festival capital of the universe. The festivals are diverse, educational, always based on the traditions, culture, and food of the host cities or towns. The festivals are social events that bring people from all walks of life together.

Celebrate, artistic expression, food, music, to celebrate and enjoy different forms of artistic expression, music, food, and traditions. These events offer a unique and vibrant experience, and there is a wide variety of festival types to satisfy the interests of different audiences.

Most visitors come to the Bayou State for the more popular festivals such as Mardi Gras, Jazz & Heritage Festival, or the Natchitoches Christmas Festival. However, other Louisiana festivals may not be as well known, but just as exciting with rich traditions, live music, food, and more. Here are 5 exciting and unique Louisiana festivals you should know about:

1.) THE WEENIE SPAGHETTI COOKOFF FESTIVAL - DOWNTOWN HOUMA, LA

This festival is going down on January 25, 2025, in Houma, Louisiana. It's centered around weenies and spaghetti, but there is going to be a variety of food. Anyone who thinks they can cook up a mean pot of weenies and spaghetti or chili is invited to compete in the cook-off.

The festival will also feature a Bloody Mary contest! That sounds like fun. Kids will love the arts and crafts area, live music, and kids as well as live music and a kids crafting area. Proceeds from this unique festival benefit local organizations such as Luminate Houma and Flood the Love.

Weenie Spaghetti Recipe you're going to love!

2.) THE BONNIE & CLYDE FESTIVAL - DOWNTOWN GIBSLAND, LA

The Annual Bonnie & Clyde Festival, at the end of May. It takes place in the heart of Downtown Gibsland, featuring a parade, look-a-like actors, and a full-on reenactment of the infamous ambush in that very town on May 24, 1934. Visit the Bonnie & Clyde museum and see artifacts from the couple, including the bullet-riddle 'death car' they died in.

The two outlaws were brought down in a hail of bullets by Louisiana and Texas lawmen in the small town more than 90 years ago.

3.) NOLA FUNK FEST - NEW ORLEANS, LA

The Nola Funk Fest will be hosted by the New Orleans Jazz Museum, Friday, October 18 - Sunday 20, 2024. It's centered around Big Easy culture with a unique blend of soul, rhythm and blues, jazz, and Afro-Cuban influences.

Tourists and locals are invited to experience Nola's amazing funk artists and the profound impact of Louisiana's music live at the Jazz Museum, complete with delicious foods, and intriguing exhibits. Be a part of this celebration of Louisiana's rich music history. This festival aims to educate, inspire, and empower.

4.) SHRIMP AND PETROLEUM FESTIVAL - MORGAN CITY, LA

The Mary Parish festival is going down on August 31 - September 4. The festival is jam-packed with events the entire family will enjoy. See the street parade, an artist guild art show, a carnival, Mass In The Park, a 5K run/walk 100 Black Men, a children's parade, coronation, and ball, and Fireworks On The River.

5.) ZWOLLE TAMALE FIESTA - ZWOLLE, LA

For the past 40 years, Zwolle, Louisiana celebrates Spanish and Native American heritage. The Zwolle Tamale Fiesta, in Sabine Parish, is a three-day event on the second weekend of October. Thousands of visitors attend the celebration and chow down on tens of thousands of delicious hot tamales.

The fun-filled weekend includes tamale-making demonstrations, a tamale-eating contest, carnival rides, live entertainment arts and crafts, street dancing a 1k walk, and a 5k run just to name a few.