Top Festivals in Louisiana 2025: A Year of Music, Culture, and Vibrant Celebrations

Overview of Festivals in Louisiana 2025

Louisiana, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, Cajun and Creole cuisine, and world-famous music, is a state that knows how to celebrate. From the jazz-filled streets of New Orleans to the bayous of Lafayette, Louisiana’s 2025 festival calendar is packed with events that highlight the state’s unique traditions.

Iconic events like Mardi Gras, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and the Louisiana Crawfish Festival are just the beginning. With celebrations spanning every corner of the state, Louisiana’s festivals honor its past while showcasing its creative spirit and joie de vivre.

Learn more: Full List of Festivals in the US for 2025: Music, Food, Art, Film, Street and More

Festival map for Louisiana 2025

List of Festivals and Big Events in Louisiana2025: Date, Location, Significance, Activities, and Tickets

Note: Festival dates and similar events in this state are updated frequently, and times may change. Please report any date errors in the article in the comments below.

January

Twelfth Night Celebration

• Date: January 6, 2025
• Location: New Orleans, LA
• Significance: The official start of Carnival season, marking the countdown to Mardi Gras.
• Activities:
  • Parades featuring the Phunny Phorty Phellows streetcar ride.
  • King cake tastings and local music performances.
  • Traditional costumes and a festive atmosphere.
• Tickets: Free admission; parade viewing areas are open to the public.
• Transportation: Public transit and rideshare services recommended due to downtown traffic.

February

Mardi Gras

• Date: February 25, 2025 (Fat Tuesday; parades and events occur throughout February)
• Location: New Orleans and statewide
• Significance: Louisiana’s most famous celebration, blending French, African, and American traditions.
• Activities:
  • Extravagant parades with themed floats and costumed riders.
  • Masquerade balls, street parties, and live music performances.
  • Iconic Mardi Gras throws like beads, cups, and MoonPies.
• Tickets: Free parade viewing; tickets required for private balls.
• Transportation: Public transit, rideshare, and parade shuttles recommended.

Top 20 Weirdest Holidays and Festivals in the World 2025

March

Louisiana Crawfish Festival

• Date: March 21–24, 2025
• Location: Chalmette, LA
• Significance: A mouthwatering celebration of Louisiana’s crawfish season and Cajun culture.
• Activities:
  • Crawfish boils, étouffée tastings, and cooking competitions.
  • Carnival rides, games, and live Cajun and Zydeco music.
  • Arts and crafts markets featuring local vendors.
• Tickets: General admission tickets available at the gate.
• Transportation: Parking available near the venue; carpooling encouraged.

April

French Quarter Festival

• Date: April 11–14, 2025
• Location: New Orleans, LA
• Significance: A free festival celebrating New Orleans’ music, food, and historic French Quarter.
• Activities:
  • Over 20 stages featuring local jazz, blues, and funk artists.
  • Culinary booths serving classic dishes like po’boys, jambalaya, and beignets.
  • Guided tours of the French Quarter’s historic landmarks.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Public transit and rideshare services recommended; parking is limited.

May

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (Jazz Fest)

• Date: April 25–May 4, 2025 (two weekends)
• Location: New Orleans Fair Grounds, LA
• Significance: A world-renowned celebration of jazz, blues, gospel, and Louisiana’s cultural heritage.
• Activities:
  • Performances by international music legends and local artists.
  • Food vendors serving gumbo, crawfish bread, and other Louisiana staples.
  • Artisan markets showcasing handmade crafts and jewelry.
• Tickets: Weekend passes and single-day tickets available online.
• Transportation: Shuttle services and public transit recommended; limited parking at the venue.

June

Bayou Country Superfest

• Date: June 1–2, 2025
• Location: Baton Rouge, LA
• Significance: A premier country music festival celebrating top artists in a lively outdoor setting.
• Activities:
  • Headline performances by country music superstars.
  • Tailgating parties with food trucks and craft beer vendors.
  • Family-friendly zones with games and activities.
• Tickets: General admission and VIP packages available online.
• Transportation: Parking available at Tiger Stadium; rideshare services encouraged.

Top 10 Biggest Festivals in the U.S. for November 2024

July

Essence Festival of Culture

• Date: July 3–6, 2025
• Location: New Orleans, LA
• Significance: A vibrant celebration of Black culture, music, and empowerment, often referred to as the “party with a purpose.”
• Activities:
  • Performances by top R&B, hip-hop, and gospel artists.
  • Inspirational talks and panel discussions on social and cultural topics.
  • Vendor showcases featuring fashion, beauty, and wellness products.
  • Food courts serving Louisiana delicacies.
• Tickets: General admission and VIP passes available online.
• Transportation: Public transit and rideshare services recommended; parking limited near the Superdome.

Louisiana Peach Festival

• Date: July 26–27, 2025
• Location: Ruston, LA
• Significance: A family-friendly celebration of the peach harvest and Ruston’s agricultural heritage.
• Activities:
  • Peach pie contests and tastings of peach-themed dishes.
  • Live music, parades, and fireworks.
  • Arts and crafts vendors and a children’s play area.
• Tickets: Free admission; some activities may have fees.
• Transportation: Parking available near festival grounds; carpooling encouraged.

August

Delcambre Shrimp Festival

• Date: August 14–18, 2025
• Location: Delcambre, LA
• Significance: A seafood lover’s paradise, celebrating Louisiana’s shrimping industry.
• Activities:
  • Shrimp cook-offs and tastings of local seafood dishes.
  • Carnival rides, games, and live music performances.
  • Boat parades and a shrimp-eating contest.
• Tickets: Free admission; food and carnival rides available for purchase.
• Transportation: Parking available near the venue; rideshare services encouraged.

Satchmo SummerFest

• Date: August 2–4, 2025
• Location: New Orleans, LA
• Significance: A tribute to jazz legend Louis Armstrong, featuring music, food, and cultural activities.
• Activities:
  • Live jazz performances across multiple stages.
  • Seminars on Louis Armstrong’s life and legacy.
  • Food vendors offering Creole and Cajun dishes.
• Tickets: Day passes and weekend packages available online.
• Transportation: Public transit and parking options available downtown.

September

Alligator Festival

• Date: September 26–29, 2025
• Location: Luling, LA
• Significance: A quirky and fun event celebrating Louisiana’s swamp culture and wildlife.
• Activities:
  • Live alligator displays and educational exhibits.
  • Cajun food vendors serving gumbo, jambalaya, and fried alligator.
  • Carnival rides, games, and live Zydeco music.
• Tickets: Free admission; ride tickets available for purchase.
• Transportation: Parking available near the festival; carpooling encouraged.

Red River Revel Arts Festival

• Date: September 30–October 8, 2025
• Location: Shreveport, LA
• Significance: One of Louisiana’s largest arts festivals, featuring artists, performers, and cultural exhibits.
• Activities:
  • Art exhibits and sales from over 100 local and national artists.
  • Live music performances spanning multiple genres.
  • Food vendors offering regional and international cuisine.
  • Interactive workshops for children and adults.
• Tickets: General admission tickets available online and at the gate.
• Transportation: Parking available downtown; public transit options limited.

Top 10 Biggest Food Festivals in the U.S. 2025: Taste of Chicago, Maine Lobster And More

October

Louisiana Seafood Festival

• Date: October 11–13, 2025
• Location: New Orleans, LA
• Significance: A celebration of Louisiana’s seafood bounty, showcasing local flavors and culinary talent.
• Activities:
  • Cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs.
  • Tastings of shrimp, oysters, crawfish, and more.
  • Live music and entertainment.
  • Vendor markets featuring local seafood products and crafts.
• Tickets: General admission tickets available online.
• Transportation: Parking available at the festival site; public transit recommended.

November

Bayou Classic

• Date: November 30, 2025
• Location: New Orleans, LA
• Significance: A highly anticipated football game between Grambling State University and Southern University, celebrating HBCU culture.
• Activities:
  • The football game at the Caesars Superdome.
  • A Battle of the Bands competition featuring school marching bands.
  • Fan tailgating parties with food and music.
• Tickets: Available online; early booking recommended.
• Transportation: Public transit and parking garages available near the Superdome.

December

Festival of the Bonfires

• Date: December 8–10, 2025
• Location: Lutcher, LA
• Significance: A unique Christmas tradition where bonfires light the levees to guide Santa Claus along the Mississippi River.
• Activities:
  • Bonfire lighting ceremonies and fireworks displays.
  • Christmas markets with food, crafts, and holiday gifts.
  • Live music and storytelling sessions.
• Tickets: Free admission; some activities may have fees.
• Transportation: Parking available near the levees; carpooling encouraged.

NOLA ChristmasFest

• Date: December 15–31, 2025
• Location: New Orleans, LA
• Significance: A holiday extravaganza featuring festive decorations and indoor attractions.
• Activities:
  • Ice skating, carnival rides, and holiday-themed games.
  • Visits with Santa Claus and photo opportunities.
  • Food vendors offering holiday treats and drinks.
• Tickets: General admission available online; discounted family packages offered.
• Transportation: Parking available at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center; rideshare services recommended.

Conclusion

Louisiana’s festival calendar for 2025 captures the state’s rich cultural heritage, lively music scene, and love for community gatherings. From the iconic Mardi Gras to the unique Festival of the Bonfires, each event offers a glimpse into Louisiana’s vibrant spirit. Whether you’re visiting the bayous or the bustling streets of New Orleans, there’s always something to celebrate.

FAQs About Louisiana Festivals 2025

1. What are the most popular festivals in Louisiana?

• Top events include Mardi Gras, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and the Essence Festival of Culture.

2. Are Louisiana festivals family-friendly?

• Absolutely! Festivals like the Louisiana Crawfish Festival and Festival of the Bonfires offer activities for all ages.

3. When is the best time to visit Louisiana for festivals?

• Spring and fall are peak festival seasons, but events like Mardi Gras and holiday festivals in December are also highly recommended.

4. Are there free festivals in Louisiana?

• Yes, many events, such as the French Quarter Festival and Satchmo SummerFest, are free to attend.

5. How can I find tickets for Louisiana’s festivals?

• Tickets are usually available online; early booking is advised for popular events like Jazz Fest and Essence Fest.

6. What makes Louisiana festivals unique?

• The state’s festivals combine music, food, and culture in a way that reflects Louisiana’s rich history and vibrant traditions.

Top Festivals in Wisconsin 2025: A Year of Culture, Food, and Music The Badger State’s 2025 calendar promises a rich variety of events, offering something for everyone, from cheese lovers to music enthusiasts, history buffs, and outdoor ...

Minnesota Calendar 2025 - List of Festivals and Big Events: Significance, Activities Join KnowInsiders on a journey to explore the major festivals and events in Minnesota, the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," with detailed and up-to-date information on ...

South Carolina Calendar 2025 - List of Festivals and Big Events: Meaning and Celebration Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a foodie, or someone who loves live music, South Carolina has something for everyone in 2025 calendar.

Top Festivals in Alabama 2025: A Year of Culture, Music, and Southern Charm Alabama’s festival calendar celebrates everything from music and food to history and arts. The year 2025 promises unforgettable experiences for locals and visitors alike, showcasing ...