Now that Jazz Fest has wrapped up, it seems that the tourist season will die down a bit here in New Orleans. But, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a surplus of other festivals happening right here in the Big Easy or in Southeastern Louisiana for the next few months. We know that Essence Festival will take place around the July 4th weekend, but between now and then, you will probably be able to find more than one festival every weekend somewhere in the vicinity. Be prepared to have some fun, see some interesting people, hear some amazing music and eat some of the best local foods you’ll ever eat. This is Louisiana. We know how to have a great time!
New Orleans Festivals in May
On May 2nd, Champions Square will host the inaugural HardFest: Go Hard Tour, featuring electronic music such as DJ Snake, Wax Motif and Big Gigantic. The event is rain or shine and standing only. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and you must be 18 or older to attend.
The Annual Crawfish Mambo will take place at UNO Cove on the UNO campus on Saturday, May 9th. You can see some of the best local live music such as Honey Island Swamp Band, Shamarr Allen and Bucktown All-Stars while getting your crawfish fix on. Teams of four will compete for the tastiest crawfish all day long.
One of the more popular festivals right here in New Orleans is the Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo taking place from May 15-17th at Bayou St. John. There will be music for all three days, a large arts market, food and cocktail demonstrations, children’s activities and more. You can even rent kayaks or build your own boats to float along while listening to the music. Just be sure not to leave your kayaks tied up, or the city may tow them. Some acts include Meschiya Lake, Tom McDermott and New Orleans Suspects. Other activities include the rubber ducky race and a floating Root Beer Float stand. This is a free festival and is sure to be a good time. You can look for me on the Bayou—my friend and I build one of the barges.
Starting May 20th, the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience will take place throughout the city. There will be a number of events including the Royal Street Stroll, wine dinners at various locales, seminars and grand tasting events. The admission varies and tickets are available in advance. Many of the events will be taking place at the Morial Convention Center.
Greek Festival will be held once again at the Hellenic Cultural Center in Lakeview, New Orleans from May 22-24th. Always a popular family event, there will be plenty of Greek food, drinks and dancing. Feel free to wear your own toga, or participate in the annual 5K on Friday, May 22nd.
More than 20 restaurants will participate in the annual New Orleans Oyster Festival from May 30-31. Bet you didn’t know that oysters could be prepared so many different ways. Additionally, there will be art vendors, children’s activities and drinks. This popular food festival will take place at Woldenberg Park, right on the Mississippi River, and is free admission.
Southeastern Louisiana Festivals
Do you like frogs? Well, the Rayne Frog Festival will take place from May 7-9 in Rayne, LA near Lafayette. Three days of music, food, drinks and…you guessed it…frog racing, and frog jumping! Additionally, there will be a diaper derby, arts and crafts show, parade and entertainers all weekend. Admission is only $5 and children 12 and younger are free.
If frogs aren’t your thing, maybe pigs are. The Cochon de Lait Festival is also held May 7-10 and is very family-friendly. There will be carnival rides, hog-calling, boudin-eating contests, street dancing and a greasy pig contest. This will take place in Mansura, LA.
If you’re itching for some good ol’ Louisiana cooking, hit up the Jambalaya Festival in Gonzales from May 22-24th. Live entertainment, a lot of jambalaya, a cooking contest and some fun runs highlight this annual festival just about an hour away from New Orleans.
Heading out of the city, you can hear some mainstream country music at the Bayou Country Superfest at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge from May 23-24th. Miranda Lambert, Brantley Gilbert, Kip Moore, and David Nail are just a handful of the country artists expected to perform. Remember to bring your sunscreen and extra hydration to this one.
And, the Slidell Jazz and Blues Festival will also be taking place on May 23rd just over the twin spans on the Northshore. This is the first year of the festival and features some of the local high schools as well as Ronnie Kole, Michael “Soulman” Baptiste, Swingaroux and more. In addition to great music, there will be food and art vendors as well. Admission is $10 and free for children 11 and younger.
Things to Remember When Festing
May is when we start to feel the heat here in South Louisiana. Remember to always drink water, wear a hat if possible, and wear sunscreen at all times. Did I mention you should drink water? If you plan to drink alcohol, make sure you have a designated driver or find alternate transportation to prevent a DUI arrest or worse. If you are under the age of 21, you cannot drink alcohol at all. You do not want to get arrested or cited for Minor in Possession. Please adhere to all festival rules and listen to any law enforcement or security if you encounter them. This will ensure a safe and enjoyable time at the fest. If you do find yourself in trouble or arrested at a Louisiana festival, please consider calling a qualified criminal defense lawyer experienced with festival mishaps. Crescent City Law is available by phone at (504) 264-9492 and e-mail, nights, weekends and can meet you off-site. Meanwhile, happy festing!
