Feature I 2024 spring festivals

The Fest is yet to Come

Your complete guide to Acadiana’s festival scene

By Alexis Captain Marino

Spring’s vibrant hues have made their way across Acadiana, and the region is alive with an eclectic array of festivals that celebrate music, culture, culinary delights and the great outdoors. It is a beautiful awakening for locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the rejuvenating festivities.

Springtime Tunes

From the rhythms that echo through the open air to the international beats that bring the world to Acadiana, these spring music festivals offer a symphony of experiences.

Rhythms on the River

Dates: Every Thursday night in Spring, starting April 4, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Location: City Club at River Ranch, 1100 Camellia Blvd., Lafayette, LA

Description: A free outdoor live music event featuring local food and beverage vendors, and a vibrant atmosphere to enjoy live performances.

The Lineup:

April 4: Ryan Foret & Foret Tradition

April 11: SPANK THE MONKEY

April 18: Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band Official Site

May 2: The Molly Ringwalds (opening with Yeah You Right)

May 9: Wayne Toups (opening with Swampland Revival)

Symphony Sunday in the Park

Date: Sunday, April 7, 1 – 4:30 p.m.

Location: New Iberia City Park, 300 Parkview Dr., New Iberia

Description: Pack a picnic and enjoy the free outdoor performance by the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra. Deck your picnic setup out in a theme for a chance to win the picnic contest and other family-friendly activities.

Bach Lunch Music Series

Dates: Friday, April 12 and Friday, April 19, music starts at 12 p.m.

Location: Downtown Lafayette at Parc Sans Souci

Description: Take your lunch hour up a notch with this free community music series. Grab some eats from a local food truck vendor and dance to the sounds of Boma Bango on April 12 and Major Handy and the Louisiana Blues Band (featuring Sharona Thomas) on April 19.

Festival International de Louisiane

Dates: Wednesday, April 24 – Sunday, April 28

Location: Downtown Lafayette, LA

Description: This is the festival of all festivals, the largest international music festival in the U.S., and it is right here in our own hometown. Dance to the beats of music from around the world, gnash on gourmet food, peruse handcrafted artworks, add to your festival collection from the artworks, and participate in cultural celebrations. Admission is free. For more info visit festivalinternational.org

A Cultural Awakening

As flowers bloom and warm breezes sweep through Acadiana, cultural festivals are a heartfelt nod to the longstanding traditions, timeless literature and diverse heritage that shape southern Louisiana.

Festival des Fleurs de Louisiane

Date: April 6, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Location: Blackham Coliseum, Lafayette, 2330 Johnston St., Lafayette, LA 70503

Description: A celebration of spring with gardening-related vendors, educational resources and food trucks. The festival supports UL Lafayette’s Ira Nelson Horticulture Center.

8th Annual Books Along The Teche Literary Festival

Dates: Friday, April 5 – Sunday, April 7, various times

Location: Downtown New Iberia, from Bouligny Plaza to Shadows on the Teche

Description: Come celebrate the hometown of author James Lee Burke with symposiums, author talks, writing workshops, cooking demos, a book fair and a kid’s center. Some events are free. To purchase tickets and see the weekend schedule visit booksalongthetecheliteraryfestival.com

10th Annual New Iberia Spanish Festival

Dates: Friday, April 19 – Sunday, April 21, various times

Location: Bouligny Plaza, 128 W Main St.., New Iberia, LA

Description: A weekend celebrating Spanish heritage through food, music, art, and history. There will be a carnival, car show, a cook-off and the customary crocheted ceiling. For a full schedule visit newiberiaspanishfestival.com

A Taste of Spring

Acadiana’s food and wine festivals are a gastronome’s delight. From intimate chef’s dinners featuring expertly paired wines to gatherings centered around local delicacies, these mouthwatering festivals will send you on a delectable journey of taste and tradition.

Catahoula Wine Mixer

Dates: Friday, April 19 – Saturday, April 20

Location: River Ranch, Lafayette, LA

Description: Cheers! The team behind Shreveport’s renowned Catahoula Wine Mixer is bringing the flavor to Lafayette. There are three ways to wet your palette:

The Wine Mixer – Taste wines from all around the world while enjoying four hours of great food, wine and music for $90. Saturday, April 20, 3 – 7 p.m.

The Chef’s Dinner held on April 19 – devour eight courses from eight chefs paired with eight wines for one incredible evening for $200.

Chef’s Dinner & Wine Mixer Combo – The best of both worlds. Attend the chef’s dinner and the wine mixer for $250.

Scott Boudin Festival

Date: Friday, April 5, 6 – 8 p.m.

Location: 125 Lions Club Rd, Scott, LA

Description: Come get you a link of boudin or a few. Smoked or regular, enjoy this classic treat with music, food, and more.

Arnaudville Étouffée Festival

Dates: Friday, April 26 – Sunday, April 28

Location: Little Flower Auditorium, 102-106 Pine St, Arnaudville, LA

Description: This festival could have easily gone under music lover festivals. Join the fun with an étouffée cook-off, carnival rides, a silent auction, bingo, and an auto show. The live music lineup is one you won’t want to miss. Learn more at arnaudvillecatholic.org/etouffee-festival

Spring Into Action

Spring in Acadiana beckons adventurers and sports enthusiasts. Whether you’re racing through barrel turns or pedaling along scenic routes, Acadiana’s sports and outdoor festivals offer exhilarating experiences in the heart of Louisiana’s great outdoors.

Bayou Classic

Dates: Friday, April 19 – Sunday, April 21

Location: SugArena, 713 NW Bypass Hwy, New Iberia, LA

Description: Equine enthusiasts rejoice. Acadiana Barrel Racing Association (ABRA) hosts barrel racing and other equine competitions at this three day festival. Check out their Facebook page for more info.

Cycle Zydeco

Dates: Wednesday, April 3 – Sunday, April 7

Location: Routes throughout Acadiana

Description: Every year during the week after Easter this Cajun & Creole cycling festival is a four-day casual touring ride in South Louisiana. The ride includes tours of swampy attractions, breweries, culinary hotspots, and options for camping. Park your bike for some live music and dancing along the route. For more info, visit cyclezydeco.org