Weekend Festival Roundup – What’s Happening Around Louisiana (May 30–June 1, 2025)
By The Bayou Insider Staff
As the weather warms and summer unofficially begins, Louisiana is once again proving why it’s the festival capital of the South. This weekend, from May 30 to June 1, the state is bursting with music, food, culture, and fun—north to south, city to swamp.
Whether you're looking to dance to Zydeco rhythms in New Orleans, watch hot air balloons light up the sky in Franklinton, or enjoy a seafood feast down in Jean Lafitte, there’s something for everyone. Here's your curated guide to the top festivals happening around the state this weekend.
🎈 Washington Parish Balloon Festival
📍 Franklinton | 🗓️ May 30 – June 1
One of Louisiana’s most colorful and family-friendly festivals, the Washington Parish Balloon Festival brings the sky to life with stunning hot air balloon glows each night and tethered rides for those wanting to soar above the piney woods. During the day, visitors can explore carnival rides, artisan booths, local food vendors, and enjoy performances from regional musicians. The laid-back charm of Franklinton makes this event a hidden gem for families and first-time festival-goers alike.
🎣 Annual Sportsmen’s Heritage Festival
📍 Krotz Springs | 🗓️ May 30 – May 31
For those who love Louisiana’s outdoor lifestyle, the Sportsmen’s Heritage Festival is a celebration of everything rooted in the state’s natural bounty. From bass fishing tournaments and duck calling contests to hands-on wildlife displays and survival demos, this event is perfect for hunters, anglers, and outdoorsmen of all ages. Local Cajun bands will keep the beat going while festival-goers dig into wild game dishes and regional favorites. It’s a true backwoods Louisiana weekend.
🦞 Jean Lafitte Seafood Festival
📍 Jean Lafitte | 🗓️ May 30 – June 1
Nestled near the bayou just south of New Orleans, the Jean Lafitte Seafood Festival offers an immersive coastal experience. Festivalgoers can feast on crawfish, shrimp, crab, and oyster dishes while listening to live music from Louisiana artists. The event includes swamp boat rides, environmental education exhibits, local art, and a cultural village that showcases the town’s fishing heritage. This festival is a vibrant, flavorful tribute to the Gulf and the people who call it home.
🎶 Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival
📍 George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center, New Orleans | 🗓️ May 31 – June 1
Presented by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, this festival delivers two days of infectious accordion-and-fiddle-driven music. Dance to the beat of legends and newcomers in the Cajun and Zydeco scenes, and enjoy classic New Orleans fare like jambalaya and fried catfish from top local vendors. With shaded seating areas, kids’ crafts, and cultural booths, it’s a festival that welcomes everyone—from tourists looking to experience real Louisiana music to locals revisiting their roots.
🎵 Live Music at Landry Vineyards
📍 West Monroe | 🗓️ May 31
In the hills of northeast Louisiana, Landry Vineyards offers a more intimate and scenic way to enjoy the weekend. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket, sip on locally made wines, and enjoy performances from talented musicians under the open sky. Food trucks and charcuterie vendors round out the offerings, and vineyard tours are often available for those curious about the wine-making process. It’s the perfect setting for couples or groups looking for a more relaxed, romantic evening.
🌶️ Burning Crawfish Festival
📍 Henderson | 🗓️ May 31
Spice lovers, rejoice—Henderson is bringing the heat. This one-day bash is a fiery tribute to the crawfish boil, with competitions for the best (and hottest) seasoning blends and plenty of live Zydeco to keep your feet moving. Families can enjoy games, local vendors, and festive Cajun traditions that make Acadiana unique. It’s not just a meal—it’s a celebration of community, culture, and flavor in the heart of the Atchafalaya Basin.
🌸 Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival
📍 New Orleans | 🗓️ May 31
Hosted in one of the country’s most diverse and culturally rich cities, the Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival highlights the contributions of Louisiana’s Asian communities. Expect a colorful blend of performances—from traditional lion dances and martial arts demos to modern K-pop choreography. The food is just as diverse, with offerings ranging from Vietnamese pho to Filipino lumpia and Thai curries. Art exhibitions and cultural talks offer insight into the unique identities woven into the fabric of the state.
🎟️ Planning Your Weekend
From balloon rides and crawfish boils to Zydeco jams and heritage showcases, this weekend in Louisiana offers something for every kind of explorer. Whether you want to dive deep into a local tradition or just enjoy some sunshine with live music and good food, there’s no shortage of options.
Make sure to check each festival’s website or social media page for ticket info, weather updates, and special event schedules. Many events are family-friendly and offer free or low-cost admission.
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📣 Call to Action:
Are you heading to one of these festivals this weekend? We’d love to hear about it. Send us a quick recap, a fun story, or a favorite moment from your experience, and we may feature it in next week’s Bayou Insider newsletter.
Email us at thebayouinsider@proton.me and help us showcase the vibrant culture, people, and traditions that make Louisiana weekends unforgettable.
