Weekend in the Bayou: Events Happening Across Louisiana (May 9–11, 2025)
By The Bayou Insider Staff
Whether you’re craving watermelon, jazz, pirates, or garden strolls, this weekend offers something for everyone across the Bayou State. From DeRidder to New Orleans and everywhere in between, here’s your guide to the best events happening May 9–11.
🍉 Beauregard Watermelon Festival – DeRidder
Location: Beauregard Parish Fairgrounds, 506 West Drive, DeRidder, LA
Dates: May 8–10, 2025
Admission: $5 (Free for children under 3 and military ID holders)
More Info: beauregardwatermelonfestival.com
Celebrate the 20th annual Beauregard Watermelon Festival with a weekend full of family-friendly fun. From pig scrambles and goat roping to the popular seed spitting and Baby Watermelon Crawl, there’s something for everyone. Friday features the ceremonial “Cutting of the Melons” at noon. Even with the early date, Louisiana-grown watermelons will be on hand and ready to enjoy.
🎡 Boggy Bayou Festival – Pine Prairie
Location: Veterans Memorial Pavilion, Pine Prairie, LA
Dates: May 9–11, 2025
Admission: Free
More Info: laffnet.org
Now in its 40th year, this small-town classic is packed with carnival rides, arts and crafts, live music, and authentic Cajun food. It’s a wonderful weekend for the whole family to experience Pine Prairie’s best.
🎨 "Something Rotten" – Kenner
Location: Rivertown Theaters, Kenner, LA
Dates: May 9–11, 2025
Tickets: Prices vary by seat
More Info: rivertowntheaters.com
Laugh your way through this Shakespeare-inspired musical comedy. Something Rotten is a satirical romp through the Renaissance, featuring zany characters and toe-tapping numbers. Perfect for a fun night out.
🍷 Live Music at Landry Vineyards – West Monroe
Location: 5699 New Natchitoches Rd., West Monroe, LA
Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Admission: $10 for adults; children 12 and under free
More Info: landryvineyards.com
Relax among the vines this Saturday with live music, wine tastings, and food trucks. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the serene views of one of north Louisiana’s favorite vineyards.
🌿 St. Francisville Home & Garden Stroll – St. Francisville
Location: Multiple garden sites across St. Francisville, LA
Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Admission: $20 per person
More Info: explorelouisiana.com
Get inspired with this charming garden tour hosted by the Feliciana Master Gardeners. Historic homes, blooming flowers, and peaceful strolls make this event a spring favorite in a town known for its Southern grace.
🌟 Children’s Entrepreneur Market at Fae Fest – Baton Rouge
Location: LSU Hilltop Arboretum, Baton Rouge, LA
Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Admission: $7 (Kids under 2 free)
More Info: faefestbr.com
Support the next generation of business leaders as kids take center stage, selling homemade crafts, art, and baked goods. It’s part of Fae Fest—a whimsical family event celebrating nature, imagination, and creativity.
🖼️ LSU School of Art BFA Senior Exhibition – Baton Rouge
Location: Shaw Center for the Arts, Baton Rouge, LA
Dates: May 9–11, 2025
Admission: Free
More Info: calendar.lsu.edu
Explore the final projects of LSU’s graduating art students. With paintings, digital work, sculpture, and installations, this exhibit is a glimpse into Louisiana’s next wave of artists.
⛅ Weekend Weather Snapshot
DeRidder: Storms possible Friday and Saturday; clearing on Sunday
Pine Prairie & Lake Charles: Cloudy with scattered rain throughout the weekend
New Orleans: Wet Friday with sunshine returning Sunday
West Monroe: Light showers Saturday morning, clear by evening
St. Francisville & Baton Rouge: Showers likely Saturday; humid and partly sunny Sunday
(Always check your local forecast before heading out.)
🎟️ From melons and music to concerts and art, Louisiana is bursting with life this weekend. Wherever you go, support local, celebrate community, and share your adventure with us!
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