Festivals Happening This Weekend - April 6 through April 9

Celebrate Lao New Year and Pirates this weekend.

Wat Thammarattanaram Lao Buddhist TemplePhoto byM Henderson

For many families in Louisiana, Easter weekend is a prime time for a gathering. If you're looking for something to do that everyone can enjoy, consider attending a festival.

These are the festivals happening in Louisiana this weekend.

Louisiana Lao New Year Festival - Broussard (4/7-4/9)

7913 Champa Avenue

It's time to celebrate Lao New Year this Easter Weekend at Wat Thammarattanaram Temple in Lanexang Village in Broussard. The festival includes live music, parades, a beauty pageant, kids' activities, and castle building. Vendors will be selling clothing, jewelry, music, and food from Southeast Asia.

The musical lineup for Friday and Saturday evenings includes:

• Bao Thomas
• Pou
• Kanu
• Phouthone
• The Louisiana Band

All-access VIP passes are available for $50/person. Valid on Saturday of the festival, it includes VIP parking, a private tour of the temple and grounds, good viewing and narration for parade performances, a covered tent in case of rain, a papaya salad demonstration, Lao finger foods, and refreshments. The festival is family-friendly, handicapped accessible, and parking is free.

Easter Louisiana Pirates of the Ponchartrain Festival (LaPOP) - Hammond (4/7-4/9)

46468 River Road

From 10 AM to 6 PM, April 7,8, and 9, the Renaissance Festival grounds will be filled with pirates and pirate-related activities at the LaPop Festival. Guided pirate treasure hunts, egg hunts, Easter bunny photos, and a petting zoo are just a few of the activities planned for the event. See theatrical and musical live shows, and enjoy games, shops, and plenty of food. The Paradox Pub will be open throughout.

Admission is $15 at the gate; $14, one or more days in advance online; and free for children under 6 years.