Festivals Happening this Weekend: April 13 through April 16

There is at least one festival happening right around the corner this weekend in Louisiana.

Friends of the LSU Libraries Annual Book BazaarPhoto byM Henderson

Festival time kicks into high gear as the weather warms in Louisiana. Here is a list of some of them taking place this weekend.

Friends of the LSU Libraries Annual Book Bazaar - Baton Rouge (4/13-4/16)

143 E. Parker Boulevard

The Friends of the LSU Libraries Annual Book Bazaar will run Thursday through Saturday at the Parker Coliseum on LSU's campus. Featuring over 60,000 volumes, many priced between $1 and $3, this book lover's paradise is free and open to the public. Find everything from children's books to textbooks to cookbooks and everything in between, plus CDs, DVDs, and vinyl records.

Hours are:

• Thursday, April 13, 9 AM to 7 PM
• Friday, April 14, 9 AM to 7 PM
• Saturday, April 15, 9 AM to 5 PM
• Sunday, April 16, 9 AM to 5 PM

At the end of the sale on Sunday, customers can fill a box for $5. Parking is free.

French Quarter Festival - New Orleans (4/13-4/16)

New Orleans French Quarter

Aiming to promote the Vieux Carre and the City of New Orleans, the French Quarter Festival is one of the largest showcases of Louisiana music in the world. Throughout the French Quarter, more than 20 stages will celebrate local music and represent every genre including traditional and contemporary jazz, New Orleans funk, brass bands, Zydeco, folk, gospel, R&B, Latin, cabaret, classical, and international. New Orleans restaurants will serve food and beverages in Jackson Square, JAX Brewery, the Jazz Museum at the Mint, and Woldenburg Riverfront Park.

Hear:

• The Dirty Dozen Brass Band
• Susan Cowsill
• The Iguanas
• Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band
• Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers
• Amanda Shaw
• Big Chief Bo Dollis, Jr. & the Wild Magnolias
• Tricia Boutte & the Bootleg Operation
• Tommy McClain & CC Adcock
• Charmaine Neville
• Quiana Lynell
• Michael Doucet & Lacher Prise
• Shamarr Allen
• The Dixie Cups
• Honey Island Swamp Band
• And, so much more!!!

Festivalgoers will be treated to special events like a parade, dance lessons, fireworks, and a children's STEM zone. The festival is free and fun for the whole family.

Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival - Ponchatoula (4/14-4/16)

301 N. 6th Street

In its 51st year, the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is one of the largest harvest festivals in the state. Live music, rides, a strawberry eating contest, an egg toss, arts and crafts, a parade, lots of food and drink, and loads of family fun will delight visitors during this much anticipated three-day festival.

Hours are:

• Friday, April 14, 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
• Saturday, April 15, 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
• Sunday, April 16, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Festival entry is free.

Parks Cracklin' Cook-Off Festival - Parks (4/14-4/15)

1019 Periou Street

Established in 1976, the Parks Cracklin' Cook-Off Festival features live music, great food, cold beer, fun jumps, and arts & crafts. Cracklin' cooking and judging will be held on Saturday. Festival entry fee is $5 per person, over 12 years of age.

Boot Brew Fest - Eunice (4/15)

1717 Veterans Memorial Highway

This yearly event takes place at Lakeview Park & Beach in Eunice, Louisiana. Get to know the home-brewing process from experienced brewers who will offer tasting samples at the Boot Brew Festival.

Fees:

• $10 - access to the festival
• $40 - full festival access which covers admission, beer samples, and a bowl of jambalaya
• $65 - VIP festival access which includes full festival access benefits, early admission, and a souvenir t-shirt

Must be 21 or older to sample home brews.