Festivals Happening this Weekend: May 25 through May 28

As the weather warms, the festival scene heats up.

JambalayaPhoto byDreamstime stock photo

56th Annual Jambalaya Festival - Gonzales - May 26, 27 & 28

219 South Irma Boulevard

Good food, good music, and good fun are on tap at the Gonzales Jambalaya Festival, held in the Jambalaya Capital of the World. Jambalaya cooking contests will happen throughout the weekend with a semi-final round happening between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM on Sunday morning, and winners announced at 12:00 PM. The final cook-off will take place Sunday afternoon from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM with the World Jambalaya Champion announcement coming during a 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM ceremony.

Carnival rides will operate from 5 PM to 7 PM on Friday and from 11 AM to 10 PM Saturday and Sunday. Individual rides cost $3 to $7 each, but ride bracelets are available for $30 each day of the festival. A 3-day ride pass can be purchased for $60.

Vendor booths will be open from 2 PM to 7 PM on Friday and from 10 AM to 7 PM on Saturday and Sunday. A car show will take place on Sunday in the Council on Aging parking lot with awards given at 3 PM. Music will be performed on three stages and includes Dustin Sonnier, Gregg Martinez with TK Hulin & Johnny Allen, Na Na Sha, and Chris Leblanc & Jonathon Boogie Long.

Mudbug Madness Festival - Shreveport - May 25, 26, 27 & 28

101 Crockett Street

What began as a 2-day street festival in Downtown Shreveport, is now one of the largest and most popular festivals in Louisiana. Featuring renowned Cajun, Zydeco, Jazz, and Blues artists from across the state, the festival offers mouthwatering Cajun cuisine, raucous contests, and fun for all ages.

The musical lineup includes Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band, Jamie Bergeron, Acadien Cajun Band, Lil' Nathan, Sammy Kershaw, Dwayne Dopsie, and many more.

Admission is free for children under 12 and military personnel all weekend. Adults get in free on Friday, May 26, until 5:00 PM. General admission is $10 per person, with 4-day passes available for $15.