Festivals Happening this Weekend: June 29 through July 2

Enjoy the long weekend by starting it off with a festival.

Zydeco MusicPhoto byM Henderson

Leading into July 4th events, there are several fun festivals going on around the state.

Annual Lebeau Zydeco Festival - Lebeau - July 1

103 Lebeau Church Road

Live Zydeco performances, dancing, and Creole cuisine, including pork backbone dinners, highlight the Annual Lebeau Zydeco Festival on the grounds of the Immaculate Conception Church from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. This year's live music lineup includes:

• Nathan Williams & the Zydeco Cha Chas
• Step Rideau & the Zydeco Outlaws
• Horace Trahan & Ossun Express
• CJ Vedell & the Zydeco Grapplers
• Mike Broussard & Nu Edition Zydeko

Tents and lawn chairs are welcome, but barbecue pits, ATVs, glass containers, and ice chests/coolers are not allowed.

Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children.

Slidell Heritage Festival - Slidell - July 1

1701 Bayou Lane

Featuring music from Amanda Shaw, Zebra, and Soul Revival, the Slidell Heritage Festival celebrates our nation's birthday with fun for the whole family. Guests will enjoy food, crafts, and a children's area featuring pony rides, water slides, face painting, games, and much more. Hours are 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM at Heritage Park.

Admission is $15 per person (13 and up) and free for ages 12 and under.

Avoyelles Arts & Music Festival - Marksville - July 4

Tunica Street & Main Street

Head over to Marksville on the fourth of July for the Avoyelles Arts & Music Festival. Enjoy a BBQ competition, a dessert bake-off, a car show, a hot dog eating contest, a kids' corner, music, food, arts & crafts, and the longest-running Independence Day parade in the state of Louisiana.

Music will be provided by Louisiana's LeRoux, Leon Chavis & the Zydeco Flames, Travis Matte & the Kingpins, One Trick Pony, and Bruce Daigrepont. Beginning at 10:00 AM, the festival is free and open to the public. Bring your sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, water bottles, and dancing shoes.