Festivals & Events Happening This Weekend: September 14 through September 17

JazzPhoto byDonald GiannattionUnsplash

You can eat meat pies, enjoy good food and wine, and listen to Jazz at this weekend's festivals.

Meat Pie Festival - Natchitoches - September 15 & 16

Downtown Natchitoches

The 21st annual Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival happens this weekend in the meat pie capital of Louisiana. Beginning at 6 PM on Friday night, the free festival features tethered hot air balloon rides, mechanical rides, inflatables, face painting, games, arts & crafts, meat pie eating and judging contests, drinks, and of course, award-winning meat pies.

Music will be provided by:

• Born to Boogie Band
• DK Harrell
• Loosey Anna
• The Zach George Band
• The Clifton Swamp Band
• The Lacour Trio
• Bad Moon Rising
• Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs featuring Grammy-winning Cajun- Zydeco legend, Jo-EL Sonnier

On Saturday, the festival kicks off at 10 AM and lasts until 10:30 PM.

Louisiana Food & Wine Festival - Lake Charles - September 14, 15, 16, 17

900 Lakeshore Drive

Cajun/Creole cuisine and fresh gulf seafood are paired with beer, wine, and spirit tastings at the inaugural Louisiana Food & Wine Festival held at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Open to adults 21 and over, this ticketed event features Louisiana Inspired Master Classes, a Grilling & BBQ Extravaganza on the Lake, a Grand Tasting on Saturday, and a Jazz Brunch on Sunday.

Over the course of the festival, music will be provided by Horace Trahan & the Ossun Express and the Jay Ecker Trio. Individual event tickets range from $65 to $139 per person.

Highland Jazz & Blues Festival - Shreveport - September 16

600 Columbia Street

Local and national Jazz and Blues artists, great food, and local artwork can be found at the free annual Highland Jazz & Blues Festival located in the historic Columbia Park in Shreveport.

The schedule of performers includes:

Pavilion Stage

• 11:00 AM Buddy Flett
• 12:15 PM Shreveport Regional Jazz Ensemble
• 1:30 PM Curtis Mills featuring Groove Minded
• 3:00 PM Zach Edwards and The Medicine
• 4:30 PM. J and the Causeways

BOM Stage at the Gazebo

• 11:15 AM De'Lontrell Thomas
• 1:00 PM Twang Darkly
• 2:30 PM Co-op Mode
• 4:00 PM Full On Pocket

Two free shuttles will run every 30 minutes throughout the day beginning at 10:30 AM from the North Parking Lot of Mall St. Vincent near Dillard's to Columbia Park until 30 minutes after the festival ends.