Festivals & Events Happening this Weekend: March 6 through March 10

Spring TulipsPhoto byAnton DariusonUnsplash

It's already the second weekend of March and we are racing toward Spring! That means perfect weather for attending a festival.

Here's what's going on this weekend.

Mois de la Francophonie - New Orleans - March 6 though 28

1519 Jackson Avenue

Alliance Française de la Nouvelle-Orléans invites you to explore the incredible cultural diversity of the Francophonie throughout the month of March with author talks, performances, concerts, discussions, and more at Mois de la Francophonie.

Events are free for AFNO members, and either free or with a small admission charge for the general public.

Black Heritage Festival - Lake Charles - March 7, 8, 9, 10

900 Lakeshore Drive

Celebrate the rich, dynamic, and wonderful African American culture and heritage at the 2024 Black Heritage Festival. The Lake Charles Civic Center will host a weekend of empowerment sessions, musical performances, and dance performances. There will be food trucks and vendors, merchandise vendors, a kids' zone, a black pot cookoff, a health fair, and much more.

Choctaw Firemen's Fair - Thibodaux - March 8, 9, 10

2854 Choctaw Road

A fun, 3-day celebration put on by the Choctaw Volunteer Fire Department, the Firemen's Fair features live music, Cajun food, rides, a live auction, and a parade on Sunday.

The Independence Sicilian Heritage Festival - March 8, 9, 10

307 E. Railroad Avenue

The Independence Sicilian Heritage Festival celebrates Sicilian ancestors who settled in Independence, Louisiana. Three days of great food, music, and fun will include a spaghetti eating contest, a meatball toss, a parade, and a raffle for a trip Sicily.

Battle of the Gumbo Gladiators - Shreveport - March 9

101 Crockett Street

Located at Festival Plaza in downtown Shreveport, the Battle of the Gumbo Gladiators is the annual fundraiser for Volunteers for Youth Justice. Over 50 pots of gumbo will compete for the title of Ultimate Gumbo Gladiator. Categories include chicken & sausage, seafood, and lagniappe.

Gate fee is $1.00, with children under 12 admitted free. All attendees receive one People's Choice token to vote for their favorite gumbo. Gumbo sample tickets and beverages can be purchased at the event with cash or cards.

Gretna Italian-Irish Parade - Gretna - March 10

Women and men's walking groups, marching bands, and floats will wind through Gretna's neighborhoods and historic downtown beginning at There will be a pre-parade mass and a party after the parade with live music. All are open to the public.

** If you know of an event happening this weekend that is not listed here, please mention it in the comments and I will add it to the list.