Louisiana Festivals & Events Happening this Weekend: April 11 through April 14

Friends of the LSU Libraries Annual Book Bazaar happens this weekend inside Parker Coliseum on the LSU campus.Photo byM Henderson

Spring festivals are in high gear this weekend. Immerse yourself in books, history, strawberries, the French Quarter, wine, antiques, and black bears.

Friends of the LSU Libraries Annual Book Bazaar - Baton Rouge - April 12, 13, 14

143 E. Parker Boulevard

John M. Parker Coliseum on the LSU campus is the setting for the Friends of the LSU Libraries Annual Book Bazaar. Book lovers will find rare, out-of-print, and collectible items plus books on every subject including Fiction, Non-Fiction, Nature, Military History, Children's, Young Adults, Textbooks, Gardening, Religion, Self-Help, Hobbies, Cookbooks, New Age, Louisiana, and much, much more.

Hours are:

• Friday 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Sunday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Arrive early for the best selection. Books are half-price on Sunday.

Louisiana Railroad Days Festival - DeQuincy - April 11, 12, 13, 14

400 Lake Charles Avenue

The Louisiana Railroad Days Festival in DeQuincy is a free, family-oriented, alcohol-free event that celebrates the reason the town was established. There will be food vendors, arts & crafts booths, entertainment, carnival rides, and a parade.

The entertainment lineup includes:

• Brad Broussard
• Riley Harrison Clark
• Geno Delafosse & French Rockin' Boogie
• 26West
• Rosedown Rockers
• The Stark Experiment (featuring DeQuincy's own, Tod Stark)
• Mark Reeves & Twisted X

Gospel music will be provided during the evening hours courtesy of area churches.

French Quarter Festival - New Orleans - April 11, 12, 13, 14

The 40th annual French Quarter Festival features more than 20 stages throughout the French Quarter showcasing every genre of local music from traditional and contemporary jazz to R&B, New Orleans funk, folk, gospel, brass bands, classical, Latin, Zydeco, cabaret, and international.

New Orleans restaurants will serve food and beverages in Jackson Square, the Mint, JAX Brewery, the Jazz Museum, and Woldenburg Riverfront Park.

Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival - April 12, 13, 14

North 6th Street

The 52nd annual Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival takes place at the Ponchatoula Memorial Park on North 6th Street. The state's largest free harvest festival will feature live musical performances on two stages, food, drinks, arts & crafts, rides, and much more.

Battle of Pleasant Hill - Pelican - April 12, 13, 14

23271 Highway 175

Battle re-enactments, a parade, a period dance, a pageant, church services, and open camp activities will mark the anniversary of the Battle of Pleasant Hill on the actual battlefield, three miles North of Pleasant Hill.

Entry fee is $5 for those 5 and over and free for those younger.

Bayou Teche Black Bear Festival - Franklin - April 13

500 Main Street

The 20th annual Bayou Teche Black Bear Festival takes place along the banks of Bayou Teche in beautiful Downtown Franklin. Designed to educate festival-goers about the Louisiana black bear, the event features field trips, educational exhibits, and children's activities relating to black bears and the many natural resources found in south Louisiana.

Live music, food, and good company will round out the event. The musical lineup includes:

• Low Down
• 5 O'Clock Shadow
• Quarter Shots
• Johnny Chauvin

Intermission music will be provided by DJ Fab.

Wine Down on False River - New Roads - April 12 & 13

237 W. Main Street

Downtown New Roads is the setting for a weekend filled with wine tastings from Napa Valley, local cuisine, art, and live music at Wine Down on False River. General admission is $90 plus fees.

Old Schoolhouse Semi-Annual Antique Fair & Yard Sale - Washington - April 12, 13, 14

123 Church Street

The Old Schoolhouse Semi-Annual Antique Fair & Yard Sale is a highly anticipated antique show featuring more than 200 vendors on six acres of land surrounding the Old Schoolhouse Antique Mall. Bargains, barbecue, and additional vintage items will be offered inside the schoolhouse.

Hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.