Louisiana Festivals & Events Happening this Weekend: April 18 through April 21

The Louisiana Ladybug Ball Festival happens this weekend in Houma.Photo byDiana ParkhouseonUnsplash

Celebrate blues, Spanish heritage, logging, forestry, dolls, art, ladybugs, Croatian culture, and Scottish tartan in Louisiana this weekend.

The weather is warming up and so are the festivals. Here's what you have to look forward to this weekend.

Baton Rouge Blues Festival - Downtown Baton Rouge - April 19, 20, 21

100 North Boulevard

A free music festival in downtown Baton Rouge, the Baton Rouge Blues Festival features multiple music stages, vendors, artists, kids' activities, and more.

Among this year's musical lineup are:

• Henry Turner, Jr. & Flavor
• Elvin Bishop & Charlie Musselwhite
• Black Joe Lewis
• Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble
• Michael Foster Project
• Lil' Ray Neal
• Jackie Vinson
• Nikki Hill
• The Chris Leblanc Band
• Alabaster Stag

A limited amount of BFF passes will be for sale in the merch tent on Saturday and Sunday. The cost is $125 and includes access to an open bar, restroom, indoor lounge, snacks, private viewing terrace, plus mainstage viewing space with seating and fans.

El Festival Espanol de Nueva Iberia - New Iberia - April 19, 20, 21

102 W. Main Street

Celebrating New Iberia's Spanish roots, El Festival Espanol de Nueva Iberia will feature a reenactment of the arrival of the Spanish on Bayou Teche, a paella/jambalaya cookoff, food demonstrations, exhibits, guest lectures, original Spanish family genealogy, carnival rides, local music, a fais-do-do, and a downtown art walk featuring Spanish artists.

Local bands include:

• The Bad Boys
• The Good Dudes
• Spanish Concert Band
• Kaleb Olivier and the Kinsmen
• Dustin Sonnier
• Kevin Naquin & Cajun Celebration
• Corey Ledet

Grounds are open from 5:00 PM to 11:30 PM on Friday, 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Saturday, and 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM on Sunday.

Zwolle Loggers and Forestry Festival - Zwolle - April 19, 20, 21

1100 S. Main Street

The Zwolle Loggers and Forestry Festival pays homage to the logging and forestry industries in Sabine Parish. Festival activities include forestry exhibits, a blessing of the fleet, logging activities, a parade, music, food, art, and crafts.

La Fete Du Monde - Raceland - April 19, 20, 21

4484 Highway 1

Known as the Swamp Pop Extravaganza of Louisiana's Cajun Bayou, La Fete Du Monde is a three-day festival of live music, dancing, Cajun food, games, and carnival rides.

Musical guests include:

• EPIC
• Kings of Neon
• Pot 2 La
• Freddie Rodrigue, The One Man Band
• Shorts in December
• Contra Flow
• TET-DUR
• JP Bourgeois Band

The event is held at the Lafourche Parish Pavilion at Hwy 1 and Hwy 90.

Louisiana Doll Festival - Deridder - April 20

Washington Street

The Louisiana Doll Festival honors the largest collection of dolls in Louisiana, the Lois Lofton Doll Collection. The festival features crafts, food, and games, and ends with an outdoor movie.

Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival - Melrose - April 20 &21

3533 Highway 119

An annual celebration of artistry, creativity, and community spirit, the Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival showcases the talent of local artisans. It provides a platform for visitors to discover unique handcrafted treasures.

Hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday and 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Sunday.

Ladybug Ball Festival - Houma - April 20

86 Valhi Drive

Focusing on environmental education for youth, the Ladybug Ball Festival is a family-friendly event featuring educational workshops, games, arts and crafts, music food, cookie decorating, face painting, a petting zoo, and more.

Guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite critter for a costume contest at 11:00 AM. 100,001 ladybugs will be released at 1:00 PM.

Croatian Festival - Belle Chasse - April 20

220 Croatian Way

Immerse yourself in Croatian culture with live Croatian music, authentic food and drinks, and dancing. Gates are open from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and admission is free.

Scottish Tartan Festival - Minden - April 20

198 Gleason Street

The 22nd annual Scottish Tartan Festival will be a day of merrymaking with Highland games, Celtic music, Scottish dance, a dog show, a Celtic marketplace, and traditional Scottish foods.