Louisiana Festivals & Events Happening this Weekend: June 27 through June 30

Ripe WatermelonsPhoto byBob BowieonUnsplash

This weekend, Laine Hardy performs at the 2024 Watermelon Festival in Beauregard Parish, Pride Festivals happen around the state, and the city of Slidell celebrates its rich heritage.

The last weekend of June provides the opportunity to eat watermelon, attend a Pride event, and celebrate the heritage of Slidell.

Beauregard Watermelon Festival - DeRidder - July 27, 28, 29

506 West Drive

The 2024 Beauregard Watermelon Festival features watermelon-themed contests, an antique tractor show, a goat and sheep show, music, food, a parade, and lots of watermelon.

Musical guests include:

• Laine Hardy
• Kylie Frey
• Neli Terry
• Clifton Swamp Band

Admission to the is $5; free those under 3 and Military with ID. Admission on Saturday night from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM is $10 with everyone in attendance required to pay this fee, excluding those 3 and younger.

Baton Rouge Pride Festival - June 29

275 S River Road

The Raising Cane's River Center is the setting for a day filled with entertainment, education, and empowerment for all. The Baton Rouge Pride Festival will paint the town with colors of love, celebration, and inclusivity.

Entertainment provided by:

• Taylor Dayne
• A'Keria Davenpor
• Eureka O'Hara

There will be an arts market, activities for kids, free HIV testing, and PrEP services available onsite.

This is a free and open event. Hours are 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Pride Acadiana - Lafayette - June 29

200 - 400 Block Jefferson Street

Downtown Lafayette is the setting for Pride Acadiana 2024. This free event is family-friendly and begins with a parade at 9:00 AM. Additional activities include a health & wellness fair, musical performances, drag queen performances, and drag queen story time.

Live acts include:

• Ian Bonin
• Roxie C Black & Martini Bear
• Alethea Crimmins
• Katie Rose
• Colin Smith
• Holly Ortego

Kid's can enjoy lip synching, crafts, and a dance party.

Slidell Heritage Festival - June 29

1701 Bayou Lane

Heritage Park is the setting for an evening of live music, delicious food, and fun activities for the entire family at the Slidell Heritage Festival. This year's musical lineup includes Rockin' Dopsie Jr & The Zydeco Twisters, and St. Tammany's own, Karen Waldrup.

General admission is $15 for those 12 and over, and free for those younger. Hours are 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. A fireworks display begins at 9:00 PM.

*If you know of a festival happening this weekend that is not mentioned here, please let us know about it in the comments section.