Louisiana Festivals & Events Happening this Weekend: July 25 through July 28

Grand Isle Fishing PierPhoto byGrand Isle Media Photos

Yes, it's hot; but if you plan well, you can catch an indoor, air-conditioned festival or one with other ways to keep cool. Enjoy tarpon fishing, watermelon, music, BBQ, and a Neighbor Hood festival this weekend.

Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo - Grand Isle - July 25, 26, 27

Tarpon Rodeo Drive

Referred to as the "grand-daddy of fishing rodeos," the 96th Annual International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo is a 3-day event dedicated to tarpon fishing. Adult fishing competititions, children's fishing competitions, children's crab races, a raffle, live entertainment, food, merchandise, and educational booths make this festival fun for all ages.

Live bands include:

• Peyton Falgoust Band
• Ryan Foret & Foret Tradition
• Wise Guys

DJ FROZEN handles the music on Friday and Saturday from noon until 4:00 PM. The grand prize of this year's raffle is $10,000.

Tickets are available through Eventbrite.

Louisiana Watermelon Festival - Farmerville - July 26 & 27

505 E Water Street

Centered around one of the primary crops of our hot summers, the Louisiana Watermelon Festival features a largest watermelon contest, when Louisiana growers compete for a grand prize of $1,000. A parade, a treasure hunt, a golf tournament, a street dance, and art/craft/food vendors are just some of the activities planned.

Guests can enjoy watermelon-themed decorating, story time, pageants, contests, and a fishing tournament. Music for the street dance provided by Kiko Pryor and Mike McKenzie Band.

Marshland Festival - Lake Charles - July 26 & 27

900 Lakeshore Drive

The 35th Annual Marshland Festival happens this weekend at the Lake Charles Event Center. Celebrating Southwest Louisiana artists, the festival includes food booths and arts & crafts shopping.

Musical guests include:

• Brooks Drost
• Running on Credit
• Greg Blanchard
• Rusty Metoyer
• Rouge Krewe
• Colby Latiolais
• Leroy Thomas & The Zydeco Roadrunners
• Louisiana Express with Johnnie Allen
• Geno Delafosse & French Rockin' Boogie
• Ryan Foret & Foret Tradition
• Jamie Bergeron & The Kickin' Cajuns
• Steel Shot
• Waters Edge

Entry fee is $15 per person on Friday and $20 per person on Saturday. Tickets are purchased at the door.

Bayou BBQ Bash - Morgan City - July 26 & 27

Highway 90

The 13th annual Bayou BBQ Bash will be held under the US 90 Bridge in Morgan City. A state championship BBQ competition that's held rain or shine, there will be food vendors, arts & crafts, and live music. Hours are 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM on Friday and 10:00 AM to 4 PM on Saturday.

Summer Market - Livonia - July 27

Glaser's Park

Come out and shop with 30 vendors for baked goodies, handmade items, crafts, and homemade goods at the Summer Market in Livonia. There will be music and great food available for purchase.

Admission is free. Hours are 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

(Neighbor) Hood Fest - Baton Rouge - July 27

7711 Goodwood Boulevard

Held at the Main Library on Goodwood, from noon to 8:00 PM, the (Neighbor) Hood Fest is a free, family-friendly festival featuring musical performances and film screenings.

Entertainment will be provided by:

• DJ Dave Randall
• Queen Asharah (R&B)
• Pariah85 (R&B)
• Sir AP (spoken word)
• Susie Shepherd (country/pop)
• Chris Christ Child (gospel)
• Randall Clayborn (blues)
• Kasey Ball (funk/jazz)
• Jelly B & D'Wolfe ( R&B/soul)
• Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor (blues/soul/reggae)
• LA Groove (dance band)
• Willem McCormick (alt rock)

Film screenings include:

• "The Lost Son" (drama)
• "Mid City Flats" (documentary
• "Battlegrounds: The Lost Community of Fazendeville" (documentary)

A pre-party will be held Thursday, July 25, at Henry Turner, Jr.'s Listening Room Heritage Museum, 2733 North Street, from 7:00 PM to midnight. $30 admission includes a buffet and cash bar.