1718 Reading Series March 4, April 1, May 6. Columns Hotel, St. Charles Ave. Sponsored by Loyola University and Tulane University, the series will feature student readers from Loyola, Tulane, UNO and NOCCA after each featured reader. Featured readers are: March 4, Richard Siken; April 1, Mark Yakich; and May 6, Pia Ehrhardt.

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation's Tom Dent Congo Square Lecture Series March 4, April 1, May 13, June 10. 1205 N. Rampart Street. March 4, Joshua Clark reads from his Katrina memoir, "Heart Like Water"; April 1, Tom Sancton reads from his memoir of growing up at Preservation Hall, "Song for My Fathers," with a response panel including Ben Jaffe; May 13, Michael White presents a talk on teaching kids life values through jazz, with performance by the Hot 8 Brass Band; June 10, Beatle historian Bruce Spizer presents "The Beatles Are Coming: The Birth of Beatlemania in America."All events in this lecture series take place at 7 p.m. and are free!

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation's Tom Dent Congo Square Lecture Series March 4, April 1, May 13, June 10. 1205 N. Rampart Street. March 4, Joshua Clark reads from his Katrina memoir, "Heart Like Water"; April 1, Tom Sancton reads from his memoir of growing up at Preservation Hall, "Song for My Fathers," with a response panel including Ben Jaffe; May 13, Michael White presents a talk on teaching kids life values through jazz, with performance by the Hot 8 Brass Band; June 10, Beatle historian Bruce Spizer presents "The Beatles Are Coming: The Birth of Beatlemania in America."All events in this lecture series take place at 7 p.m. and are free!

Thibodaux Firemen's Fair May 1-4, Firemen's Fair Grounds, Thibodaux. A 2008 Southeast Tourism Society "TOP 20 EVENT". For details call (985) 447-1986 or visit their website here.

Chaz Festival May 1, New Orleans, 3020 St. Claude Ave. Music, food and dancing. (504) 645-7090, www.chazfestival.com.

Chase Zoo-To-Do May 2. Audubon Zoo, New Orleans. Nationally-recognized entertainment, online and silent auction, Lexus Luxury Vehicle Raffle, cuisine from one hundred local restaurants. For more information, click here.

Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival May 2-4, Breaux Bridge, Parc Hardy. Cajun and zydeco music, crawfish races, crawfish-eating and -cooking contests, food, cooking demonstrations, crafts, rides. (337) 332-6655, www.bbcrawfest.com.

Holy Ghost Parish Fair May 2-4, Oak Street, Hammond. Fun-filled weekend of good food, rides, games & music to keep the young people busy; always something special for the adults. Call (985) 542-7812 for details.

May Weekend Gospel Festival May 2-4, Tangipahoa African American Heritage Museum, Hammond. Call (985) 542-4939 for more information.

Little Red Church Food & Fun Festival May 2-4, Destrehan, St. Charles Borromeo Church, 13396 River Road. Rides, food, paint-ball target shotting, music, contests and dancing. (985) 764-6383

Bonne Terre Garden Fair May 3, Houma, Southdown Plantation. Garden-themed art show, concessions, children's activities, garden seminars and demonstrations, plant clinic and museum tours. (985) 851-0154 or (985) 448-3412.

Jammin' on Julia May 3, French Quarter, New Orleans. Art, Music & Food--Dance to the tunes of the 60's. Enjoy viewing the 60's automobiles on site.

Maifest May 3, Covington. Heiner Brau Microbrewery and Museum, 226 Lockwood St. German springtime celebration with music, beer and food. (985) 910-2337.

Abita Springs Crawfish Festival May 3, Abita Springs Tourist Park. Crawfish, Creole food, music and children's activities. (985) 892-2065

May Muse May 3, Varnado Store Museum, Franklinton. Antiques auction, plants, crafts, food, music, children's activities and decorated bike contests. (985) 795-0680

Our Lady of Prompt Succor Tomato Festival May 3-4, Chalmette, Our Lady of Prompt Succor School, 2305 Fenelon St. Food, rides, music and games. 909-4784.

Cinco de Mayo Festival May 3-5, New Orleans, Tomatillo's. 437 Esplanade Ave. Block party on Frenchmen Street, Latin bands, food, pinata contests, face painting, games, vendors and Mexican art, 945-9997

Wednesdays at the Square Concert  May 7, Lafayette Square in downtown New Orleans.  Music from 5-7:30pm with food and beverages on sale keeping admission free.  $3 parking after 4pm at 650 Poydras Street.  www.wednesdaysatthesquare.com.  Porter-Batiste-Stolz perform.

Pecan Ridge Spring Bluegrass Festival May 7-10, Jackson, Pecan Ridge Park, Louisiana 52. Bluegrass and gospel music, crafts and concessions. (225) 629-5852.

Cochon de Lait Festival May 8-11, Mansura, downtown. Food including roasted pig, a street dance, boudin-eating and beer-drinking contests, children's games, crafts. (318) 964-2696.

Saints and Sinners GLBT Literary Festival May 8-11 New Orleans, Bourbon Orleans Hotel and other French Quarter locations. Writing workshops, literary panel discussions, readings and theater. 581-1144.

Ponchatoula's 8th Annual Strawberry Jam'n Toast To The Arts Festival May 9-10. Ponchatoula, LA. For more information, click here.

Music at Madewood May 9-18, Napoleonville, Madewood Plantation House, 4250 Highway 308. Music festival with classical concerts, an opera performance, dinners and tours. (985) 369-7151.

Volksfest May 9-10, New Orleans, Deutsches Haus, 200 S. Galvez St. Traditional German music, dancing, food and drink. 522-8014.

The Porch 7th Ward Festival May 9-10, New Orleans, 1910 Urquhart St. Food, music, children's activities and a resource fair. 401-1836

Gretna Arts & Crafts Festival May 10, Gretna, Huey P. Long Avenue at Sixth Street. Crafts, cooking demonstrations, children's activities, a writers tent and a German beer garden. 341-5745.

Cajun Food Fest & 5K Run for Excellence May 10, Houma, Courthouse Square on Mainstreet. Open to runners, joggers and walkers. Food and music after the race. (985) 868-5881

Pearl River Family Fest May 10, Pearl River, Town Hall, 39460 Willis Alley. Food, crafts, games, car show, Civil War re-enactment, music and fireworks. (985) 863-9495

Step Outside Day May 10, Sherburne Wildlife Management Area, Louisiana 975, south of U.S. 90. Children's day with fishing, duck calling, target shooting, bow shooting, woodcraft, air boat rides and retrieving and falconry demonstrations. (337) 585-0853

Wednesdays at the Square Concert  May 14, Lafayette Square in downtown New Orleans.  Music from 5-7:30pm with food and beverages on sale keeping admission free.  $3 parking after 4pm at 650 Poydras Street.  www.wednesdaysatthesquare.com.  The Lee Boys perform.

Hotel Monteleone 2008 Spring Literary Series March 11, April 3 and 17, May 15. Hotel Monteleone. Starting this spring, it will become a wine reception, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. $15 admission. Tickets may be obtained via TicketWeb or by phoning the Hotel Monteleone's sales office at (504)¤681-4452. Proceeds benefit the New Orleans Public Library. Fred Kaplan discusses his book, "Daydream Believers: How a Few Grand Ideas Wrecked American Power," March 11. Vanity Fair contributing editor Sally Bedell Smith discusses "For Love of Politics: Bill and Hillary Clinton, The White House Years," April 3. Mickey Edwards discusses "Reclaiming Conservatism: How a Great American Political Movement Got Lost -- and How It Can Find Its Way Back," April 17. Cokie Roberts discusses "Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation" May 15.

Broadmoor Fest 2008 May 17, South Galvez at Napoleon Avenue. Music, food, crafts, children's activities and a silent auction. 914-9989

Mount Carmel Crawfish Cookoff May 19, New Orleans, 7027 Milne Blvd. Crawfish, music, children's activities. 628-2346 or 288-7626.

Cankton Wagon Festival & Trail Ride May 16-18, Cankton, City Park. Trail rides, music and food. (337) 896-5509, www.cajuntravel.com.

New Orleans Wine and Food Experience May 20-24, several downtown locations. Vintner dinners at local restaurants, grand tastings, wine and food seminars. 529-WINE, www.nowfe.com.

Wednesdays at the Square Concert  May 21, Lafayette Square in downtown New Orleans.  Music from 5-7:30pm with food and beverages on sale keeping admission free.  $3 parking after 4pm at 650 Poydras Street.  www.wednesdaysatthesquare.com.  Paul Sanzhez & the Rolling Road Show performs.

Cajun Heartland State Fair May 22-June 1, Lafayette, Cajundome. Giant rides, music, food, petting zoo, special exhibits and demonstrations. (337) 265-2100, www.cajundome.com.

Bunk Johnson Jazz Festival May 23-25, New Iberia, SugArena, Louisiana 212. Festival commemorating jazz trumpeter Bunk Johnson with music, crafts and food. (888) 942-3742.

Greek Festival May 23-25, New Orleans, Hellenic Cultural Center, 1200 Robert E. Lee Blvd. Greek food, dancing, children's activities, 5K race, music, cathedral tours and a gift shop. 282-0259, www.greekfestnola.com.

Plaquemines Parish Heritage and Seafood Festival May 23-25, Belle Chasse, Louisiana Medal of Honor Park, 1292 Barrierre Road. Crafts, food, helicopter rides, games, rides, music, seafood specialties and local produce. 394-6328

Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo May 23 - 24, Bayou St. John, between Orleans Avenue and Canal Street. Music, art, food, kids activities, Boogaloo Contest. 488-3865.

Memorial Day Swamp Pop Music Festival May 24, Hidden Oaks Family Campground, Hammond. Louisiana musicians performing live, dancing, food & crafts. Call (985) 345-9244 or check their website for more information.

New Orleans String Project Crawfish Boil May 24, New Orleans, Burke Park, Annunciation Street, between 2nd and 3rd streets. Food, classical and jazz music, raffle and children's games.228-0787

Wednesdays at the Square Concert  May 28, Lafayette Square in downtown New Orleans.  Music from 5-7:30pm with food and beverages on sale keeping admission free.  $3 parking after 4pm at 650 Poydras Street.  www.wednesdaysatthesquare.com.  Erin Lindell performs.

Back to the Beach Festival May 30 - June 1, Kenner, at the lake at the end of Williams Boulevard. Music, food, games, crafts, car show to benefit the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation. 836-2215.

Italian Cultural &Heritage Festival May 30-June 1, New Orleans, Piazza d-Italia. Food, artists' village, entertainment. 962-7260

 
Wednesdays at the Square Concert  June 4, Lafayette Square in downtown New Orleans.  Music from 5-7:30pm with food and beverages on sale keeping admission free.  $3 parking after 4pm at 650 Poydras Street.  www.wednesdaysatthesquare.com.  Irma Thomas performs.

Riverbend Bluegrass Festival June 5 -7. Enon, River Bend Campground, off Louisiana 16. Gospel and bluegrass music and food. (985) 839-9728. www.sabinebluegrass.com

Church Point Buggy Festival June 6-8, City Park. Accordion-playing contest, Cajun music, buggy and horse-drawn carriage parade, food, rides and a children's French-speaking contest. (337) 684-2739, www.churchpointbuggyfestival.com.

Opelousas Spice and Music Festival June 6-8, Evangeline Downs Racetrack. Cajun and zydeco music, food, rides, pageant parade. www.opelousasspiceandmusicfestival.com

Cajun Day Festival June 7, St. Rose American Legion Hall, 12188 River Road. Music, dancing, food, raffles, sponsored by the Cajun French Music Association. 467-9016

Juneteenth Freedom Festival June 7-8, Donaldsonville. Family entertainment, concerts, cultural programs, the "Real Men Who Cook Contest," crafts and art displays. (225) 206-1225 (museum: (888) 775-7990).

Creole Tomato Festival June 7-8, French Market. Celebration of the Creole tomato with cooking demonstrations, tomato tastings, a parade, food and music. 522-2621 or 524-8843.

New Orleans Seafood Festival June 7-8, New Orleans, Jackson Square and French Quarter locations. Music, cooking demonstrations, tastings, cookbook signings, vendors. Inaugural festival to promote the fishing industry. 525-1117, www.neworleansseafoodfestival.com.

Gheens Bon Mange Festival June 7-8, Gheens, Community Center, Louisiana 654. Good-eating festival with Cajun food, rides, games and a fais do-do. (985) 532-6755.

Japan Fest June 8, New Orleans Museum of Art. Japanese drumming and dancing, food, storytelling, ikebana, bonsai, origami, calligraphy and martial arts demonstrations. 658-4122.

Wednesdays at the Square Concert  June 11, Lafayette Square in downtown New Orleans.  Music from 5-7:30pm with food and beverages on sale keeping admission free.  $3 parking after 4pm at 650 Poydras Street.  www.wednesdaysatthesquare.com.  Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave perform.

Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival June 13-15, New Orleans, Old U.S. Mint, 400 Esplanade Ave. Food, cooking demonstrations, crafts, art market and music. 558-6100

Soul Fest June 14-15, Audubon Zoo. Festival showcasing handmade arts and crafts, Creole cuisine and soul food. 581-4629.

Great French Market Tomato Festival June 14-15, New Orleans, French Market. Cooking demonstrations, tomato tastings, food and music. 522-2621

Louisiana Bicycle Festival June 15, Abita Springs, UCM Museum, 22275 Louisiana 36. Antique bicycle exhibits, bicycle flea market, food, music bike contests. (985) 892-2624 or visit http ucmmuseum.com.

Juneteenth Folklife Celebration June 15, Opelousas, Farmer's Market, U.S. 190 East. African-American historical and cultural celebration with demonstrations, music and crafts. (337) 948-9884, www.cityofopelousas.com.

Wednesdays at the Square Concert  June 18, Lafayette Square in downtown New Orleans.  Music from 5-7:30pm with food and beverages on sale keeping admission free.  $3 parking after 4pm at 650 Poydras Street.  www.wednesdaysatthesquare.com.  Bag of Donuts performs.

Festival of Neighborhoods June 21, New Orleans, 2401 Esplanade Ave. Neighborhood information booths and food. 940-2207.

Lacombe Crab Cook-Off Festival June 21-22, Lacombe, John Davis Park, U.S. 190 and Twelth Street. Music, crab and seafood dishes, cooking competitions, crafts, rides and music. (985) 882-3010.

Grand Isle community Fair & Blessing of the Fleet June 27-28, Tarpon Rodeo Pavillion. Rides, food and music. (985)787-2997

Le Festival de Viande Boucanee June 27-28, Ville Platte. Smoked meat festival with food booths, music, heritage expo, cooking contest and demonstrations. (337) 363-6700.

Greater Mandeville Seafood Festival June 27-29, Jackson Avenue at Lakeshore Drive. Seafood, crafts, music, children's activities, rides, classic car show, fireworks. (985) 624-9762, www.seafoodfest.com.

Down Da Bayou Festival June 27-29, Dulac, Knights of Columbus Home. Cajun/Swamp-Pop music, food, auctions, crafts, raffle and bingo sponsored by Dulac Knights of Columbus. (985) 855-1670

Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration June 28, Covington, Bogue Falaya Park. Family picnic with big band music and fireworks. (985) 892-1873.

Take A Kid Fishing Rodeo June 28-29, Cut Off Youth Center 205 West 79th Street, Cut Off. For details call (985) 632-7616

Pridefest 2008 June 28-29, New Orleans, Washington Square Park, 706 Elysian Fields Ave. Gay pride vent, with entertainment, music, drag shows, food, contests and a French Quarter parade. 906-5654

Erath Fourth of July Celebration June 28-July 2, downtown. 60th annual celebration with fireworks, barbecue cook-off, rides, watermelon-eating contest, water fights, fais do-do, music, food. (337) 937-5393.

Pecan Ridge Summer Bluegrass Festival July 2-5, Jackson, Pecan Ridge PArk, Louisiana 952. Bluegrass and gospel music, crafts and concessions. (225) 629-5852

Light Up the Sky for the Fourth of July July 3, Hammond, Zemurrary Park. Family entertainment and fireworks extravaganza. (800) 542-7520

Golden Meadow Fouchon Internatinal Tarpon Rodeo July 3-5, Fourchon. Three day fishing rodeo, fourchon public boat launch. Call (985) 860-3287 for more information.

Greater Mandeville Seafood Festival July 3-6, near Mandeville, Fontainebleau State Park. Seafood, crafts, music, children's activities, rides, classic car show, fishing rodeo and fireworks. (985) 624-9762, www.seafoodfest.com

Donaldsonville's July 3 Celebration July 3, Crescent Park. Fireworks, fais do-do, family entertainment, "Cajun-style" barbecue cook-off, antique car and historic displays. (888)775-7990.

Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza July 4, Hammond, Zemurray Park. Family entertainment and fireworks. 800-542-7520.

St. Bernard Salutes America Fourth of July Celebration July 4, Chalmette, Government Complex. Food, music and fireworks display.

Kenner Fourth of July Freedom Fest July 4, Kenner, Treasure Chest Casino grounds, Williams Boulevard at Lake Pontchartrain. Fireworks. 443-8000.

Eunice Fourth of July Celebration July 4, Eunice, Northwest Pavilion. Cajun music and one of the state's largest fireworks displays. (337) 457-7389, www.eunice-la.com.

Go Fourth on the River July 4, New Orleans, Woldenberg Park. Riverboat rides, music, food and fireworks. 581-4629.

July Fete July 4, Crowley, Rice Festival Grounds. Community celebration with a parade, music, children's activities, fireworks and a softball tournament. (337) 788-4100 or (337) 788-4123.

Let Freedom Ring July 4, Thibodaux, Peltier Park. Arts and crafts, cultural displays, music and fireworks. (985) 446-5237.

Main Street Go Fourth Celebration July 4, Morgan City, Lawrence Park. Music, food, children's activities, fireworks. (985) 380-4643 or 800-256-2931.

Slidell Heritage Festival July 4, Slidell, Heritage Park. Music, food, games, crafts, and fireworks. (985) 643-1234.

Star Spangled Celebration July 4, Baton Rouge, USS Kidd and Nautical Center, 305 S. River Road. Family Independence Day celebration with food, music, an air show, tours of the vessel and fireworks. (225) 342-1942.

Golden Meadow-Fourchon International Tarpon Rodeo July 3-5, Port Fourchon, Port Fourchon Marina, 288 Floatation Canal Road. Boat parade and fireworks (Thurs) and rodeo (Fri and Sat) with fishing contests, music and food. (985) 693-4226.

Essence Music Festival July 4-6, New Orleans, Louisiana Superdome and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Concerts, along with food and seminars. Tickets available from Ticketmaster (522-5555 or www.ticketmaster.com). www.essence.com.

Grand Isle Fourth of July July 5, Bridgeside Marina. Fireworks and entertainment. (985) 787-2419.

Lebeau Zydeco Festival July 5, Immaculate Conception Church, U.S. 71. Celebrates its 17th anniversary with zydeco music, crafts and food. (877)-948-8004.

Louisiana Catfish Festival July 11-13, Des Allemands, St. Gertrude Catholic Church. Music, games, rides, catfish-cooking and catfish-eating contests. (985) 758-7542.

Tales of the Cocktail July 16-20, Hotel Monteleone and other French Quarter locations. Lectures, discussions, book signings, dinner pairings, cooking demonstrations, cocktail mixing seminars, walking tours, films screening a bartending course and a block party. 299-0404.

Morse Recreational Festival July 17-19. Old-time street fair with music, street dances, crafts, food and a carnival.

Christmas In July July 19, Ponchatoulas Historic District .Come listen to a variety of live music, stage will be located right next to Ole Hardhide. Outdoor Art & Crafts Festival. Shop early for Christmas. For more information call 1 (800) 617-4502

Deep South Crane and Rigging Swamp Pop Music Festival July 19-20, Gonzales, Lamar-Dixon Expo Center. Festival benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis foundation with music, jambalaya cook-off, car show, poker run and a Queen's pageant. (225) 769-9994.

Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo July 24-26, Grand Isle, Sanddollar Marina. Oldest fishing rodeo in North America with big game, shoreline, spear-fishing and tag release divisions and food. (985) 787-2997.

Feliciana Hummingbird Celebration July 25-26, St. Francisville, St. Francisville Inn, 5720 N. Commerce St. Evening program and reception, hummingbird banding and garden tours. (800) 488-6502 or (225) 635-6502.

Satchmo SummerFest July 31 - August 3, Old U.S. Mint, 400 Esplanade Ave. Celebrates Louis Armstrong with outdoor concerts, seminars, children's activities, a club crawl and second-line parade. 522-5730, www.satchmosummerfest.com.

Whitney White Linen Night Aug. 2, New Orleans, Contemporary Arts Center and Warehouse Arts District. Gallery openings, food and music. 528-3805.

National Hot Air Balloon Championships Aug. 8-10, Baton Rouge, Pennington Center and BREC's Perkins Road Park. The Southeast Regional and Louisiana State Hot Air Balloon competitions, liftoffs, fireworks, music, kids' activities. (225) 933-2027, www.laballooning.com

Festival of Riches Aug. 8-9, New Iberia, City Park, Cyr Gates Recreation Building. Square-dancing festival. (888) 9-IBERIA.

Le Cajun Music Awards Show & Festival Aug. 15-17, Lafayette, Blackham Coliseum. Cajun French Music Association presents Cajun music, dancing, crafts, food and CFMA Music Awards. (800) 346-1958 or (337) 233-9690.

Delcambre Shrimp Festival Aug. 18, Main Street. Rides, food, bands, shrimp cook-off, water fights, dancing, blessing of the shrimp fleet. (337) 685-2653 or (888) 942-3042.

Gueydan Duck Festival Aug. 21-24. Rides, crafts, parades, skeet shoots, dog trials, duck-calling contest, Cajun food and music. (337) 536-7858, 888-536-6456, www.duckfestival.org.

DecaFestAug. 26- Sept. 1, New Orleans, French Quarter and CBD. Theater music, films, literary and culinary events, benefiting HIV/AIDS and LGBT community organizations. 945-6789

Southern Decadence Festival Aug. 27-Sept. 1, French Quarter. Gay and lesbian fest with dances, street parties, talent shows, costume contest and a parade. 529-2107, www.southerndecadence.net.

Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival Aug. 28-Sept. 1, downtown Morgan City. Louisiana's oldest chartered harvest festival with Cajun music, swamp rock, zydeco, country, rhythm and blues, shrimp cook-off, arts and crafts, fireworks, children's village, blessing of the fleet. (800) 256-2931/www.shrimp-petrofest.org.

Mamou Cajun Music Festival August 29-30 Mamou Civic Center. Traditional Cajun music, sack race, guinea chase, egg-throwing and arm-wrestling contests, greased-pole climbing, boudin-eating. (337) 468-3272 or check out their website.

Annual Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival Aug. 30, Plaisance, Zydeco festival grounds, 457 Zydeco Road. Authentic zydeco and French music, regional cuisine, African-American crafts. (337) 942-2392 www.zydeco.org.

Creole Zydeco Festival Aug. 31, St. Martinville, Adam Carlson Park. Zydeco music, food, Creole cooking demonstrations and dancing. (337) 394-4635.

Pecan Ridge Fall Bluegrass Festival Sept 3-6, Jackson, Pecan Ridge Park, Louisiana 952. Blue grass and gospel music, crafts, and concessions. (225) 629-5852

Cajun Heritage Festival September 5-7, Larose Civic Center, Hwy. 308 in Larose. (985) 537-7701.

Rayne Frog Festival Sept 5-7 Cajun fais do-do, frog racing, jumping and cooking contests, food booths, carnival, parade. (337) 334-2332.

Oktoberfest September 19, New Orleans, Deutsches Haus, 200 S. Galvez St. Traditional German music, dancing, food and drink. 522-8014.

Grand Bois Inter-Tribal Celebration September 19-21. Bourg, 470 Bourg-Larose Highway American Indian crafts, food and dancing. (985) 594-7410 or (985) 594-1068.

Les Cadiens du Teche Cajun Music Festival September 20, New Iberia, Cyr Gates Community Center. Music, food, arts and crafts. (888) 942-3042.

Annual Alligator Day Sept. 20 Hammond, Kliebert Alligator and Turtle Farm. Tours, alligator racing, music, food. (800) 854-9164.

Golden Meadow Firefighters Family Fishing Rodeo September 20-21, Oakridge Community Park, LA Hwy. 3235, Golden Meadow. (985)632-3800.

Slidell Fall Fest September 20-21, Slidell, Northshore Harbor Center. Crafts expo with food. (985) 796-5853

Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival September 24-28. New Iberia, City Park. Parades, agricultural exhibits, rides, fais do-do, art, livestock and flower shows. (888) 942-3042.

Alligator Festival Sept 26-28, Luling/Boutte, Luling-Destrehan Bridge, Louisiana 310. Rides, food, alligator displays, poker run, family fun. (985) 785-8769, www.stcharlesrotaryclub.com.

Archbishop Chapelle Craft Show September 27. 8800 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie. More than 150 craft booths, food, raffles. 858-6773

Bayou Lafourche Heritage Day Sept. 27, Thibodaux, 2295 St. Mary St. Music, Cajun food, crafts and old folk demonstrations. (985) 447-0915

La Fete D'Egologie Sept. 27. Thibodaux, Jean Lafitte National Park, Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center, 314 St. Mary St. Cajun food, music, dancing, hands-on cultural activities and exhibits. (985) 447-0868

CongoSquare Rhythms Festival Sept. 27-28, New Orleans, Congo Square/ Armstrong Park, 718 N. Rampart St. African art market, crafts, food, cultural activities and music. 558-6100

St. James Historical Society Heritage Day September 28, Lutcher, St. James Historical Society Museum, 1988 Louisiana 44. Food, crafts and traditional craft demonstrations. (225) 869-1717.

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Italian Heritage Festival TBA Kenner's 9th annual Italian Heritage Festival held in historic Rivertown. This is a free event with live music, food vendors who participate and sell Italian food and drink, as well as crafters who sell handmade creations. The festival will have face-painting and "Splash Castle" for kids, and a demonstration of the "Tarantella" and cooking by area chefs for adults. You can visit the event website here.

Great Southern Bluegrass Festival TBA Angie, off of Louisiana 21. Bluegrass music, crafts and food. (985) 986-8411

 
Tangipahoa Parish Free Fair Oct. 2-8, Amite, Tangipahoa Parish Fairgrounds. Agricultural events, crafts, entertainment, rides, parade and rodeo. (800) 542-7520

Fanfare Oct. 1-Oct. 31, Hammond, Southeastern Louisiana University. Dance, films, music, theater, lectures and performing arts. (985) 543-4366.

Oktoberfest Oct. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25. New Orleans, Deutsches Haus, 200 S. Galvez St. Traditional German music, dancing, food and drink. 522-8014.

Gretna Heritage Festival Oct. 3-5, Gretna Market, Huey P. Long Avenue. Music, crafts, rides and games, German Beer Garden, Italian Village with St. Joseph's altar, food court. 361-7748.

Ozone Film Festival Oct. 3-5, Covington. Screenings, film industry workshops and musical performances at several venues. (985) 893-2050

St. Mary Magdalen Seafood Festival Oct. 3-5, Metairie, 6425 West Metairie Ave. Rides, games, food and music. 733-0922.

Denham Springs Olde Downtown Antique Festival Oct. 4, downtown. Antiques and collectibles, entertainment, food and children's activities. (225) 665-4666.

Shadows-on-the-Teche Arts and Crafts Festival Oct. 4, New Iberia, Shadows-on-the-Teche, 317 E. Main St. Fine arts, pottery, tile art, metal and woodwork, demonstrations and plantation tours. (888) 9-IBERIA.

Steam Fest III Oct. 4-5, New Orleans, Audubon Park, The Fly (behind the zoo.) Model train layout, kiddy train, antique car show, food, historic Southern Pacific steam locomotive No. 745 (under steam) and exhibit train, plus bluegrass music. 897-2464

Angola Prison Rodeo Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, Louisiana State Penitentiary. Inmate rodeo dubbed "The Wildest Show in the South," music, crafts, food. (225) 655-4411.Louisiana Cotton Festival Oct. 9-14, Ville Platte, Civic Center, North City Park. Cajun contradanse, fais do-do, food and the ancient game of Le Tournoi. (337) 363-6367.

SugarFest Oct. 5, Port Allen, West Baton Rouge Museum, 845 N. Jefferson Ave. Food, music, crafts, historic building tours, children's activities, hay rides and hands-on sugar experiments. (225) 336-2422.

New Orleans Film Festival Oct. 9-16, Canal Place Cinema and Contemporary Arts Center. Local, national and international film and video screenings, workshops, seminars and social events. 309-6633, neworleansfilmfest.com.

Louisiana Cotton Festival Oct. 7-12, Ville Platte, Civic Center, North City Park. Cajun contradanse, fais do-do, food and the ancient game of Le Tournoi. (225) 655-4411

Louisiana Cattle Festival Oct. 9-12, Abbeville. Parade, livestock shows, cooking contests, Cajun French band competition, French storytelling contest and street dance. (337) 898-4110

St. Matthew's United Methodist Church Fall Craft Fair Oct. 10-11, Metairie, 6017 Camphor St. Crafts, food, antiques and evening dinner with live entertainment. 888-1155

Boucherie Festival Oct. 10-12, Sorrento, Ascension Civic Center, Reynolds/Lambert Park. Cracklin'- and jambalaya-cooking contests, parade, music, rides, food and a pageant. (225) 715-2941.

Bridge City Gumbo Festival Oct. 10-12, Holy Guardian Angels Church, 1701 Bridge City Ave. Food, gumbo-cooking contest, rides, crafts, music and a fais do-do. 436-4712.

Festivals Acadiens Oct. 10-12, Girard Park and downtown Lafayette. A combination of festivals includes Downtown Alive!, the Louisiana Craft Fair, the Bayou Food Festival and Festival de Musique Acadienne. Zydeco and Cajun music, Cajun and Creole food, native crafts, special events, folk-life exhibits. (800) 346-1958, www.FestivalsAcadiens.com.

Carnaval Latino Oct. 10-12, New Orleans, New Mardi Gras World Location, Eastbank/Riverside at Henderson Street. Outdoor concerts, food, crafts, children's entertainment, a parade, dance, and street entertainers. 581-2000

St. Matthew the Apostle Family Festival Oct. 10-12, 10021 Jefferson Highway, River Ridge. Food, music and games. 737-4604

Voice of the Wetlands Festival Oct. 10-12, Houma Southdown Plantation House, 1208 Museum Drive. Coastal education, with displays, food and music. (985)790-0682

Art in Autumn Gardens Art Festival Oct. 11-12, Darrow, Houmas House Plantation and Gardens, 40136 River Road. Art show with demonstrations, entertainment, booths, music and tours of the plantation. (225) 473-7841, www.artgumbo.org.

Tri-State 62nd Fall Rodeo Oct. 11-12, Houma, Houma Air Base, 221 Moffet Road. Rodeo and livestock show, sponsored by the Terrebonne Livestock Association. (985)232-0001

World Championship Gumbo Cook-off Oct. 11-12, New Iberia, Bouligny Plaz. Food Festival and gumbo cook-off with music and samplings. (337)354-1836

Wild Things 2008 Oct. 12-18. Lacombe, Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. Wildlife festival during National Wildlife Refuge week with exhibits, games, boat and canoe tours, food, contests, a youth wildlife art contest and show. (985) 882-2000.

Washington Parish Free Fair Oct. 15-18, Franklinton. Horticultural and livestocl exhibits, carnvial rides, food, a rodeo and music. (985) 839-7840

International Acadian Festival Oct. 17-19, Plaquemine. Cajun and country music, food and a festival parade. (225) 687-6549.

New Orleans Bikefest Motorcycle Rally & Music Festival Oct. 17-19, Westwego, Bayou Segnette State Park, 7777 West Bank Expressway. This new festival plans to showcase a bike show, games, stunt riders, food, poker run, camping and music. 274-0226, www.neworleansbikefest.com

International Rice Festival Oct. 17-18, Crowley. One of the oldest agricultural festivals in the state with rice-eating contest, parades, entertainment, livestock show and cooking contests. (337) 783-3067.

St. John Parish Andouille Festival Oct. 17-19. LaPlace, Percy Hebert Building. Food, crafts, rides and continuous entertainment. (985) 652-9569.

Grand Bois Swamp Pop/Cajun/Zydeco Fest Oct. 17-19, Bourg, Grand Bois Park, 470 Bourg-Larose Highway. Three-day fest with music and food. (985) 594-7410.

Bayou Dularge Knights of Columbus Fishing Rodeo & Fair Oct. 17-19, Theriot, St. Eloi KC Home, 1331 Dr. Beatrous Road. Country fair with Cajun food, auctions, rides, music, bands and a fishing rodeo. (985) 876-0728

Louisiana Gumbo Festival Oct. 17-19, Chackbay, Choupic Fairgrounds, Highway 304, north of Thibodaux. Cajun food, music, dancing, rides, gumbo cook-off, parade and auction. (985) 633-7789, www.lagumbofest.com.

Oak Alley Plantation Fall Arts & Crafts Festival Oct. 18-19, Oak Alley Plantation, Vacherie, LA. Call 1 (800) 44ALLEY for more information.

Cresccent City Blues & BBQ Festival Oct. 18-19, New Orleans, Lafayette Square Park. Art market, food, music and vendors.

Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival Oct. 18-19, Water Street along the Tchefuncte River. Boat-building demonstration and contests, marine auction, entertainment, flea market, food, crafts and music. (985) 845-9200 or (985) 892-0520.

St. Anthony of Padua Oktoberfest Oct. 18-19, New Orleans, 4640 Canal St. Food, music, student dances and games. 488-2651

St. Martinville Pepper Festival Oct. 19, downtown. Pepper-eating contest, music, crafts, games and food. www.stmartinkiwanis.org

Greater Baton Rouge State Fair Oct. 23-Nov. 2, Airline Highway Park/Fairgrounds. Rides, food, music, children's activities, animal shows, games, exhibits. (225) 755-FAIR or (800) LA-ROUGE.

35th Annual French Food Festival October 24-26, Larose Regional Park, LA Hwy. 308, Larose. Cajun food, music & dancing. For more information, call (985) 693-7355 or visit their website.

VooDoo Music Experience Oct. 24-26, New Orleans, City Park, behind New Orleans Museum of Art. The 10th anniversary of the huge music festival with seven stages, more than 150 bands, the Preservation Hall Tent and bingo! Parlor, food booths, interactive games andd crafts. www.voodoomusicfest.com.

Slidell Fall Antiques District Street Fair Oct. 25-26, Slidell, Olde Towne. Antiques and collectibles, food and music. (985) 643-6727

Bucktown Seafood Festival. October. Metairie, St. Louis King of France School, 1600 Lake Ave. 504-833-8224. Food, music, games, Lenten fish fry. For more information.

NOVEMBER

Great Chili Challenge November 1, New Iberia, City Park, 300 Parkview Drive. Chili-cooking contest, games, music and concessions. (888) 9-IBERIA.

Louisiana Book Festival November 1, Baton Rouge, State Capitol and Library of Louisiana. Author presentations, readings, discussions, book signings, book-related demonstrations, professional storytellers. (225) 219-9503.

Shadows Civil War Encampment November 1-2, New Iberia, Shadows-on-the-Teche. Living history encampment. (877) 200-4924.

Christmas in New Orleans Arts & Crafts Expo Nov. 1-2, Kenner, Pontchartrain Center. Crafts, food and entertainment. (985) 796-5853.

Louisiana Swamp Festival Nov. 1-2, New Orleans, Audubon Zoo. Louisiana food, music, crafts, hands-on animal exhibits, special animal feedings. 581-IMAX.

Louisiana Renaissance Festival November 1-December 7, open weekends and Friday, Nov. 28., Hammond, Highway 1064. Jousting, merchants, food and entertainment. (985) 429-9992 or www.La-renfest.com.

Southdown Marketplace November 1, Houma, Southdown Plantation. Crafts booths, seasonal items, antiques and food. (985) 851-0154.

Giant Omelette Celebration November 1-2 Abbeville. Music, crafts, children's activities, home tours, antique car show, egg games and the making of a 5,000-egg Great Cajun omelet. (337) 893-0013 or (337) 898-6600, to go to their website, click here.

New Orleans Improv Festival Nov. 6-8, New Orleans, La Niut Comedy Theater, 2301 Soniat St. Improv comedy from all over the country with workshops taught by celebrity teachers. 899-0336

Cut Off Youth Center Fair November 7-9, Cut Off, 205 West 79th St. (off Highway 1 South). Cajun food, music, dancing, carnival midway. (985) 632-7616.

Holy Name of Jesus School Gator Fest Nov. 7-9, New Orleans, 6325 Cromwell Place. Rides, music, cooking demonstrations, games and food. 861-9709

St. Rita Pecan Festival November 7-9, Harahan, St. Rita Church and School. Pecan pies, cookies and candy, rides, bands, crafts, games, family entertainment. (504) 737-2915.

Westwego Cypress Swamp Fest Nov. 7-9 A.J. Catfish Bourgeois Park (at the corner of Avenues C and D). Amusement rides, games, food booths, crafts and music. (504) 341-1003.

Thibodeauxville Fall Fest November 8, Thibodaux, downtown. Food, crafts, games, music and a duck race on Bayou Lafourche. (985) 446-1187.

Crescent City Home Brewers Winter Fest November 8, New Orleans, 200 S. Galvez St. German food, beer, locally brewed beer and music. (504) 443-2316.

Mirliton Festival Nov. 8, New Orleans, Piety Street at Dauphine Street in Bywater. Mirliton dishes, crafts, children's activities and music. 944-5422

Destrehan Plantation Fall Festival November 8-9, Destrehan Plantation. Antique village, chefs' demonstrations, food, music, dancing. (985) 764-9315.

Fiesta Latina Nov. 8-9, New Orleans, Contemporary Arts center, 900 Camp St. Craft, ethnic food, music and performances. Citywide art installation. 558-6100

Port Barre Cracklin Festival Nov. 8-9, Port Barre, Veterans Memorial Park. Cracklin' -cooking contest, Cajun music, rides and a parade.

Pecan Ridge Fall Bluegrass Festival November 13-15. Jackson, Pecan Ridge Park, Louisiana 952. Bluegrass and gospel music, crafts and concessions. Call (225) 629-5852 for more information.

River Parishes Fall Festival November 14-16, Norco, Sacred Heart School, 453 Spruce St. Rides, games, bands, crafts, food and a beauty pageant. (985) 764-9958.

Highland Games of Louisiana Nov.14 - 16 Jackson. Celebration of Scottish culture with a fiddle competition (Fri) and the games (Sat) featuring traditional athletic events, dancing, a children's village, a bagpipe competition, British car exhibition and sheep-dog demonstrations. (225) 634-7397, www.lahighlandgames.com.

St. Clement of Rome Oyster Festival Nov. 14-16, Metairie, 3978 West Esplanade Ave. Rides, games, food, music, a Sunday jazz brunch and a fun-run. 887-7821

Three Rivers Art Festival November 15-16, Covington, Columbia Street. Juried art festival with an Arts Alive! stage, children's performance stage, music, student art competition, 5K race. (985) 871-4141 or (985) 705-7968.

LadyFest Nov. 19-23, New Orleans, various locations. The festival showcases women's art, music, poetry and film in a benefit for local organizations that support women. 949-3001

Broadmoor High Arts & Crafts Festival Nov. 21-22. Baton Rouge, 10100 Goodwood Blvd. 35th annual show with handmade items, art, food and Santa Claus. (225) 926-1420

Camp Moore Living History Encampment Nov. 22-23, Tangipahoa, Camp Moore Confederate Museum and Cemetery. Civil War re-enactment at the largest Confederate training camp in Louisiana. (985) 229-2438

New Orleans Po-Boy Preservation Festival Nov. 23, New Orleans, Oak Street and South Carrollton Avenue in Riverbend. The sandwich is celebrated with music, po-boy contests, children's activities, an auction and a history venue, exploring the orgins of the local favorite.

Celebration in the Oaks November 28 - December 30, New Orleans City Park. Lighting displays, entertainment, rides, Santa visits. 483-9415.
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Louisiana Indian Heritage Association Fall Powwow TBA Robert, Hidden Oaks Family Campground. American Indian crafts, dancing, food, costumes. (504) 345-9244.

Mile Branch Pioneer Christmas Celebration and Festival of Trees TBA Franklinton, Washington Parish Fair Grounds. Historical tours of pioneer village, Civil War living history re-enactments, food, music, displays of decorated Christmas trees and a tree auction. (985) 839-5195.

Celebration in the Oaks November 28- December 30, New Orleans City Park. Lighting displays, entertainment, rides, Santa visits. 483-9415.

Christmas-New Orleans Style Dec. 1-31, Tours of historic homes, candlelight caroling, madrigal dinners, chefs' demonstrations. (504) 522-5730.

Once Upon a Cajun Christmas Dec. 5, Houma, downtown. Christmas parade with Papa Noel, caroling, entertainment and tree lighting. (800) 688-2732. (985) 873-6408.

Plaquemines Parish Fair and Orange Festival December 5-7 Belle Chasse, Medal of Honor Park. Cajun music, arts and crafts, citrus displays, orange-peeling-and-eating contests. 656-7599 or 394-3700.

Christmas Extravaganza Arts & Crafts Expo December 5-7 St. Tammany Parish Fair Grounds, 1304 N. Columbia St. Hundreds of craft booths, food and a Christmas village. (985) 796-5853.

A Bayou Christmas December 6, Larose Regional Park, Highway 308. Evening boat parade, children's events, snowfield, music and Cajun food. (985) 693-7355.

Thibodaux Christmas Parade December 7, Thibodeaux. For more information, call (985) 446-1187.

Festival of the Bonfires Dec. 12-14 and 24. Lutcher, Lutcher Park. Cajun food, music, gumbo cook-off, crafts, rides and a nightly bonfire. (800) 367-7852, www.festivalofthebonfires.org.

Christmas Past Festival December 13, Old Mandeville Trailhead/Farmers Market, Girod Street and Lakefront areas. Festival-goers encouraged to dress for costume contest, horse and carriage rides, theatrical skits, Christmas caroling, Scrooge Scavenger hunts for kids, evening costume ball, Dickens era breakfast, lunch, dinner offerings. (985) 624-5683.

St. Lucy Festival of Lights December 14, St. Martinville, St. Martin d'Tours Church Square. Holiday light displays, crafts, food, children's games, music, street and boat parades. (337) 394-6021.

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Zeitgeist Creative Music Festival TBA, New Orleans, Zeitgeist Multi-disciplinary Arts Center, 2940 Canal St. Creative music, electronica, free jazz by local and international artists. (504) 352-1150.

Rivertown Christmas Festival TBA Port Allen, downtown at the levee. Food, appearance by Santa Claus, children's activities, music and fireworks. (225) 346-5670.