French Quarter Festival

The largest free music festival in the South, the French Quarter Festival, showcases the finest music, food and culture that are uniquely New Orleans.

This year�s Festival from April 7 to 10 will feature over 275 hours of free music across 18 stages throughout the historic French Quarter.  With over 800 local musicians, every genre is represented. From traditional and contemporary jazz, to rhythm and blues, New Orleans funk, Zydeco, to brass bands, folk, opera and gospel, there is truly something for everyone.

Special events within the festival include the opening parade, the World Championship Crawfish Eating Contest, Battle of the Bands, Dancing at Dusk, the International Music Colloquium, family-fun activities at Children�s Headquarters, the World�s Largest Jazz Brunch, and more.  In addition, the kickoff party and fundraiser �TGIF� (Thank Goodness it�s Festival!) takes place the evening of Thursday, April 7 from 7 to 10 p.m.  

Attendees can also expect to see more great food and drinks, as there will be over 75 food and beverage booths located in Jackson Square, Woldenberg Riverfront Park and the Louisiana State Museum�s Old U.S. Mint.  Participants in �The World�s Largest Jazz Brunch� will showcase local cuisine from the area�s finest restaurants. 

As always, there is no finer time to visit New Orleans as the spring, especially during the weekend of French Quarter Festival � the largest free music festival in the South.  April marks the start of the festival season in New Orleans and is normally a month of beautiful weather.  

For more information about top events in Louisiana take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Louisiana. 

For more information on the French Quarter Festival visit www.fqfi.org

Spring into Baton Rouge in 2011

Baton Rouge, Louisiana is buzzing with festivals this spring,  pulsating a unique rhythm with its vibrant music scene, exceptional art and tasty cuisine. Discover the capital city�s rich heritage while experiencing its exciting culture.

Enjoy a star-studded concert in Louisiana State University�s Tiger Stadium at Bayou Country Superfest May 28 and 29. Previous performers include Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift, Brooks and Dunn, Keith Urban and Jason Aldean. The 2011 lineup will feature Tim McGraw, Sugarland, Kenny Chesney, Billy Currington and the Zac Brown Band.

The capital city will be filled with blues, music blues of course. Head to the Baton Rouge Blues Festival on May 7. This festival boasts headliners such as Delbert McClinton, Jimmie Vaughan, great local entertainment and spicy Louisiana jambalaya.

Art and music lovers will enjoy FestForAll, an entire weekend of art and entertainment downtown. Experience this premier art and music festival on April 30 and May 1. Visitors can shop for local artwork while viewing demonstrations, watching theater performances, listening to live music and tasting a variety of Louisiana�s signature cuisine. FestForAll also features a Children's Village on the lower grounds of Louisiana's Old State Capitol that will feature musicians, puppeteers, storytellers, jugglers, magicians, stilt walkers and hands-on art activities. 

Baton Rouge offers a variety of experiences, from cuisine and entertainment to architecture and history, from nature-based swamp tours to nationally ranked golf courses. Mardi Gras can be a family experience here with parades in New Roads, Port Allen, Spanish Town and Downtown Baton Rouge.

For more information about top events in Louisiana take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Louisiana.

For mote information on events and festivals in Baton Rouge visit www.visitbatonrouge.com