Things to Do in Louisiana This Weekend
Whether you're a culture seeker, food aficionado, outdoor adventurer or history lover, Louisiana is filled with opportunities to #FeedYourSoul.
Here's a roundup of Louisiana events and activities happening this weekend.
While Louisiana’s winter may be short, it’s full of joy. Bundle up for foodie festivals and early Mardi Gras parades. Take a scenic drive along Louisiana’s byways, visit a historic site or cozy up with beignets and chicory coffee at a local café.
Jigsaw Puzzle Competition
January 31
Houma
If you lived for the intensity of “The Queen’s Gambit,” don’t miss Terrebonne Parish Library’s Jigsaw Puzzle Competition. This high-stakes tournament pits teams of four against each other to see who can complete a 500-piece puzzle first.
After the competition, ease your mind with a peaceful hike through the Mandalay Nature Trail at Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge. A boardwalk at the end of the trail leads to an observation deck where you can admire freshwater marshes, cypress-tupelo swamps and gorgeous oaks.
Mardi Party!
January 31
Monroe
Let little ones pass a good time at the Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum’s Mardi Party, where they can decorate king cakes, customize a mask to wear to parades, explore Mardi Gras-themed STEM activities and play to their heart’s content.
Continue the fun at Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo, home to creatures from around the globe. Spot long-horned Arabian oryx, adorable spider monkeys and massive American bison; walk through a lush greenhouse; or experience an immersive insect exhibit.
20th Annual Gumbo Cookoff
January 31
Opelousas
There’s no better way to eat gumbo than for a cause. At the 20th Annual Gumbo Cookoff, support a local family in need while enjoying the region’s best homemade meals. Sign up for sweet prizes, groove to live music and strut your Jeep in a parade, too.
Get a dose of Cajun culture while you’re in the area. Blue Moon Saloon or Prejean’s offer classic swamp pop tunes, or swing by Fred’s Lounge in nearby Mamou. This world-famous club only opens on Sunday mornings, so arrive early and be prepared to dance.
Plan your trip to St. Landry Parish.
United Way SOUPer Bowl
January 31
Houma
It’s soup season, y’all, and cold weather calls for a warm bowl or two. At United Way SOUPer Bowl, savor a variety of homemade soups while helping raise awareness for United Way’s efforts in Assumption, St. Mary, Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes. Enjoy live music and kid-friendly activities, too.
You can’t visit Houma without boot, scoot and boogieing your way to Bayou Terrebonne Distillers, where you can sip locally crafted white whiskey, barrel-aged bourbon and silver rum. These small-batch spirits reflect Louisiana’s longstanding relationship with the sugarcane industry.
SWLAA Gumbo Cook-Off
January 31
Lake Charles
Cozy up with a spicy bowl of gumbo at SWLAA Gumbo Cook-Off, where you can have all you can eat of this Louisiana staple while supporting the humanitarian efforts of the Southwest Louisiana Abolitionists.
Later, explore Sam Houston Jones State Park. Play a round of disc golf, photograph wildlife or trek along the trails before catching a golden lakeside sunset.
Krewe of Poseidon Mardi Gras Parade
January 31
Slidell
What would Mardi Gras look like under the sea? Find out at the Krewe of Poseidon Mardi Gras Parade in Slidell. This year’s theme — “The World is Your Oyster” — promises pageantry, revelry and Poseidon pride to set sail on dazzling floats, accompanied by marching bands and local dance teams.
Spend the weekend in Slidell exploring the local sights, culture and food. Climb aboard a flat-bottom boat on a Dr. Wagner's Honey Island Swamp Tour to see the swamp, resident gators and possibly the legendary Honey Island Swamp Monster. Grab some dinner at Palmettos on the Bayou, an Acadian-style restaurant with stunning waterfront views.
SnoPort at SciPort Discovery Center
January 30-March 1
Shreveport
Didn’t get enough sweater weather? Take the family to Sno-Port, a seasonal, snow-themed exhibition at Sci-Port Discovery Center. This interactive playground includes a make-believe sock skating rink, igloo experience, ice fishing pond and more.
While you’re in the area, stop by 318 Art & Frame, a vibrant gift shop that centers around Cajun culture. Find an eclectic mix of pottery, prints and jewelry from local and regional artists to take home.
Learn more about Shreveport-Bossier.
African American Heritage Trail
Statewide
This Black History month, retrace the footsteps of trailblazing men and women who shaped our state through the African American Heritage Trail. Explore trail sites throughout the state that help provide perspective on the African American history of Louisiana.
Explore the African American Heritage Trail.
Make Plans for Louisiana This Month
Whether it's one of our many exciting festivals or an adventure in the great outdoors, there is always something unique to experience in Louisiana. Be sure to check our calendar of events for the most up-to-date list of festivities.
