Music Festivals in Louisiana

What better place to merge good people, food and music than at one of the many music festivals that dot across Louisiana. Visitors can mingle seamlessly with locals while listening to native sounds and music from across the globe.

In New Orleans the celebrated Jazz & Heritage Festival takes place the last weekend of April and the first weekend of May every year. In 2010 join Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, Lionel Richie and many more 23-25 April and 29 April- 2 May.

Soon after the annual Satchmo Fest and Voodoo Experience welcomes live music enthusiasts in August and October, respectively. Over 26,000 people will gather at the Old U.S. Mint to pay tribute to the life, legacy and music of Louis 'Satchmo' Armstrong this 5-8 August 2010. The nostalgic sounds of King Louis give way to the very latest in popular music when the Voodoo Experience opens its gates 29-31 October 2010.  Past year’s headliners include Eminem, Justice, Lenny Kravitz, The Flaming Lips, Kiss and more.

The beginning of spring in Louisiana gives life to many things and music is certainly one of them. In Baton Rouge, Blues Festival Week kicks off the last week of April, joined by the largest free music festival in the state, Lafayette’s Festival International.

More music awaits throughout the year at the Opelousas Zydeco Music Festival in September, The Black Pot Festival in Lafayette during November and Baton Rouge’s Swamp Pop Music Festival in July.

Here is a sample of some festivals taking place over the next few months:

Satchmo Summer Fest: 5-8 August

Celebrating the life and music of New Orleans most famous son; Louis Armstrong.  With live music, second line parades and a jazz mass. Click here for further information.

Southern Decadence: 3-6 September

The South's largest gay festival and nicknamed gay Mardi Gras, this weekend festival attracts over 100,000 visitors from around the world. For further information click here.

New Orleans Burlesque Festival: 17-19 September

Glamorous burlesque dancers, comics, singers and variety acts celebrate classic burlesque in the most entertaining, classy and risqué showcases. For further information please click here.