Spring festival season on The Northshore arrives with a full calendar and an easy rhythm—live music in the air, local flavor on every corner, and long, sunny days made for wandering. From crawfish boils to art strolls, these festivals bring communities together in ways that feel both lively and laid-back.

 

Sounds Like Spring

A band performs on an outdoor stage at the Abita Springs Busker Festival, with musicians playing guitar, fiddle, upright bass and drums in front of a yellow building.
Live sounds and local flavor at the Abita Springs Busker Festival.


If it’s music that feeds your soul, spring delivers. Across The Northshore, stages pop up in parks, trailheads, and downtown gathering spaces, where everything from street performers to full orchestras set the tone for the season.

Pack a chair or a blanket, settle in, and let the music carry you into the evening.

Festival highlights:

Love live music? Check out our March-June roundup with info about Bayou Jams in Slidell, Rockin' the Rails in Covington, Mandeville Live! Free Fridays, Jazz'n the Vines in Bush, and listening room concerts at The Lobby Lounge, Dew Drop Jazz Hall and more: Outdoor Concert Series Across The Northshore & Their Lineups

 

Tunes & Tastes

Three men stand together smiling and holding drinks during the Girod Street Stroll in Mandeville, with a crowd and historic buildings in the background.
Spring evenings, good company and a lively Girod Street Stroll in Old Mandeville.


Spring on The Northshore serves up crawfish, cold drinks, and good music in generous portions. Food-focused festivals lean into the region’s strengths, pairing local chefs and creative menus with a relaxed, social atmosphere.

Whether you’re sampling small bites, strolling with a drink in hand, or planning your day around a signature tasting, these events are built for lingering.

Festival highlights:

Save the dates:

  • Tammany Taste of Summer — August 1-31 at participating restaurants across St. Tammany Parish; enjoy dining deals and special prix fixe menus

 

Earthy, Airy, Awesome

A group of cyclists rides together along a sunny, tree-lined Tammany Trace during the Louisiana Bicycle Festival.
Cruising the Tammany Trace in Abita Springs at the Louisiana Bicycle Festival


Spring festivals offer plenty of ways to get outside and play. From bike rides and nature-based celebrations to family-friendly gatherings, these events highlight the season’s lighter side.

It’s a chance to slow down, explore, and enjoy The Northshore’s natural beauty with a little extra energy in the mix.

Festival highlights:

Save the dates:

 

Easel-y Entertained: for Art Lovers & Treasure Hunters

Covington Antiques & Uniques Festival
Treasure hunting at Covington's Antiques & Uniques Festival (Bobby Gilboy photo)


April brings a burst of color and creativity across The Northshore. Art walks, antique markets, and open-air festivals turn downtown streets into lively showcases of local talent and one-of-a-kind finds.

Come ready to browse, collect, and maybe leave with something unexpected.

Festival highlights:

  • Arts Evening — March 21, Olde Towne Slidell
  • Whole Town Garage Sale (Abita Springs) — March 28, Abita Springs
  • Slidell Spring Antique Street Fair — March 28-29, Olde Towne Slidell
  • Abita Springs En Plein Air Exhibition — April 10-12, Abita Springs
  • Spring for Art — April 11, Covington
  • Covington Antiques & Uniques Festival — April 18-19, Covington
  • Folsom Scenic Rivers Art Festival — May 9, Folsom

Save the dates:

For a more laid-back art day, stroll through Olde Towne Slidell and spot the many vibrant murals tucked along sidewalks, walls, and alleyways. 

 

Get Your Crawfish Fix

A large crowd sits in lawn chairs and under colorful umbrellas facing a stage during the Slidell All-You-Can-Eat Crawfish Cook-off on a sunny day.
Crowds settle in for music and crawfish at Slidell’s All-You-Can-Eat Crawfish Cook-off.


Crawfish season doesn’t wait—and neither should you. Spring festivals across The Northshore turn the boil into a full-scale celebration, where competition, community and just the right amount of spice come together.

Expect long tables, live music, and plenty of reasons to go back for another round.

Festival highlights:

 

Looking Ahead: Sips, Bites & Sunshine

Kokomo Stroll in downtown Covington
Kokomo Stroll in downtown Covington


As spring rolls into summer, the festival lineup keeps the momentum going with events built around flavor, fun, and a little bit of celebration.

Think craft brews, tropical cocktails, and long evenings that don’t end too early.

Festival highlights:

 

Keep the Good Times Going

A couple smiles and takes a selfie while holding drinks during the Girod Street Stroll in Mandeville, with a lively crowd and vendor tents in the background.

The Northshore is full of ways to make memories with family and friends, and this is just a sampling. For even more fun—like summer festivals, Fourth of July & Independence Day celebrations, and beyond—check out our event calendar.

Thinking about bringing your group to The Northshore and making our festivals part of the experience? Our group sales team can help. Visit our Group Tours, Student Tours & Reunions page for details.

 

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