Welcome to spring festival season on The Northshore—where Louisiana flavors take center stage, live music gets you moving, and sunshine and southern breezes set the mood. Read on for a highlight reel of festivals happening this spring and summer in St. Tammany Parish.
Sounds Like Spring
Slidell's All-You-Can-Eat Crawfish Cook-off in Fritchie Park
If it’s music that feeds your soul, we’ve got you. Abita Springs kicks off the season on March 30 with its annual Busker Festival, a joyful tribute to street music with performers playing on the Trailhead Museum stage.
Madisonville's Maritime Museum Louisiana will present its annual celebration of the arts, Maritime Music & Art Festival, on May 10. (Previously scheduled for March, it was moved due to anticipated rain).
Round out the season with a blanket, a basket, and a bit of classical charm at Some Enchanted Evening, the Northshore Community Orchestra’s spring concert in Slidell’s Heritage Park, happening May 18.
For a full round-up of outdoor concerts this spring in Slidell, Covington, Mandeville and Bush, check out our blog, Outdoor Concert Series across The Northshore and their Lineups.
Tunes & Tastes
Sample culinary delights and cocktails at the Girod Street Stroll in Old Mandeville.
Spring on The Northshore serves up crawfish, cold beer, and good music in generous portions. From block parties and food truck fests to all-you-can-eat boils and wine tastings, these festivals pair local flavor with live tunes and a whole lot of sunshine.
Old Mandeville businesses kick things off on April 12 with the 10th annual Girod Street Stroll. Check out artist booths and live painting as you sample light bites and beverages from over 40 stroll stops. It’s free to stroll, $40 to sample (21+ only). Tickets available at OldMandevilleBusiness.com.
On May 11, variety takes center stage at the Mandeville Food Truck Festival, a fundraiser from the Mandeville Lions Club. Expect food trucks, music, a kids’ zone, and the Kentucky Derby on the big screen.
A Taste of Covington Food, Wine, Music & Art Festival in downtown Covington returns May 1–31 (moved up from its usual June dates). Reserve early for wine dinners throughout the month, and don’t miss the Grand Tasting at the Art House on May 17.
Get Your Crawfish Fix
On March 23, Head to the Castine Center in Mandeville for the Crawfish & Cornhole Tournament & Wellness Fair, a full day of crawfish, local brews, wacky games, and family fun—all supporting women in the community battling cancer. Enjoy the Wellness Fair, inflatables, arcade games, and the “Battle of the Brass” with local leaders.
On April 5, get your fill of the spicy crustacean at St. Paul's Crawfish Cook-off, the Covington's Catholic school's annual fundraiser for Children's Advocacy Center - Hope House.
April 13, boiled crawfish and three stages of live music share the spotlight at the 5th annual Olde Towne Slidell Crawfish & Music Festival. Also on April 13, Crawfish Cookin' for a Cause fills the air around the Mandeville lakefront splash pad with music and the mouthwatering aroma of crawfish with all the fixings. Proceeds benefit charities supported by the Northshore Community Foundation.
April 26 is a big day for festival feasting on The Northshore. In Slidell, the Slidell's All-you-can-eat Crawfish Cook-off brings 60+ teams together to boil more than 40,000 pounds of crawfish and 17,500 pounds of potatoes, corn, sausage, garlic—plus whatever else they throw in to make their signature flavors. It’s believed to be the largest single-day crawfish boil in the world. Expect great food, live music, and a feel-good vibe, all while supporting a worthy cause, Hospice House.
Also on April 26, the Mandeville lakefront hosts the 4th annual Crawfish Cookin' for the Corps, another fundraiser with a flavorful twist. In addition to Louisiana’s favorite crustacean, they’ll be serving up hot dogs and cold beer, with live music, a bounce house, and even a swimming pool for the kiddos.
Earthy, Airy, Awesome
Shop and trade unique and vintage bikes, and cruise the town on wheels, at the Louisiana Bicycle Festival in Abita Springs.
Spring festivals offer plenty of ways to play together as a family—think colorful balloons (weather permitting), bike parades, and Earth-loving activities. A few are specially tailored for curious kids, aspiring heroes, nature lovers, and everyone in between.
On April 5, Abita Springs holds its third annual Autism Awareness Day, a space for children to play and join in a fun run as well as information booths by groups that offer services for children with autism.
On April 19, Abita Springs will host the Louisiana Bicycle Festival for its 25th year of bike swap meets, races and wheelie competitions for the kiddos, a bicycle auction, prizes and awards, and a fun ride through the town. Admission is free to all events.
On April 26, Lacombe celebrates nature with its 8th annual Earth Day at Bayou Lacombe Museum. The free event features food, vendors and interactive and educational booths. On April 27, Pearl River's "Earth Day-ish" event is Sweet Tea & Free Trees, a celebration of nature and the quintessential Southern beverage by the Pearl River-Honey Island Swamp Museum & Research Center. They'll be giving away native trees and plants and host hands-on activity booths and a local food truck.
May 25 brings the 12th annual Mandeville Family Reunion to the lakefront, where locals and visitors alike gather for a day of live music, patriotic vibes, food trucks, kids’ games, and good company under the oaks. Picnics welcome; shade and lake breezes provided.
A multi-day festival you don't want to miss is actually north of St. Tammany Parish, at the Washington Parish Fairgrounds in Franklinton. Book your stay with us and check out the Washington Parish Balloon Festival, May 30-June 1, It's a full weekend of awe-inspiring hot air balloon shows (weather permitting), a carnival with rides, games and food booths, live music, food and craft vendors, and more.
SAVE THE DATES:
- Northshore Pride Parade, from Mandeville lakefront to the Trailhead, June 7
- Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration in Covington, June 19
Easel-y Entertained: for Art Lovers & Treasure Hunters
Abita Springs' annual En Plein Air Exhibition at Abita Trailhead Museum (George Long photo)
April bursts with color, creativity, and fresh-air inspiration—perfect for art lovers and shoppers seeking vintage treasures, unique finds, and flea market gems.
Treasure hunters won’t want to miss the Whole Town Garage Sale in Abita Springs on March 22, one of Louisiana’s largest community yard sales. Held rain or shine, this quirky spring tradition draws shoppers from across the region to browse deals from vendors at Town Hall and private sales throughout the charming small town.
Slidell kicks off festival season in Olde Towne with two big days of shopping, March 29-30, at the annual Slidell Spring Antique Street Fair. Stroll through historic Olde Towne, where more than 150 artists and vendors showcase handmade crafts, original artwork, and more. Enjoy live music, festival food, and local shopping along the charming streets of this walkable downtown district.
April 4 kicks things off in Folsom with the 5th annual Folsom Scenic Rivers Art Festival a celebration of art and music at Far Horizons Art Gallery and The Giddy Up.
April 5, head to Olde Towne Slidell for the 30th annual Arts Evening with artist booths, live music, and late-night shopping under the stars.
In Abita Springs, the En Plein Air Exhibition returns April 11–13 at the Trailhead Museum, featuring landscapes painted outdoors by local artists. Don’t miss the Friday night reception—early birds might just snag a masterpiece.
April 12, downtown Covington comes alive for Spring for Art, an evening of contemporary art, live music, pop-up installations, and the popular Mix Masters Cocktail Contest. Explore historic streets filled with sights, sounds, and seasonal flair.
April 26-27, the Covington Antiques and Uniques Festival brings treasures and curiosities from across the region to the Covington Trailhead and nearby streets—think vintage finds, original art, and one-of-a-kind pieces with stories to tell.
For a more laid-back art day, stroll through Olde Towne Slidell and spot the many vibrant murals tucked along sidewalks, walls, and alleyways.
SAVE THE DATES:
- White Linen & Lagniappe in Slidell, August 9
- Covington White Linen for Public Art in Covington, August 16
Looking Ahead: Sips, Bites & Sunshine
Kokomo Stroll in downtown Covington
Summer brings the heat—and a few delicious reasons to raise a glass (or fork) on The Northshore.
June 21 kicks things off with Larry Hartzog's Twisted Beer Fest and Homebrew Competition at the Castine Center in Mandeville. Sample 200+ beers from homebrewers and breweries across Louisiana while supporting the Northshore Humane Society—yes, there will be adoptable pets on site.
July 12, beach vibes take over downtown Covington for the 8th annual Kokomo Stroll, an adults-only evening of tropical cocktails, craft beers, and light bites. Hula skirts, resort wear, and coconut bras are all fair game. Your cup is your ticket—advance purchase required.
All month long in August, take a tasty tour through Tammany Taste of Summer, Visit The Northshore’s own celebration of local flavor. Enjoy dining deals and special prix fixe menus at restaurants across St. Tammany Parish.
Tavi Restaurant
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 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.
