Festival International de Louisiane
Lafayette, Louisiana
For all things French, the Festival International de Louisiane offers much to see and do. Scheduled for April 22-26, this visual and performing-arts fest celebrates the French cultural heritage of southern Louisiana. Highlighted throughout are influences of the African, Caribbean and Hispanic cultures.
Each year, a selected artist creates a piece of artwork that evokes the emotion of that particular festival. This year, a multimedia wall hanging by Troy Dugas called “Radio Farms Four 4” will influence the festival’s theme. An official collectible pin and poster are in the works based on his artwork.
Many festivalgoers look forward to the Marche des Arts, a marketplace filled with 90 fine artists from Louisiana to Maine. There, shoppers can find artisan-crafted pottery, jewelry, sculptures and more. In the Marche du Monde, the World Market, approximately 100 commercial, import and fine-arts vendors sell treasures from around the globe.
“It’s a totally unique shopping experience and something you won’t find anywhere else,” said marketing director April Courville. “You’ll also find sculptures, African art, clothing, ceramics, paintings, photography, baskets, instruments and so much more.”
Six stages showcase a variety of cultures and music. Local artists perform traditional Cajun rhythms, and musicians hail from Mexico, Spain, Sierra Leone and Haiti. Not limited to the stage, street performers, stilt walkers and puppeteers entertain visitors walking from one stage to another.
“There’s entertainment and activity in every nook and cranny of downtown Lafayette,” said Courville. “More than nine square blocks of downtown are blocked off to traffic. In the streets, people break out and dance to the music — it’s a huge part of what makes this festival unique.”
Food plays a central role on the weekend, and many people come just for the culinary angle. Vendors, located near each stage, offer Cajun fare. Many local restaurants also sell their specialties.
Cruisin’ the Coast
Mississippi Gulf Coast
“America’s Largest Block Party” will take place October 4-11 during Mississippi’s Cruisin’ the Coast. Since starting in 1996, the festival has grown to more than 7,000 registered vehicles. Car enthusiasts from 41 states plus Canada and Sweden drive to the Mississippi Gulf Coast to showcase their rides and cruise the 30-mile stretch of beachside highway. Spectators find that cruisers love to talk “old cars.”
The weeklong event includes cruise-ins, the VA Hospital Cruise, the Blessing of the Classics and a parade. Designated stops are in the towns of Bay St. Louis, Biloxi, D’Iberville, Gulfport and Ocean Springs. Each city hosts live music and activities in a minifestival atmosphere. Food vendors and established restaurants offer specials like a ’55 Chevy Burger. Servers at local restaurants dress up in ’50s and ’60s attire.
“Our Southern hospitality makes this event special, and groups can experience the towns and people along our coast,” said Woody Bailey, director for Cruisin’ the Coast. “The spectators enjoy this event as much as the car owners.”
Approximately $5 million of vehicles are auctioned off annually at a car auction at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum and Convention Center. A concurrent swap meet offers the opportunity to buy a bumper for a 1953 Chevy, fuzzy dice and everything in between, according to Bailey. The Beau Rivage Resort and Casino usually hosts the Beach Boys. Other venues bring in bands such as Herman’s Hermits, the Platters and the Drifters.
“People love the nostalgia, and everyone enjoys the atmosphere of this more carefree era,” said Bailey.
