Weekend festivals in the area feature some of the best that New Orleans and southeast Louisiana have to offer.
There's plenty of fun to be had both in town and out.
If you're looking for great music and great food, you'll find plenty of both at the 36th annual French Quarter Festival through Sunday.
"We are the world's largest showcase of Louisiana music," says spokeswoman Rebecca Sells. "And, with over the 23 stages, that equals about 300 acts and 1,700 local musicians."
And, as for food..."Our culinary lineup features 65 local vendors, restaurants that run the gamut from Antoines' to We Dat's."
Sells expects lots of folks to enjoy it all, all weekend long.
"They actually come from all over. We have people that come from Mississippi and all over just to attend the Strawberry Festival."
Miller says they've got a great crop of berries this year.
"They're actually looking pretty well. So far, from what seen, they're actually looking pretty good for the weekend."
And, you'll find berry treats to please every palate.
April 10-14 — A Taste of Covington (Various locations in Covington) — The five-day event features vintner dinners, grand tastings, live music, a Champagne jazz brunch, art walk and more. Hours and admissions vary.www.atasteofcovington.com
April 11-14 — French Quarter Festival (French Quarter of New Orleans) — tages, films, lectures and children's activities. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Free.www.fqfi.org
April 12 — Westwego Farmers Market Friday Night Concert Series (484 Sala Ave., Westwego) — The concert series offers live music by the Tuzack Martin Band, food, crafts and more. 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Free.
April 12-14 — Grand Isle Blessing of the Fleet Festival (Highway 1, Grand Isle) — The festival includes a blessing of the fishing fleet, carnival rides and games, food and drink vendors, live music, auctions and a pageant. 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. www.townofgrandisle.com/events/grand-isle-blessing-fleet-fair
April 12-14 — Grand Isle Migratory Bird Festival (Highway 1, Grand Isle) — The festival celebrates the arrival of migratory birds and provides viewing access for birdwatchers. There are birdwatching tours, kayak tours through mangroves and boat tours to a pelican rookery. Hours and admissions vary.www.townofgrandisle.com/events/grand-isle-migratory-bird-festival
April 12-14 — Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival (Memorial Park, North Sixth St., Ponchatoula) — There are food booths, lots of things made with strawberries, a pageant, a parade, arts and crafts, children's activities and live music from Mothership, Chubby Carrier, Aaron Foret and others. Noon-10 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Free.www.lastrawberryfestival.com
April 13 — Art at the Park Family Fun Day (Christ Episcopal School, 80 Christwood Blvd., Covington) — The event is dedicated to art, with art tents, children's activities, artist demonstrations, an art market, student art show, food and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission TBA.www.501auctions.com/artatthepark
April 13 — NOMA Egg Hunt & Family Festival (Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, City Park, 1 Collins C. Diboll Circle) — There are Easter egg hunts, a petting zoo, face painting, inflatables and other activities. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $15, $10 for museum members, free for children 2 and younger.www.noma.org/event/noma-egg-hunt-and-family-festival-2019
April 13 — Spring for Art (St. Tammany Art Association, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington) — The festival in the streets of downtown Covington includes live music, art shows, demonstrations, performances and more. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Free.www.sttammany.art/events/2019/4/13/spring-for-art
April 14 — Earth Day (Lafreniere Park, Al Copeland Concert Meadow, Metairie) — The annual event features live music, food, crafts and interactive displays about the environment. There's also a free yoga class, a composting lass, cooking demonstrations, children's activities, a blood drive and food donation collections. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free.www.jeffparish.net
