Louisiana Crawfish Festival

Raphael Helfand l Contributing Reporter

Head downriver to Chalmette in St. Bernard’s Parish for the 40th annual Louisiana Crawfish Festival, which runs Thursday to Sunday. Less than half an hour outside the city and just $5 a ticket, the festival is an easy way to get out of New Orleans for the day and experience what the rest of Louisiana has to offer. Satisfy your craving for traditional boiled crawfish with all the “fixins,” or try out other crawfish-based dishes like crawfish bread, crawfish pasta, crawfish jambalaya and many other crawfish creations you’ve probably never even dreamed of. The festival will also feature a wide range of musical performances, from local acts like New Orleans’ premier horn-powered dance band the Boogie Men to British group The Molly Ringwalds. If you need a break from the food and music, you can ride the ferris wheel or try your luck at one of the carnival game booths. However you choose to spend your time there, the Louisiana Crawfish Festival has something for you.

NOLA Brunch Fest

Taylor DeMulling l Associate Arcade Editor

A Sunday without brunch is like a Bloody Mary without celery. Enter Brunch Fest NOLA, which combines all the above and benefits the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Brunch Fest will also feature live music from the Messy Cookers Jazz Band, Shades of Praise Gospel Choir and Kinfolk Brass Band. The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday and will take place in City Park. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in their interpretation of “brunch wear” — be it pajamas or a food-inspired costume — to participate in the contests for best individual and group costumes, as well as best hat. It’s also worth checking out the Bloody Mary competition to see who claims the crown. With breakfast cocktails, food available for purchase from restaurants like The Ruby Slipper Cafe and Brown Butter, and LASPCA animals up for adoption, there’s no doubt that Brunch Fest NOLA will be a brunch of fun.

Hogs for the Cause

Laura Rostad l Print Arcade Editor

This year’s eighth annual Hogs for the Cause will transform City Park into a barbecue and music festival in order to raise money for pediatric brain cancer. Gates open at 3 p.m. on Friday and 11 p.m. on Saturday. Any pork-lover can register their team to participate in the barbecue cook-off, selling food to raise money and competing for the title in various categories. Hogs for the Cause provides plenty of live music on two different stages throughout the weekend. Some of the performing artists include local acts like Kristin Diable, Big Sam’s Funky Nation and Sweet Crude, as well as other out-of-towners like Shovels and Rope, Greensky Bluegrass and Deer Tick. General admission tickets cost $25 for a day and $40 for the weekend; other ticket offers and VIP passes are available for the meat enthusiasts.

Freret Street Festival

Michael Ossorguine l Staff Reporter

Ben Shooter l Associate Arcade Editor

If you’re searching for authentic New Orleans crafts, some great food vendors, or a place to listen to live outdoor jazz, soul and funk music on a Saturday afternoon, you don’t need to venture too far from campus. Head over to the Freret Street Festival on 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday. More than 200 individual vendors will be present, with stands ranging from art sales to pet adoptions. Three stages for live music by popular local bands like Tank and the Bangas, Stoop Kids and Elysian Feel will make the festival a must-see event. Plus, a plethora of food vendors, including the ever-popular Woody’s Fish Tacos and the Fry Bar, will provide dozens of ways to satisfy your taste buds. A kids area with a variety of games, a sidewalk art contest and an oversized Jenga set is sure to enthrall the younger attendees.