More Louisiana Crawfish Festivals

Photo By Clotee Pridgen Allochuku

Last week we shared the history of some of Louisiana’s most famous crawfish festivals. However, those three are not the only ones is the state. After all, in a state that loves to party, you can be sure that there is always something happening! So, if the three crawfish festivals previously mentioned are not enough for you, then here are a few more opportunities for enjoying the sweet and savory flavors of the Louisiana crawfish.

The Immaculate Conception School Louisiana Crawfish Boil in Marrero, LA is held each year the last Saturday in March. It is the only boiling event registered and sanctioned by the State of Louisiana. As such, its winner is the only person/company that can claim they have the “best boiled crawfish in Louisiana.” Each paid admission gives one the opportunity to sample crawfish, corn, sausage, potatoes, and anything else in the pot from each competing team.
The Downtown Lake Charles Crawfish Fest is held each year in mid -April in Lake Charles, LA. The festival has more than 10,000 pounds of crawfish and all the fixins’ that people have come to expect at a Louisiana crawfish boil. There is an admission, but with all the fun, games, food, and music the price is right. The Lake Charles Crawfish Festival is touted as one of the largest indoor/outdoor crawfish festivals in the southwestern part of the state.

The Lafitte Seafood Festival in Jefferson, Louisiana is about more than just crawfish. Here, you will also enjoy shrimp, oysters, and an assortment of fish all prepared to show off the flavors of Louisiana’s heritage and culture. The event is a great way to steep yourself in all the essence of the bayou.

The Crawfish Cook-off in Westwego, LA is held each year in May; there is a charge for patrons 12 and up but those 11 and under are free if attending with an adult. The Crawfish Cook-off is known for its amazing music, dancing, opportunities for family fun, games, and most importantly, its food-especially those dishes that are part of the Crawfish Cook-off! And, if enjoying the food is not enough for you, then there are plenty of opportunities for fishing-whether it is from the riverbank or from the decks of one of the area’s charter boats.

So, whether you are looking for the chance to enjoy fine dining in the bayou or perhaps want the chance to taste the best crawfish and seafood Louisiana has to offer, be sure to check out one of these festivals or perhaps some of the others mentioned in the History of the Louisiana Festivals post. No matter what crawfish festivals you attend, you will find the people to be friendly, the entertainment to be fantastic, and the food to be fabulous!

Crawfish Festivals around the US

When many people think crawfish it is often with thoughts of the Louisiana bayou, Cajun music, and Zydeco semi-imposed in the background. But, Louisiana is not the only state that hosts crawfish festivals. In fact, each year there are dozens of Louisiana-style crawfish festivals held all across the US and even on other continents. However, if you prefer to stay here in the US to enjoy the amazing flavors of the crawfish and assorted dishes, then perhaps you would like to visit some of the crawfish festivals listed here:
The Texas Crawfish and Music Festival – Held each year in Spring, Texas, this is one of the largest and most established crawfish festivals in the South. Guests are entertained by the wide array of bands-zydeco, rock, and country, the mouthwatering crawfish dishes, helicopter rides, and numerous family friendly activities.

The Gulf Coast Zydeco Music and Crawfish Festival – Each year people head to Daphne, Alabama to enjoy Creole dishes like crawfish etouffee, boiled crawfish, an assortment of other crawfish-laden dishes. Do you love to dance? Then be sure to plan some time in your day to take a class with some of the zydeco instructors who will be happy to introduce you to the music and moves of popular Louisiana style melodies.

The Red Head NYC – Each year for 4 weekends in May the elite New York City eatery, the Red Head NYC, hosts a Louisiana-style crawfish boil. Guests are invited to come enjoy the crawfish along with great side dishes such as Andouille, red potatoes, and corn on the cob.

The Rajun Cajun Festival – Experience all the fun of a Louisiana crawfish festival in sunny Orlando, Florida. The Rajun Cajun Festival is held each year in April. With Cajun music and Louisiana cuisine such as crawfish boiled New Orleans style, shrimp head-on Louisiana-style, and black bayou double-dipped fried chicken, you are sure to leave with a happy stomach and a heart and head full of happy memories.

Pensacola Crawfish Festival – In Florida’s panhandle region, there are many opportunities to have fun. One of these is the Pensacola Crawfish Festival held in Batram Park the first weekend in May. The Crawfish Festival is a great place to get a taste of Louisiana without actually being there. In addition to the assorted activities and music, you will also find Cajun delights such as crawfish poboys, crawfish pies, boiled crawfish, and many others.

The Louisiana Swamp Thing and Crawfish Festival – Located in Buda City Park in Buda, Texas, this is just the place to get your fill of all things Cajun and Creole. Bring the family and plan to have a fun and food filled day!

These are but a few of the crawfish festivals held around the country. You can also find crawfish festivals in Las Vegas, Atlanta, Tampa, Birmingham, San Diego, and Kemah, Texas. So, the next time you get a craving for some Louisiana crawfish and don’t want to head to the bayous of Louisiana, perhaps you will want to give one of these a try.

Above right photo by JC. Winkler