One of the Bayou State’s drippingly sensual fests, Festival International de Louisiane, is sort of hijacked by New Orleans’ Jazz Fest. The one weekend of Fest International, April 22 – 26, annually coincides with the opening weekend of Jazz Fest, April 24 – May 3.
Of course, for many people the enormous coolness and brand appeal of Jazz Fest trumps all.
But Lafayette’s celebration of the world of French-speaking artists – that’s the theme of Fest International – is a truly sick event. May we get specific?
– It is a free festival despite presenting music at 8 stages.
– It takes place about four hours from Shreveport, which makes it a day trip. Driving I-49 is so easy that you could literally text everyone in the universe while blowing through numerous pitiful speed traps while eating a tureen of gumbo with a baguette of French bread.
– It is much more than a Cajun and zydeco event; musical acts arrive from across Africa, Europe, and Canada.
– The food offerings are nonpareil – and are typically less costly than those at Jazz Fest.
– The art and the crafts have a rich and distinct personality.
Highly recommended? Mais oui, cher.