Full Music Schedule and Culinary Menu Revealed,

FQF After Dark Series, 40th Anniversary Hub & more

  The non-profit French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI), shares final details about French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron, April 13-16, 2023. Billed as the world’s largest showcase of Louisiana music, food, and culture, the 2023 festival will feature over 50 music performance debuts, ten new culinary experiences, nighttime programming, and special 40th-anniversary components. Today, Android and iPhone users can install the newly updated French Quarter Fest app to access the schedule, culinary lineup, maps, and more.   For four decades French Quarter Festival has remained committed to providing a high-quality event that is accessible to all. “As a free event, French Quarter Festival is truly for everyone and we cannot wait to celebrate and share this milestone with our community,” said Emily Madero, President and CEO of FQFI. “We are proud to be able to produce an event that truly represents the depth and diversity of New Orleans’ creative spirit with more than 30 varieties of music on 20 stages, and over 60 culinary experiences. Our team is excited to bring fan favorites back like Fireworks on the river, the FQF After Dark Series, and launch special features like the 40th Anniversary Hub, and so many new and upcoming artists and restaurants.”   Fans are invited to join festival organizers, sponsors, and partners to celebrate this milestone on Thursday, April 13 at 10 a.m. for the French Quarter Festival Kickoff Parade. The parade departs from the 200 block of Bourbon Street and makes its way to Jackson Square for the annual opening day ceremony at the GE Stage.  

Music Schedule Revealed

More than 270 Performances including more than 50 debuts

    The music lineup is sure to please everyone with more than 270 performances from a variety of genres across 20 stages. The Riverfront Abita Beer Stage brings four days of music including headliners The Soul Rebels ft. Big Freedia, Ani DiFranco, Samantha Fish, and Tank and the Bangas. On Thursday night, Irma Thomas, Soul Queen of New Orleans closes out the stage with her last note followed by a special 40th-anniversary fireworks show on the riverfront, made possible by New Orleans & Company. Returning to JAX Lot, the Chevron Stage is a longtime Cajun/Zydeco destination well-known for its dancing crowds and energetic sounds. This year the Chevron Evening Concert Series features Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and the Golden Eagles, Erica Falls, Louisiana’s LeRoux, Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters, and free dance lessons daily.   The GE Stage in Jackson Square kicks off Thursday following the Festival’s Opening Ceremony and continues throughout the weekend with New Orleans’ most respected artists and culture-bearers including Lena Prima, The Original Tuxedo Jazz Band, debut artist Charlie Gabriel and a special performance from Solid Harmony – A Tribute to Topsy Chapman, who began her FQF journey the inaugural year. Artists on the Jack Daniel’s Stage in Canal Plaza bring a variety of sounds including performances from Latin band Muévelo, Rock artist and debut Zita, and favorites like R&B group Water Seed and The Dirty Dozen Brass Band. At the Tropical Isle Hand Grenade Stage, the lineup includes debut Rachel Fleetwood & Perfect Love Band, Higher Heights Reggae Band, Bag of Donuts, whose costumes are sure to liven up even the quietest Fest fan, a Sunday morning Gospel performance from debut choir The Zion Harmonizers and more.   The New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint is now home to the Credit Human Songwriter Stage inside the museum on the 3rd floor Saturday - Sunday and will include performances and talks from artists such as Mia Borders and Cole Williams. Outside, fans can enjoy more than a dozen brass bands Friday-Sunday on the Louisiana Fish Fry Stage, and the WWL-TV Esplanade in the Shade Stage brings debut Jason Neville FunkySoul Band, Astral Project, Iceman Special, and more to the Festival. Stop by the Pan-American Life Insurance Group Stage Friday-Sunday for a fusion of Latin beats, World Music, and Jazz from debuts like Cyrus Nabipoor Quintet and Javier Olondo & AsheSon. Ernie’s Schoolhouse Stage located at the Homer A. Plessy Community School brings youth from across the city to perform including the John Ehret Jazz Ensemble and Edna Karr.   The festival brings more music and dancing to the French Quarter neighborhood with the return of the French Market Traditional Jazz Stage, which also features free dance lessons, and the French Market Dutch Alley Stage, both located in the French Market District. More traditional jazz stages join the Festival’s lineup on Saturday and Sunday on Royal and Bourbon St. including the Café Beignet Stage at Musical Legends Park and Jazz Playhouse at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans, the Omni Royal Orleans Stage, Hancock Whitney Stage, and Zapp’s Potato Chips Stage. FQF also welcomes the Loyola University Stage at 400 Royal Street which kicks off Saturday with a performance by current students in the Loyola University Contemporary Ensemble(s).   The complete Music Cchedule is now available on frenchquarterfest.org.  

60+ Culinary Experiences 

Calories Well Worth It!

  The 2023 French Quarter Festival Culinary Lineup, sponsored by Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard, returns with New Orleans' most infamous dishes, as well as new takes on the classics and items that can only be found at the Fest.   This year FQF welcomes ten culinary debuts including Vietnamese cuisines from 9 Roses with a Pork Belly Banh Mi and Bao Mi with Bulgogi Fries. Acropolis on Freret brings their famous Dolmadas (grape leaves rolled with rice and pine nuts), Heard Dat Kitchen serves up their special Skeesh Shrimp, Baroness with their Sock-It-To-Me Shrimp Dip, and Boulevard American Bistro will be dishing out their Boulevard Crispy Oysters. Debuts also include Monday with a Whole Deep Fried Snapper and Seafood Gumbo, Paco's Taco, Louisiana Fish Fry with Nola Crawfish King, Creole Country Cafe. Other returning favorites include Café Dauphine, Dickie Brennan’s & Co., Tujague’s Restaurant, Mrs. Wheat’s Pies, and Addis Nola.   The complete Culinary Lineup is available at frenchquarterfest.org.    

FQF 40th Anniversary Hub & Special Events

  In celebration of four decades of showcasing all the best Louisiana has to offer, producers have curated several elements over the four-day weekend to commemorate the occasion.   On Thursday morning, everybody’s invited to meet at the 200 Block of Bourbon Street for the Festival Kick-Off Parade with performing bands such as The Black Magic Drumline and New Birth Brass Band. The event begins at 10 am and proceeds down to St. Ann St. where it then turns to make its way to Jackson Square for the Festival’s Opening Ceremony, at the GE Stage. The ceremony will include remarks from founders and festival dignitaries and ends with a blessing of the weather and kicks off the first performance. Opening day 40th-anniversary celebrations will culminate with a fireworks display over the Mississippi River after Irma Thomas’ performance at the Abita Stage, courtesy of New Orleans & Company.   Throughout the weekend fest-goers can step into the Official 40th Anniversary Hub located at the top of Oscar Dunn Park (across from Jackson Square) to follow our story through images and interviews with founding members, artists, sponsors, and more. A special installation, created by JAMNOLA and Where Y’Art Works artists, will sit at the top of the park for photo opportunities with your favorite French Quarter scenes as the backdrop.   Another first for the Fest, fans can grab a photo at the #FQFestFaves Photo Booth powered by Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails and Curio Bistro located in Oscar Dunn Park’s amphitheater. The photo booth camper is a first-of-its-kind for New Orleans from The Happy Photobooth.   In addition, the Garden of Legends, curated by JAMNOLA artist Brennan Steele, returns to Fest in Woldenberg Park near the Abita Stage. The 2023 Garden of Legends includes the likeness of Irma Thomas, Soul Queen of New Orleans, Tarriona “Tank” Ball (Tank and the Bangas), and this year, the addition of Big Chief Monk Boudreaux (Golden Eagles).    

FQF After Dark

And the beat goes on!

  For the second year, The FQF After Dark Series expands the fan experience by offering nighttime programming. The curated series will be held at special venues around the city to keep the good times rolling after the last festival stage closes at 8pm.   Thursday, April 13, 2023 FQF After Dark @ Four Seasons Hotel Garden Featuring Ivan Neville Address: 2 Canal St. New Orleans, 70130 Time: 9 pm - 12 am Cover: $45   Friday, April 14, 2023 FQF After Dark at Three Keys at ACE Hotel Featuring John Michael Bradford & the Vibe + special guests Address: 600 Carondelet St. New Orleans Time: 9 pm - 10:30pm Cover: $25 Tickets can be purchased here   Saturday, April 15, 2023 FQF After Dark at The Parish at House of Blues Featuring Boyfriend Address: 225 Decatur St., New Orleans, LA 70130 Time: 9pm (Doors open at 9pm, Show Starts at 10pm) Cover: $35   Sunday, April 16, 2023 FQF After Dark at Tipitina's Featuring An Evening with Eric Lindell Address: 501 Napoleon Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115 Time: 8:30 pm - 12 am Cover: $28 in advance/ $30 at the door Tickets can be purchased here  

Chevron Children’s STEM Zone

A Gold Medal Experience For Curious Minds Of Olympic Size

  Saturday and Sunday families are invited to Chevron’s "STEM Olympics," to engage with fascinating activities. “We welcome kids from the Crescent City and around the world to the Chevron Children’s STEM Zone at French Quarter Festival. This fun, interactive environment is designed to foster a passion for learning by showing how science, technology, engineering and math are the foundation for their future success,” said Chevron Gulf of Mexico Public Affairs Manager Leah Brown. “This year we will showcase a ‘STEM Olympics’ and provide a gold medal experience with activities created by twelve of our community partners. We’re proud to once again bring The Chevron Children’s STEM Zone to French Quarter Festival and invite everyone to stop by.”   Community partners include Audubon Nature Institute, NASA Astro Camp Community Partners Program, Naval Information Warfare Center, Ochsner Health Education Outreach, Project Lead the Way, The Water Institute, NAMI St. Tammany, STEM NOLA, Greater New Orleans STEM Initiative, Central Creativity & LA STEM, New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park, and Northshore Technical Community College.   Chevron Children’s STEM Zone will return to the Natchez Wharf at the foot of Toulouse Street at the River from 11am-5pm both days.    

Official Festival Merchandise

A Nod to Four Decades of Music, Food & Culture!

   The 2023 FQF Merchandise lineup gives a special nod to the 80s era with bright colors, nostalgic elements, a special remake of an original 80’s tee design, and a 40th-anniversary custom lapel pin. All items will be available at Fest and online, after the festival. This year’s Official Festival Poster, designed by TILT Studio artists, and short-sleeve shirt can be purchased online today, as well as at the festival in the merch shop.  

Fest in Style!

  While the Fest is free, fans can support the event and experience French Quarter Festival in style by becoming members of the NOLA.com Fest Family Experience! Fest Family members will enjoy exclusive elevated viewing stands near the riverfront Abita Beer Stage, hospitality lounges at the Chevron Stage and Jack Daniel’s Stage. Members can enjoy chair massages brought to you by Spa 2 Geaux daily from 1pm-3pm in JAX Brewery Lot near the Chevron Stage and free phone charging provided by MobileQubes at each location. Pass benefits also include private bars with 3 complimentary drinks per day (and option to redeem at all festival beverage locations), air-conditioned restrooms, exclusive programming, complimentary Satchmo SummerFest tickets, and more!   This year, the program will offer four-day weekend passes for $429 or single-day passes for $129, in advance. As an added perk, four-day weekend pass holders will receive a 30% discount to JAMNOLA. A limited number of memberships are available and help to fund the free, local event. Fans can become a member and support the fest by purchasing your passes today.  

Sponsors & YOU Help To Keep French Quarter Fest a 

FREE Community Event 

  French Quarter Festivals, Inc. is proud of its 40-year history of providing high-quality community events that welcome locals and guests. In order to keep the festival free and open to the public, the organization relies heavily on the contributions of sponsors and partners, as well as beverage and merchandise sales. We also recognize and appreciate our festival family who contribute to our success by purchasing merchandise and upgraded festival experiences, becoming a musician sponsor, and donating directly to our organization   French Quarter Fest Sponsors Include: Chevron, Abita Brewing Company, Aetna Better Health of Louisiana, Alka Seltzer, AOS Interior Environments, Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program, The Berger Company, Blue Bikes, Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard, Brown-Forman, Café Beignet, Caesars New Orleans - Coming 2024, Clarion Herald, Cumulus New Orleans, Super Chevy Dealers, Crescent Crown Distributing, The Derbes Foundation, Diplomatico Rum, Downbeat Magazine, el Jimador Tequila, Finlandia Vodka, Fords Gin, Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, French Market Coffee, French Market Corporation, Friend Of Fest, Funny Bird, GE, Hancock Whitney, House Of Blues, The Helis Foundation, I.T.S Fire Alarm Security, Jack Daniel’s, Land of Dreams Foundation, JAMNOLA, Jones Walker, Keesler Federal Credit Union, Korbel California Champagne, KREWE, Landry’s Seafood House, LeafFilter, Louisiana Cookin’, Louisiana Division Of The Arts, Louisiana Fish Fry, Louisiana Lottery Corporation, Louisiana Travel, Loyola University, McLoughlin Family Foundation, Metropolitan Human Services District, Morris Bart, LLC., Music Performance Trust Fund, National Endowment For The Arts, New Orleans & Company, New Orleans Jazz Museum At The Old U.S. Mint, New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park, New Orleans Public Belt, New Orleans Steamboat Company, Offbeat Magazine, Omni Royal Orleans, Pan-American Life Insurance Group, Park First, Pepsi, The Plant Gallery, Port Of New Orleans, Renaissance Publishing, Republic National Distributing Company, Royal Sonesta New Orleans, Sal Borelli, Sonoma-Cutrer Wines, Starry, T-Mobile, Telemundo 42 New Orleans, The Happy Photobooth, Three Keys at ACE Hotel, Times-Picayune-Nola.Com-Gambit, Tipitina’s, Touro, Tropical Isle, The Westin New Orleans,  vIVe Hydration Therapy, WGSO 990AM, Where Y’at Magazine, Windsor Court Hotel, WWNO 89.9FM, WWOZ 90.7FM, WWL-TV, Zapp’s Potato Chips   French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron is produced by French Quarter Festivals, Inc., (FQFI) the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, which also produces Satchmo SummerFest in August and Holidays New Orleans Style in December. FQFI’s mission is to promote the Vieux Carré and the City of New Orleans through high-quality special events and activities that showcase the culture and heritage of this unique city, contribute to the economic well-being of the community, and instill increased pride in the people of New Orleans. The 2022 French Quarter Festival generated an economic impact of nearly $250M. For more information about French Quarter Festivals, Inc. or any of these events, call (504) 522-5730 or visit http://www.fqfi.org.

Tourism is looking up with the 2022 return of Mardi Gras, Jazz Festivals, and popular events. and international flights. There has been an increased demand for authentic experiences, culture, and visiting small towns. "Our people are always welcoming of visitors. That's who we are.", said Jennifer. "Southern Hospitality" is difficult to convey. You have to live it."

 

Two Full Days of Festing

  French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI), producer of Satchmo SummerFest presented by Chevron, is proud to announce the 2022 live music, speaker series and culinary lineup for the festival’s annual return on August 6 & 7 at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint. The premier American festival dedicated to the life, legacy, and music of New Orleans' native son, Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong, brings two days of live entertainment, food, and fun that is certain to keep fans on their feet and dancing to the beat.   Fest attendees can once again pre-purchase tickets online beginning Wednesday, June 22, 2022. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $7 or onsite for $10 per day (children 12 and under are free). Admission also provides access to the Jazz Museum’s collection and exhibitions, plus the Satchmo Legacy Stage in Memory of Joni Berry featuring discussions and presentations by world-renowned Armstrong scholars. Fans are encouraged to register here in advance to secure their spot and avoid lines.   20 Jazz, Brass, Swing, Funk, and Fusion Acts to Perform,  Along with Satchmo Scholars   The 2022 festival lineup includes 20 musical acts ranging from traditional jazz to swing, brass and marching bands, funk, R&B, jazz fusion, and more performing on two tented stages. The lineup includes:  

• Big 6 Brass Band
• Doreen's Jazz
• Players Ella & Louie Tribute Band featuring Jewel Brown
• Germaine Bazzle
• John Boutté
• Lawrence Cotton Legendary Experience
• Nigel Hall
• Roots of Music
• The Nayo Jones Experience

  Returning Satchmo SummerFest favorites include Kermit Ruffins Tribute to Louis Armstrong, Preservation Brass, Jeremy Davenport, The Original Pinettes Brass Band and Treme Brass Band.   Satchmo Legacy Stage in Memory of Joni Berry: Two Days of Fascinating Speakers and Discussions   On the Satchmo Legacy Stage in Memory of Joni Berry, scholars and historians will present on a wide range of topics surrounding all things Louis Armstrong from 1-5pm each day. Festival favorite and GRAMMY® Award winner Ricky Riccardi, Director of Research Collections for the Louis Armstrong House Museum and Archives and the author of What a Wonderful World, will return with a host of all-star scholars. Enthusiasts and novices can dive deep into the life and legacy of Armstrong and learn of his humble beginnings and tenacity with presentations such as Peter Davis, the Music Master of the Great Louis Armstrong, with Dr. Robert S. Mikel a native New Orleanian and decorated educator with research works and interest in multiple fields of study including early New Orleans Jazz, as well as a very special interview with Jewel Brown, who was a female vocalist with Armstrong’s All-Stars from 1961-1968.    While inside the Museum, attendees can also access five exhibits: Lightning and Thunder: Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and the Golden Eagles, Exit Stage Right: Zack Smith’s Festival Portraits, From the Fat Man to Mahalia: James Michalopoulos’ Music Paintings, The Wildest! Louis Prima Comes Home, and Drumsville: Evolution of the New Orleans Beat. View the full music & speaker lineup here   A Foodie's Delight   In addition to music, the 2022 Satchmo SummerFest presented by Chevron will feature unforgettable New Orleans cuisine from some of the city’s most loved restaurants and up-and-coming chefs. Attendees can indulge a little more with gluten-free and vegetarian options from Beaucoup Eats with the Vegan Fish Po-Boy, Jerk Chicken Pasta and Red Beans & Rice (Satchmo's Favorite dish) with a side of Catfish and 14 Parishes, who returns with Jerk Chicken or Pork, Plantains and Festival (Jamaican Fried Dough!). Ditto’s Did Dat also joins the Fest with Fried Crawfish, Grilled Chicken, and Shrimp Tacos. Enjoy delicious eats from like the Cajun Seafood Rolls, Fried Green Tomatoes with Shrimp Remoulade and Fried Ribs from Café Dauphine, a fusion of flavors from Theaudric’s Real Clever Cuisine with the Shrimp Cavatappi Fatooush, Brussel Voorheese with Fig Truffle Glaze and Creme Bru’leches Breadpudding and scrumptious bites from Praline Connection including Chicken Livers, Fried Okra and more. Festers looking to cool down can look forward to Plum Street Snoballs with their traditional flavors and add-on options to personalize your sweet treat, or take a healthier approach with their sugar-free flavors.   This year’s cocktail menu includes favorites such as the Jack Daniel's Lynchburg Lemonade, El Jimador Tequila Margarita and Bubly Sea Breeze (Bubly, Cranberry, Finlandia Vodka + Lime). Fans can relax with a seat and some shade at the Sonoma-Cutrer Rosé Café and our beer lovers will find many options from Abita Beer including, for the first time at Fest, Hard Sweet Tea chilled and ready. Non-alcoholic options will also be available including Pepsi, Bubly and Gatorade to keep hydrated. Click here to see the complete menus.  

Official 2022  Satchmo SummerFest Poster

  This year’s poster art is a collaborative effort of digital artists from TILT studio .   “In celebration of Satchmo Summerfest, we wanted this year’s poster to be a blend of New Orleans icons: bright colors, unique architectural elements, beautiful flowers, and of course, the instrument most closely associated with the city’s most revered musician, Louis Armstrong," said Scott Hodgin, Owner & Creative Director of TILT   The official Festival poster can be pre-purchased now with shipping beginning mid-July. Posters will also be available at the official merchandise booth during Fest.  

There’s Even More to Enjoy at Our Fest

  The 22nd annual event returns with its favorite traditions and added fun for the whole family:  

• Satchmo Soundoff: Music fans of all ages can attend a special performance by some of the city's youngest and most talented musicians. The Roots of Music presented by Fidelity Bank will kick off this year’s festival Saturday at 11:30am on Esplanade Ave., right outside of the Museum gates.
• Satchmo SummerFest Jazz Mass : The Jazz Mass at Augustine Church will begin at 10am where attendees can also enjoy a spirited performance by Treme Brass Band. Due to ongoing renovations at St. Augustine Church, mass will be held in the Parish Hall. Please note that space and seating is limited. The mass will be livestreamed on Facebook.com/saintaugchurch.
• Satchmo SummerFest Second-Line Parade: The Treme Brass Band will lead attendees out of Sunday mass at St. Augustine Church at 11:15am in the Treme neighborhood and through the French Quarter for a Second-Line parade to the New Orleans Jazz Museum

 

A New Tradition, With Major Impact

  Festival organizers continue their partnership with the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP) for the second year at Satchmo SummerFest after a successful first year at French Quarter Fest with the Geauxing Green Initiative. The program will focus on marine debris prevention by allowing only reusable, recyclable, and compostable food and drink products at the festival. In addition, attendees will be greeted by Green Team staff, who will be on hand throughout the festival grounds to guide the public in the use of recycling and composting stations. Accompanying marketing materials focused on marine debris prevention will be available on site. The partnership supports FQFI’s goal of being a leader in sustainable festival production in the Gulf South.  

Thank you Sponsors and Community Partners:

  French Quarter Festivals, Inc. is proud of its 39-year history of providing high-quality community events that are accessible to all. The organization relies heavily on the contributions of sponsors and partners as well as beverage and merchandise sales to support the festival. Festival organizers welcome the return of Chevron as Presenting Sponsor of Satchmo SummerFest. “Satchmo SummerFest is a celebration of the music, life and legacy of Louis Armstrong and is part of Chevron’s commitment to the local community,” said Leah Brown, Public Affairs Manager for Chevron's Gulf of Mexico Business Unit. “His determination, talent, charisma, and charity broke down barriers in the Crescent City, across the country, and around the world. This event honors New Orleans’ favorite son, while also stimulating economic growth and fueling the social vitality of southeast Louisiana. Chevron is proud to be a part of it.”  

Happy Birthday, Satchmo!

  Satchmo SummerFest is scheduled annually to coincide with Louis Armstrong’s birthday on August 4th; the first festival took place on what would have been his 100th birthday, the same year the New Orleans airport was renamed Louis Armstrong International Airport. The artist often stated in public interviews that he was born on July 4, 1900 (Independence Day), a date that has been noted in many biographies. Armstrong died in 1971 and his true birthdate, August 4, 1901, was not discovered until the mid-1980s. Louis Armstrong was raised in a poor section of New Orleans known as “Jane Alley.” Throughout his career, he entertained millions – from heads of state and royalty to the neighborhood kids on his stoop in Corona, New York. Despite his fame, he lived a simple life in a working-class neighborhood. The man known around the world as “Satchmo,” short for Satchelmouth, was widely recognized as a founding father of jazz – a unique American art form. In 1932, Melody Maker magazine editor Percy Brooks greeted Armstrong in London with "Hello, Satchmo!” and the nickname stuck. His influence as an artist and cultural icon is universal, unmatched and very much alive today.

  What better location to wrap up a movie about magic than at a magical-looking carousel? The Carousel at New Orleans City Park is the setting for the reveal at the end of Now You See Me, starring Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, and Morgan Freeman. The young and young-at-heart can enjoy a ride on one of the fifty-six hand-carved animals – horses, a lion, giraffe, or camel. The Carousel dates back to 1906, but some of the animal figures date back to 1885; the whole structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. And after a ride (or two, maybe), you can check out the rest of the magic in City Park – beautiful gardens, coffee and beignets, or even a gondola ride on the lakes.    

  Based on historical events, Free State of Jones is a dramatization of a group of Mississippi residents who broke from the Confederacy during the Civil War. Filmed primarily in Louisiana, the Matthew McConaughey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw-led project included 3 actual direct descendants of Newton Knight as extras in the movie. While some of the more remote areas of Chicot State Park were used for the scenes where the group hid out in swamps, visitors can check out downtown Clinton – a couple of hours’ drive from the park – for town scenes from the movie. The East Feliciana Courthouse is the oldest continuously-used courthouse in the state, and has been featured in many films due to its striking architecture. Chicot State Park admission: $3/person, free for seniors 62 and older and for children 3 and younger    

Cool off with juicy watermelon at the Beauregard Watermelon Festival.   Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival Parade.