May/June Festivals and Events Around Louisiana

The Beauregard Watermelon Festival has been moved up a month earlier (from late June to May 8-10) this year. Learn to dance the Watermelon Crawl, sign up for melon voice singing contests, seed spitting contests, bouncing watermelon races, goat roping, watermelon eating championship, watermelon magic classes and dress a pig contest. The Watermelon Shoebox Float Parade and Tractor Parade add to the fun (beauregardwatermelonfestival.com).

New Orleans | Cheers to 33 Years

Hundreds of wineries and restaurants are descending on the Big Easy to participate in the 33rd annual New Orleans Wine and Food Experience (June 11-15), augmented by masterclasses that entice fervent foodies and oenophiles. A champagne reception with sabering lessons kicks off the festival followed by Vinola, a multi-course feast paired with elite wines; the 7th annual Tournament of Rosés featuring an international array of still and sparkling rosés; Saturday’s Grand Tasting, showcasing dozens of celebrity chefs and winemakers serving food and wine from around the world; and the feisty Burlesque, Bubbly & Brunch with free-flowing sparkling wine and a sassy show (nowfe.com).

Rayne | Hippity Hopping 

The 53rd annual Rayne Frog Festival (May 8-10) kicks off with a parade presenting Louisiana festival queens, local teens and toddlers. Enjoy frog-eating contests, frog racing and frog jumping (tip: watch your shoes for little green escapees). Live music, Cajun food and carnival rides attract crowds to the “frog capital of the world” where storefronts and city buildings are festooned with frog art and statues (raynechamber.net). 

Franklinton | Look to the Sky

Race towards the clouds at the Washington Parish Balloon Festival (May 30-June 1) in hot air balloons, dance to live music, browse through local art and sample the food and drinks provided in an air-conditioned tent situated in picturesque Washington Parish Fairgrounds (wpballoonfest.com). 

Ruston | Peaching It Up 

Recipient of the Louisiana Travel Association’s 2025 LOUEY Award for Festival of the Year, the 75th annual Louisiana Peach Festival (June 7) has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors to Lincoln Parish. A shift in free admission in 2024 positioned the festival for greater growth. Enjoy 12 hours of live music, the Peach Arts Market, local eats and sweets and the Kids Alley experience with interactive activities and performances (lapeachfest.com).