As captivating as New Orleans is, sometimes it’s rewarding to hop in a car and drive outside of the city limits, maybe even across the Mississippi River. A nearby local festival with a small town feel is coming up this weekend in Belle Chasse, and it might be exactly what you’re looking for.
The Plaquemines Parish Seafood Festival is 20 minutes away from the French Quarter and runs from Friday, May 13 through Sunday, May 15.
First things first – how do you pronounce these places? Belle Chasse is pretty simple, just say “bell chase.” Funny thing about the name, some say it’s just French for “beautiful hunting” and others argue it was the surname of early French residents in the area. Either way, they know how to throw a festival. Now Plaquemines is a bit more challenging, but still achievable. Three syllables and stress the first one – Plack-uh-mihn. The last syllable sounds like the beginning of “miniature” and whatever you do, don’t end it with an s sound.
So now that you sound a bit more local, why is it worth the drive?
The Plaquemines Parish Seafood Festival feels like what a 4-H Fair in Indiana would be if it was located near brackish water and people were allowed to dance. The music, car show, pageant, crafts and food combine into one special festival that stays pretty low key while offering an exciting line up of events.
You can’t miss the chargrilled oysters and you should try to get there on Saturday for the car show and Lost Bayou Ramblers.
Friday, May 13 – 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Carnival Rides
5:30-7:30 p.m.: Ernie Wilkinson & the Hot Sauce Band
6:30 p.m.: 5K Walk/Run
8:00-10:00 p.m.: Aaron Foret
Saturday, May 14 – 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Carnival Rides; Craft Fair; Helicopter Rides; Oyster Drop
Grand Bayou Stage:
11:00-12:00 p.m.: BCP’s Got Talent
12:30-2:30 p.m.: Todd O’Neill
3:00-5:00 p.m.: Lost Bayou Ramblers
5:30-7:30 p.m.: Chas Collins
8:00-10:00 p.m.: Boot Hill with Kinsey Rose
Fort Jackson Stage
1:00-3:00 p.m.: Da Rockits of New Orleans Car Show
3:30-5:30 p.m.: BC Boys
6:00-8:00 p.m.: The Breland Brothers
Sunday, May 15 – 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Carnival Rides; Craft Fair; Helicopter Rides
Grand Bayou Stage:
11:30-1:30 p.m.: Dave Mandina and the Growlers
2:00-4:00 p.m.: Big River Band
4:30-6:30 p.m.: MJ & The Redeemers
7:00-9:00 p.m.: Rockin’ Dopsie Jr & The Zydeco Twisters
Fort Jackson Stage:
12:30-2:30 p.m.: Remedy Rock
3:00-5:00 p.m.: Floodline
5:30-7:30 p.m.: Sledgehammer
The festival is located at 333 F. Edward Hebert Boulevard in Belle Chasse, Louisiana. Admission is $5 at the gate and children 12 and under are free, as is parking.
