JANUARY-MARCH: Mardi Gras Parades
Carnival season begins January 6 with Kings Day/Twelfth Night and Mardi Gras can occur as late as March 9 with the day changing each year. The Northshore's Mardi Gras celebrations are quirky, unforgettable, and full of positive energy. If small-town, safe family celebrations are what you’re after, St. Tammany Parish will definitely fill your bag. And, we’re only 40 minutes from the French Quarter with affordable accommodations.
MARCH: Abita Springs Whole Town Garage Sale
Every March in Abita, the whole town comes together and hosts a garage sale and flea market. It's a yard sale, on steroids.
MARCH & OCTOBER: Slidell Antique District Street Fair
Visitors crowd the streets of Slidell's historic "Olde Towne" on the last weekends of March and October searching for antiques, china and vintage collectibles. Hundreds of antiques dealers from around the country set up their wares in the streets of Olde Towne.
MARCH & OCTOBER: Louisiana Food Truck Festival
Louisiana's largest food truck festival features a wide variety of cuisines from across the region. Held twice per year in March and October, the festival includes live music, a Kid's Zone, vendors and more.
APRIL: Louisiana Bicycle Festival
A treat for bicycle enthusiasts in April that includes antique bicycle exhibits, bicycle flea market, Tammany Trace cruise, unique bike contest, FAT tire clinic, prizes, high-wheeler demonstration and more.
APRIL: All You Can Eat Crawfish Cook-off in Slidell
Held in Slidell's Fritchie Park each April, the crawfish is hot and so is the music. Eat all the crawfish you can from 50+ competing teams and listen to multiple music acts. Benefits Hospice House/Hospice Foundation of the South.
APRIL: Abita Springs Busker Festival
One of the Northshore's fastest-growing festivals, the Abita Springs Busker Festival in March pays homage to Louisiana roots music and features some of the best buskers (street musicians who play for tips) in the Greater New Orleans area.
JUNE: A Taste of Covington
The food, wine, art and music event each June in historic Covington includes Vintner's Dinners at top local restaurants with wine pairings, the Grand Tasting at Acquistapace's Wine Cellar, Festa del Vino wine tasting, Spring for Art and a Sunday champagne jazz brunch. Tickets presold.
JULY: Slidell Heritage Festival
Celebrate America's birthday each July with the family, in Heritage Park at the Annual Slidell Heritage Festival! Enjoy lots of good food, music, game, and inflatables for the kids, arts and crafts booths, specialty vendors, and fireworks display at 9 pm.
OCTOBER: Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival
Hundreds of wooden boats line the shore of the Tchefuncte River each October for the largest gathering of watercraft on the Gulf Coast. Activities and live music entertain the crowds, including the Quick & Dirty Boat Building Contest and Race.
OCTOBER: Bluesberry Festival
Bogue Falaya Wayside Park in Covington is the verdant backdrop for this October festival where all things blue are celebrated. Fresh blueberries from local farms, an emphasis on the arts with over 40 artisan booths, cold Blueberry Harvest beer from Abita, and a hot musical lineup make for an unforgettable event.
OCTOBER: St. Tammany Parish Fair
Livestock shows, mini farms, a rodeo, pageants, carnival rides, and music concerts can all be found at the St. Tammany Parish Fair, held the first full weekend in October since 1910.
NOVEMBER: Covington Three Rivers Art Festival
This juried arts festival held in November in Historic Downtown Covington attracts a talented group of artists and fine craftsmen from around the country. With more than 150 exhibiting artists, art lovers can choose from a wide selection in various media. Come see arts and fine crafts demonstrations. There are lots of activities just for kids.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER: Holiday Happenings
Spread some cheer for the holiday season at Christmas and holiday events all around St. Tammany Parish from the end of November through December. Enjoy Mandeville's annual Christmas Past Festival, spectacular light displays in Slidell, Northshore Christmas concerts and holiday plays, and plenty of places to shop till you drop.