April Goings On

TOUR THE HISTORIC BAYOU LAFOURCHE –

Through April

Cast off from Thibodaux and take a journey to one of two historic plantation homes adjacent to Bayou Lafourche. On the way, learn about the waterway’s storied history and evolving biology. On Fridays and Saturdays, the 20-passenger aluminum boat travels upstream to Madewood Plantation in Napoleonville; on Wednesdays, the boat docks at E.D. White Plantation Home. Madewood tickets cost $28.25, which includes lunch. E.D. White tours cost $5.

Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, 314 St. Mary St., Thibodaux. (985) 448-1375. www.nps.gov/jela.

‘POET TREE’ ART EXHIBITION –

April 4 FREE

Poetry, music and visual art are exhibited at the Houma Regional Arts Council event. The lineup includes Altina Sims, Moses Knightshead, Malcolm Simoneaux, Corey Harris, Andrea Dupree, Jak Locke, Mike Slage and Re Howse.

6-9 p.m. 7910 Park Ave., Houma. (985) 873-6367.

PADDLE BAYOU LAFOURCHE –

April 4-8

The annual 52-mile, four-day paddling trip along Bayou Lafourche begins in Donaldsonville. Registration costs $30 per day or $110 for four days with a canoe; it costs $50 and $190, respectively, if a rental is needed. Participants can register at www.btnep.org.

Bayou Lafourche. (800) 259-0869 or www.btnep.org.

LA STATE H.O.G. RALLY –

April 4-6

The three-day rally, based at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, features a scavenger hunts, parades and scheduled rides in addition to parties, a makeshift Mardi Gras parade, a United Houma Nation dance and access to vendors. Jo Dee Messina performs a concert Saturday night. ($40 registration)

Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, 346 Civic Center Blvd. (225) 925-1190 or www.lastatehogrally.com.

DOWNTOWN LIVE AFTER FIVE –

April 5 FREE

Bandit take the stage at 7 p.m. Bring a lawn chair.

5:30-10 p.m. Courthouse Square, 7856 W. Main St., Houma. (985) 873-6408.

RHYTHMS ON THE RIVER –

April 5 FREE

Don Rich performs live along Morgan City’s riverfront.

6:30-9:30 p.m. Front Street, Morgan City. (985) 384-9291.

T-BOIS BLUES FESTIVAL –

April 5-6

Anders Osborne, Eric Lindell, Mike Zito and Kristin Diable are among the scheduled performers at the Larose alligator farm. Attendees can choose between primitive and motorhome camping. Food, beer and tent plots are included in the ticket price. General admission weekend passes cost $80, and VIP weekend passes cost $150.

T-Bois Blues Festival Grounds, Larose. www.tboisbluesfestival.com.

CYPRESS SAWMILL FESTIVAL –

April 5-7

The family friendly event features continuous live music, a cypress sawmill display, arts and crafts, rides, games, food and numerous contests, such as the passe partout (two-person saw). Ranked a Top-20 festival by the Southeast Tourism Society, the event garners an estimated 35,000 people over three days. ($10 per car)

Kemper Williams Park, Patterson. www.cypresssawmill.com

PRE-49 PARADE OF RODS –

April 5-7

Mardi Gras Street Rods sponsors the 15th-annual car show. Registration costs $25 before April 5 and $30 afterward.

Ramada Inn, 1400 W. Tunnel Blvd., Houma. (985) 532-2777.

FAMILY FUN FEST –

April 5-7 FREE

The Bayou Civic Club of Larose hosts its 50th annual Family Fun Fest, highlighted by a two-hour cooking demonstration and tasting with celebrity chef John Besh, traditional pirogue races on Sunday and a presentation by Olympian Mark LeBlanc. More than 30 Louisiana dishes are served, and 10 bands – including Gary T, Amanda Shaw and Don Rich – perform. Also: pay-one-price rides and other family friendly contests.

Larose Regional Park and Civic Center, 307 East Fifth St. (985) 693-7355 or www.larosefamilyfunfest.com.

OVER AND UNDER TUNNEL RUN –

April 6

The 38th annual race above and below the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway begins with a children’s fun run at 3 p.m. The 5K run/walk beings at 4 p.m., after which is a party featuring live music, food and beverages, face painting, bounce house and more. The event benefits the American Heart Association. ($15 children, $25 13 and older)

Houma Municipal Auditorium, 800 Verret St. (504) 830-2300.

BOILIN’ ON DA BAYOU –

April 6

Pay one price for all-you-can-eat boiled crawfish. ($15 adults; children 5-10, $10)

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cut Off Youth Center, 205 W. 79th St. (985) 632-7616.

HOUMAPALOOZA –

April 6 FREE

Ten independent bands perform original music in downtown Houma’ Courthouse Square during the day-long event. Bring lawn chairs, and picnic blankets, but ice chests are discouraged. Food and drinks are sold.

Noon to 10 p.m. Downtown Houma. (985) 873-6367.

LAFOURCHE PARISH-THIBODAUX RELAY FOR LIFE –

April 6 FREE

A variety of food, bands, children’s activities, dunking booths and auctions are held in addition to the marathon walk for cancer. A live auction with City Councilman Gene Richard is held from 5-7 p.m.

Noon to 12 a.m. Thibodaux High School, 1355 Tiger Drive. www.relayforlife.org.

KREWE DU BAYOU FUNDRAISER –

April 6

The Bayou Playhouse celebrates five years of professional theater with its second annual fundraiser. The catered silent auction features, food, drink and entertainment, like comedian Steve Shaw and headliner Jodi Borello, from the Las Vegas Comedy Improv Club. Roland Cheramie and Friends perform on the Bayou Lafourche deck. ($60 person, $100 per couple)

6:30 p.m. Bayou Playhouse, 101 Main St., Lockport. (888) 992-2968 or www.bayouplayhouse.com.

ROLLER DERBY –

April 6

The Cajun Rollergirls play Houston Roller Derby. ($10 adults; $6 children 6-12)

7 p.m. Harang Auditorium, 310 N. Canal Blvd., Thibodaux. www.cajunrollergirls.com.

HORSE SHOW –

April 7 FREE

The Terrebonne Livestock Association hosts judged and speed events.

9a.m. to 5 p.m. Houma Airbase Arena, 121 Moffet Road, Houma. (985) 804-7932. www.terrebonne-livestock.org.

ALLONS MANGER FOOD FESTIVAL –

April 7 FREE

Live music by Highway 315, local cuisine such as crawfish, oyster, turtle, shrimp, fish, etoufees and sauces piquante, children’s activities and a live auction are staged at St. Jules Catholic Church.

10:30 a.m. 7165 La. Highway 1, Belle Rose. (225) 473-8569.

ST. MARY LANDMARK SOCIETY FUNDRAISER –

April 7

A Hawaiian Luau, the event features thematic fare, a live and silent auction and a raffle. The dress code is casual. Tickets can be purchased through the Grevemberg House. ($50)

Shadowlawn Plantation, 906 Main St., Franklin. (337) 828-2092.

PUTT FOR THE PARK GOLF CLASSIC –

April 12

The third-annual golf tournament benefitting Larose Regional Park and Civic Center is waged between four-person teams. Team registration costs $500.

8 a.m. LaTour Golf Club, 300 LaTour Blvd., Mathews. (985) 693-7355.

LAFOURCHE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SPRING GOLF CLASSIC –

April 12

12:30 p.m. Tideland’s Golf Club, 944 E. 94th St., Galliano. (985) 693-6700.

DOWNTOWN ARTS WALK – 

April 12 FREE

Live music plays while participants stroll through downtown Thibodaux, passing local authors and artists exhibiting their works.

5-8 p.m. Downtown Thibodaux. (985) 413-9886 or www.downtownthibodaux.org.

RHYTHMS ON THE RIVER –

April 12 FREE

Nik L Beer perform live along Morgan City’s riverfront.

6:30-9:30 p.m. Front Street, Morgan City. (985) 384-9291.

CAJUN RODEO ASSOCIATION RODEO –

April 12-13

Bull riding, breakaway roping, barrel racing, calf roping and ranch-style bronco riding are among the scheduled events. A free barn dance is held Saturday night. ($10 adults, $5 children younger than 12)

Raceland Arena, 101 Senior Citizen Drive. (985) 209-7919.

SPRING GARAGE SALE –

April 13

The Bourg Lioness Club hosts its annual spring garage sale at the Lions Home. Proceeds go to Relay for Life, Lion’s projects and community activities.

7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lions Home, 109 Texas Gulf Road, Bourg. (985) 594-2413.

LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY MARINE CONSORTIUM OPEN HOUSE –

April 13 FREE

The LUMCON open house features games and activities for all ages, hands-on lab exhibitions, a scavenger hunt and free air boat rides for people 12 and older.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. DeFelice Marine Center, 8124 La. Highway 56, Cocodrie. www.lumcon.edu.

BHPA SPRING HORSEHOE PITCHING TOURNAMENT –

April 13

A singles, handicapped tournament is complemented by a raffle and concessions. Sanctioned players only. Registration is $22 per year. Tournament fee is $20 per person. Proceeds benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

9 a.m. Kemper Williams Park, Patterson. (985) 385-3858.

LAROSE RELAY FOR LIFE –

April 13

Cancer survivors arrive in a parade at the library to kick off the event, also featuring trick-or-treating, an Elvis impersonator and the band Str8 On.

4 p.m. to 6 a.m. Larose Regional Park and Civic Center, 307 E. Fifth St. www.relayforlife.org.

29TH SPRING ANNIVERSARY CONCERT –

April 13 FREE

The Houma-Terrebonne Community Band celebrates its 29th anniversary with a spring concert in Southland Mall.

6:30 p.m. JC Penney Court, Southland Mall, 5953 W. Park Ave., Houma. (985) 637-3849 or www.htcb.org.

DANCING WITH THE STARS ON THE BAYOU –

April 13

State Rep. Lenar Whitney and www.levees.org founder Sandy Rosenthal are among the celebrity dancers. Celebrity auctioneers include Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne and WWL-TV anchor Eric Paulsen, while “Young and the Restless” star Christian LeBlanc emcees the event. ($50)

6:30 p.m. Nicholls State University Cotillion Ballroom. www.nicholls.edu/lcwg/dwss

LOUISIANA MAGIC STAGE SHOW –

April 13

Six magicians perform at the conclusion of a two-day convention featuring internationally acclaimed magicians teaching the art of prestidigitation in Thibodaux. The two-day convention features seven lectures. At the stage show on Saturday, New Iberia native Michael “Magic Mike” Dardant performs the act that won him first place at the 2012 Canada National Magic Convention. Convention registration costs $100 for magicians and $40 for spouses/assistants. Tickets to the stage show are $15.

7 p.m. Peltier Auditorium, Nicholls State University. (504) 250-6407 or www.louisianamagicweekend.com.

HOLY FAMILY BOAT BLESSING –

April 14 FREE

The religious celebration ushers in the start of shrimping season. The fishermen’s mass starts at 10 a.m. and is followed by a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. and blessing of the boats at 2 p.m.

Holy Family Church, 6641 Grand Caillou Road, Dulac. (985) 563-2325.

MILITARY ROUNDTABLE –

April 16 FREE

Toni M. Kiser, assistant director of collections and exhibits/registrar, leads the Houma Regional Military Museum’s monthly roundtable discussion. The featured topic this month is “Loyal Forces: American Animals of WWII.” Coffee and conversation begin at 5 p.m., and Kiser’s lecture follows.

6 p.m. Terrebonne Parish Library Main Branch, 151 Library Drive, Houma. (985) 873-8200.

RHYTHMS ON THE RIVER –

April 19 FREE

South 70 perform live along Morgan City’s riverfront.

6:30-9:30 p.m. Front Street, Morgan City. (985) 384-9291.

BAYOU TECHE BLACK BEAR FESTIVAL –

April 19-21 FREE

The festival features an art sale and exhibit, educational seminars, children’s activities, field trips, food, music, a wooden boat show and more during the black bear-centric weekend. A fireworks show is held over Bayou Teche at 8 p.m. on Saturday. Some activities include using toilet seats as horseshoes and the black-bear obstacle course.

On Bayou Teche in downtown Franklin. (337) 828-5739 or www.bayoutechebearfest.org.

LA FETE DU MONDE –

April 19-21 FREE

The annual Lockport Food Festival presents Cajun and swamp pop music, food, dancing and a carnival mid-way.

Church Street, Lockport. (985) 532-5909 or www.bayoumuseum.org.

GRAND ISLE MIGRATORY BIRD CELEBRATION –

April 19-21

Roughly 25 events over three days are geared toward viewing Neotropical birds as they migrate from their winter back into the United States and Canada.

Grand Isle, La. Highway 1. (985) 757-2997 or www.btnep.org.

RELAY FOR LIFE EAST ST. MARY BASS TOURNAMENT –

April 20

Cash prizes to be paid based on participation. ($150 per two-person boat)

6:30 a.m. Doirons Landing, Stephensville. (985) 519-5872 or rndyrad01@aol.com

LADYBUG BALL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL –

April 20 FREE

More than 100,000 ladybugs are released in the annual festival, also including a butterfly release, face painting, crafts, costume contests, games, a mobile zoo and other children’s activities. The event was founded to help educate residents about the environment.

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Southdown Plantation House, 1208 Museum Drive, Houma. (985) 851-3999.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FAIS DO-DO –

April 20

Join the Fourth-Degree Knights of Columbus in Dulac for French, country and Cajun music and dancing. Duet Brothers perform. The smoke- and alcohol-free event includes a $5 meal of spaghetti or rice in ground meat sauce, salad, bread, dessert and one drink. Door prizes are given and 50-50 tickets cost $1 each. $2 entry fee. Doors open at 4 p.m.

6 to 9 p.m., Knights of Columbus Home, 5396 Shrimpers Row, Dulac. (985) 851-4519.

THE HAVEN’S ANNUAL SPRING GALA –

April 20

More than 30 restaurants and chefs serve appetizers, entrees and desserts in the fundraiser benefiting a shelter for abused women and children. Live music and a silent auction are also part of the event. The theme this year is “Home is Where the Heart Is.” ($50 per person)

6:30-11 p.m. Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, 346 Civic Center Blvd. (985) 872-0757.

GUN SHOW –

April 20-21

People are invited to buy, sell and trade guns, ammunition, knives and accessories. A shotgun is raffled. The show is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Children 12 and younger are admitted free with an adult. ($5)

Evergreen Cajun Center, 4694 W. Main St., Houma. (985) 223-1525.

BLESSING OF THE SHRIMP FLEET –

April 21 FREE

The annual boat parade begins in Chauvin and proceeds along Bayou Petit Caillou to Boudreaux Canal. The flotilla is decorated for the occasion, a chance to pray for a safe and plentiful season.

Noon. St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5232 La. Highway 56, Chauvin. (985) 594-5859.

CHAUVIN FOLK ART FESTIVAL –

April 21 FREE

Held in conjunction with the Blessing of the Shrimp Fleet, the festival features folk artists, live music, children’s activities and food.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Chauvin Sculpture Gardens, 5337 Bayouside Drive, Chauvin. (985) 448-4597.

DOWNTOWN LIVE AFTER FIVE –

April 26 FREE

Voodoo Bayou take the stage at 7 p.m. Bring a lawn chair.

5:30-10 p.m. Courthouse Square, 7856 W. Main St., Houma. (985) 873-6408.

RHYTHMS ON THE RIVER –

April 26 FREE

Krossfyre perform live along Morgan City’s riverfront.

6:30-9:30 p.m. Front Street, Morgan City. (985) 384-9291.

TERREBONNE RELAY FOR LIFE –

April 27

A volleyball tournament, cooking contest and the bands Southern Cross and the Yum Yum Band supplement the marathon walk for cancer and cameo from Jerrylyn Duplantis, a Tina Turner impersonator.

5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, 346 Civic Center Blvd. (985) 851-7719 or www.relayforlife.org.

LAUREL VALLEY SPRING FESTIVAL –

April 28 FREE

The plantation’s annual spring festival features arts and crafts, cultural demonstration, lunch and more. Proceeds are used to preserve the largest American surviving sugarcane plantation complex.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Laurel Valley Plantation, 706 La. Highway 308, Thibodaux.

JAZZ BRUNCH –

April 28

Jazz music is served alongside brunch and a silent auction. Reservations are required.

Noon. Southdown Plantation, 1208 Museum Drive, Houma. (985) 851-0154.

The Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center offers boat tours of Bayou Lafourche, one to E.D. White Plantation Home ($5) and the other to Madewood Plantation in Napoleonville ($28.25).