There’s always something fun happening in Tangipahoa Parish, a culture-rich region full of lively people who love to celebrate life. Catch numerous parades, food festivals, antique shopping experiences and a large multi-weekend Renaissance Festival. Sink your teeth into juicy spring strawberries, shop for the perfect vintage find, explore small town charm and soak in mild weather in this beautiful part of south Louisiana.
March
Ponchatoula Antique Trade Days
Find endless treasures at this biannual gathering of vintage vendors in historic downtown Ponchatoula. Antique Trade Days takes place on the first full weekends of March and November, drawing shoppers from throughout the region for antiques, crafts, art and collectibles assembled conveniently in one place.
Downtown Commuter Parking Lot
Ponchatoula, LA 70454
(985) 351-4029
Krewe of Erin St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Get ready for a family friendly St. Patrick’s Day Parade, south Louisiana style! This unique walking parade, held in conjunction with Antique Trading Days, includes all sorts of fun elements you don’t normally see, including “stolen” grocery shopping carts filled with cabbages and potatoes, a bagpipe band, cheerleaders and garish green costumes. It’s old school charm-meets-Erin Go Bragh here in Ponchatoula.
Corner of 8th and West Pine Streets
Ponchatoula, LA 70454
(985) 788-8610
Experience three days of food, music, rides and more as the city of Amite celebrates one of Louisiana’s most important culinary ingredients. Along with plenty of Gulf of Mexico oysters to sample, the event also includes a 5K race, a chili cookoff, a beauty pageant and numerous live bands. Head for downtown Amite to shuck up the fun.
NW Central Avenue and E Oak Street
Amite, LA 70422
(985) 517-1071
Enjoy lip-smackin’ barbecue at this annual cooking competition in downtown Hammond where regional pit masters compete for bragging rights in four categories, chicken, pork, ribs and sauce. Pair your plate with local beer, and stroll through numerous vendors showcasing artisan crafts.
SW Railroad Avenue
Hammond, LA 70403
(985) 969-8172
April
Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival
Ponchatoula is the Strawberry Capital of the World, and its annual Strawberry Festival celebrates this tasty crop at its sweetest peak. Enjoy three days of events including live bands, craft vendors, a parade, fun runs, food booths and, of course, strawberries. Sink your teeth into red-ripe berries—there’s even a strawberry eating contest—and taste strawberry-themed foods.
N. 6th and W. Beech Streets
Ponchatoula, LA 70454
(800) 917-7045
At the turn of the 20th Century, scores of Italian immigrants established themselves in this part of Louisiana, and the Village of Tickfaw’s Italian Festival celebrates their many contributions. Enjoy a parade, food booths, a spaghetti cook-off, a pageant, carnival rides and live music.
Downtown Tickfaw
Tickfaw, LA 70466
(985) 634-0597
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October
Step right up, folks, and enjoy this classic community fair, chock-full of carnival rides, food, live music and much more. Along with a midway, numerous exhibits bring to life the history and culture of Tangipahoa Parish. Learn about the lives of early settlers, Native American tribes and the area’s long history of agriculture and animal husbandry. It’s family friendly fun for all.
400 Reid Avenue
Amite, LA 70422
(985) 474-9971
November
Ponchatoula Antique Trade Days
In historic downtown Ponchatoula, Trade Days takes place on the first full weekends of March and November, drawing shoppers from throughout the region. If you are in the market for tons of treasured antiques and collectables, this is the place to find them!
Downtown Commuter Parking Lot
Ponchatoula, LA 70454
(985) 351-4029
December
Louisiana Renaissance Festival
Hear ye, hear ye! Every fall, the Bayou State is magically transformed into the English Village of Albright for the wildly popular Louisiana Renaissance Festival. Visitors will swear they’ve returned to the 16th Century when they see more than 600 artisans and entertainers in period costume demonstrating the best of the Renaissance. Held on weekends from early November to mid-December, this longstanding festival will have you hurling axes and reciting Shakespeare and in no time.
46468 River Road
Hammond, LA 70401
(985) 429-9992
