Combine your bike trip with one of these local events.
Please note: We only provide this for your information.

• Battle of New Orleans Celebration (January 10-12)
  Events include a re-enactment of Andrew Jackson's victory over the English on the Mississippi River in 1815. Most events are at Chalmette National Historical Park. (504) 589-4428
• Jackson Day Race (January 12 at 8:30 AM)
  This 9K qualifier for the Crescent City Classic starts at Bayou St. John at Lake Ponchartrain and ends at Jackson Square in the French Quarter. (504) 482-6682
• Creole Heritage Day Festival
  (Jan 18-19)
  Celebrate the culture and history of the Louisiana Creole community. Enjoy entertainment, Creole food, dancing, and the taste of Natchitoches.
  St. Augustine Cathlic Church, Highway 484, Natchez, LA. $7.00 for Adults, and $1.00 for children 12 years and under. 1-800-259-1714.
• Mardi Gras Marathon (January 19, 2003)
  One of the oldest races in the country, the Mardi Gras Marathon accommodates a full marathon, marathon relay, half marathon, and 5K run.
• Louisiana Long Distance Championship Race (Jan 19)
  The New Olreans Track Club is sponsoring a 30k and 10k race stating at 8:00 a.m. in New Orleans. For more info. Call 504-482-6682.
• U.S. Hot Rod Monster Jam (Jan 25)
  Louisiana Superdome. All Gold Circle. $26.00, Adult $17.00, Child $6.00.
  7:30 p.m.
• Chinese New Year Festival Race (Jan 25)
  The New Olreans Track Club is sponsoring a 1 mile, 5k run starting at 9:00 a.m. at Lafreniere Park in Metairie. For more info. Call 504-482-6682.
  

February 2003

• Cirque du Soleil: Dralion (Starting Feb. 6)
  Dralion is the fusion of ancient Chinese circus tradition and the avant-garde approach of the Cirque du Soleil. The show’s name is drawn from its two main symbols-the dragon, representing the East, and the lion, representing the West. Dralion has played to sold out audiences in every city on its North American Tour. Featuring 56 artists from 9 countries performing acts you’ve never seen before, and likely never will again.
• New Orleans Boat Show (Feb 5-9)
  Enjoy water sports, contests, food and prizes. Wednesday-Friday 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m., Saturday 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Admission is $8.00 for Adults, $3.00 for Children Ages 6-12, and Free for children under age 6. Louisiana Superdome.
• Mardi Gras (February 21 through March 4, 2003)
  Beads, parades, and parties accompany the biggest party in the world, leading up to Fat Tuesday.
• Festival of Contemporary Music (Feb 21-25)
  The oldest event of its kind in the U.S.. The festival will feature performances by the Louisiana State University Symphony Orchestra, LSU Wind Ensemble, LSU Contemporary Music Ensemble, LSU faculty and guest soloists. The festival takes palce at the School of Music Recital Hall and LSU Union Theater Louisiana State University. Baton Rouge, LA. (225)-578-2594. Admission to the Recital Hall is Free. Tickets must be purchased for performances in the Union Theater and may be purchased by calling (225) 578-5128. Free parking.
• Mardi Gras Marathon (Sunday, February 16, 2003, 7:00AM)
  Annual marathon, half-marathon, and 5K run is sponsored by the Nokia Sugar Bowl. For more info. Call 504-482-6682. http://www.mardigrasmarathon.com
  

March 2003

• St. Patrick's Day March 17 Mardi Gras
  (February 21 through March 4, 2003)
  Beads, parades, and parties accompany the biggest party in the world, leading up to Fat Tuesday.
• Krewe of Dionysos Mardi Gras Parade (March 1)
  Join the parade in an original French colony of Louisiana founded in 1714. This night parade features floats, marching bands, a second line dance, and hundreds of thousands of colorful beads, doubloons and cups. The parade begins at the Cane River Shopping center, moves through the Historic District and ends at City Hall. 5:30 pm - 7:30 p.m. Natchitoches, LA. 1-800-259-1714.
• Courir de Mardi Gras Parade (March 4)
  See a band of horseman galloping through Mamou, LA in a Courir de Mardi Gras (Mardi Gras Run). The run begins at 8:30 a.m. and they do not return to town until they have gathered items for their gumbo. Parade takes place at 4:00 p.m. Live Cajun and French music and a street dance beginning at 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. 6th and Main Street. 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. (318) 468-3272.
• Grupo Corpo Brazilian Dance Theatre (Sat. March 15 at 8 PM)
  New Orleans Ballet Association presents Grupo Corpo Brazilian Dance Theatre, which combines the sensuality of samba, the technical prowess of ballet, and the graceful energy of these gifted dancers. 504-522-0996 or www.nobadance.com
• Run on the Bayou (March 15)
  The New Orleans Track Club is sponsoring a half-mile, 2 mile, 10k race starting at 8:00 a.m. at Bayou Segnette Park, Westwego, LA. For more info. Call 504-482-6682.
• Louisiana Redbud Festival (March 15)
  Southeast Tourism Top 20 Event award winner. Come celebrate the 39th Annual celebration of the blooming hot pink buds. Enjoy a parade, arts & crafts, 5K run, and live music. 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Vivian, LA. (318) 375-4708.
• Black Heritage Festival (March 8-9)
  New Orleans celebrates the contributions of African-Americans to Louisiana's culture. Events occur at the Audubon Zoo, New Orleans Museum of Art, Louisiana State Museum, and other venues. (337) 497-0026.
• Spring Fiesta, in French Quarter (March 28-April 6)
  Begins with traditional presentation of the Spring Fiesta Queen and a horse-drawn parade, and ends with tours of historic homes, courtyards and plantation homes. (504) 581-1367
• Wearin’ of the Green Parade (March 15)
  Catch a Louisiana-style St. Patrick’s Day Parade complete with more than 55 floats, marching bands, bagpipers, beads, cups, and throws. The three quarter mile parade is painted with green shamrocks. 10:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Baton Rouge, LA. (225) 925-8295.
• St. Patrick's Day (March 17)
  The Irish Channel hosts a huge annual party. Of course, the rest of the city follows suit.
• St. Joseph's Day Festigamente (March 18-21)
  The annual Italian-Irish festival takes place in Metairie, with an Italian Grand Marshal and an Irish one leading the parade down Veterans Highway.
• Mardi Gras Indians Festival (mid-March)
  The Mardi Gras Indians have a long history, intertwining the histories of slaves, local Indian tribes, and free people of color. This festival highlights amazing feathered costumes, history, and crafts.
• Earth Fest at Audubon Zoo (March 22-23)
  Exhibits focus on preservation of the Earth, its natural resources and ecology, and outdoor activities. Handcrafted jewelry, pottery and other crafts will be on sale. (504) 861-2537
• American Cemetery Tour (March 22)
  Take a guided tour through one of the oldest cemeteries in the Louisiana Purchase. Meet characters dressed in historic attire who will tell tales of history city. See the site where a scene from Steel Magnolias was filmed. American Cemetery 100-200 Second St. 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Admission is $10.00 per person 12 years and older, and $5.00 ages 12 and under. Natchitoches, LA. 1-800-259-1714.
• Louisiana Crawfish Festival (March 27-30)
  A four day festival featuring live entertainment, crawfish races, games, and crafts. Thursday 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m., Friday 5:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m., Saturday 12:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m., and Sunday 12:00 p.m.-10 p.m.
  Chalmette, LA . Free. For more info. Call 504-271-0228.
• World Championship Crawfish and Etouffee Cook-off (March 30)
  Northwest Community Center Pavillion on Samuel Dr., Eunice, LA.
  (337) 457-2565.
• Crescent City Classic Race (end of March)
  The 10,000-meter course runs from Jackson Square through the financial district, along tree-roofed Esplanade Avenue to City Park. After the race, there is a party, naturally. (504) 861-8686
  

April 2003

• French Quarter Festival (April 11-13)
  Showcase has 500 local musicians, food from 40 restaurants, second line parades, children's activities and fireworks. (504) 522-5730
• Louisiana Crawfish Festival (April 25-28)
  Crawfish foods, rides, games, and music take place in Chalmette, near New Orleans East. Watch out for 'dem spicy mudbugs! (504) 271-3836
• Jazz Festival (April 25 to May 4)
  New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is the second biggest annual event (behind Mardi Gras), and hundreds of bands play jazz, funk, zydeco, Cajun, gospel, blues, and pop.
• "Run Forrest Run!" (April 28 at 8:30 AM)
  Bubba Gump Shrimp Company sponsors this annual run/walk through the French Quarter. (504) 482-6682

MAY 2003

• Jazz Festival (April 25 to May 4, 2003)
  New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is the second biggest annual event (behind Mardi Gras), with hundreds of bands playing jazz, funk, zydeco, Cajun, gospel, blues, and pop.
• Bank One Zoo To Do (May 2, 2003)
  Party at Audubon Zoo features live music and food from 100 local restaurants. (504) 581-4629
• Cinco de Mayo (May 5)
  This celebration is so fun that you'll believe there is a logical connection between Mexican independence and the Crescent City.
• Margaritaville's French Quarter Run/Walk (May 18 at 8:15 AM)
  This 5K events ends at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville Café. (504) 482-6682
• Greek Festival (May 25-27)
  Annual Greek Festival features Greek folk dancing, music, jewelry, gifts, and lip-smacking-good food. (504) 282-0259
• Back to the Beach (May 31 to June 2)
  A weekend of concerts at Lakefront Arena, an antique car show, and fireworks on Lake Ponchartrain beach, near the University of New Orleans. (504) 836-2215
  

June 2002

• French Market Tomato Festival (June 3)
  Back to the Beach (May 31 through June 2)
  The annual benefit for the Lake Ponchartrain Basin Foundation features carnival rides, lots of live music, food, an antique car show, fireworks, and more. UNO Lakefront Arena. (504) 836-2215
• Camellia City Old Time Music & Bluegrass Festival (June 1)
  First United Methodist Church Family Life Center is the site for this annual pickin' party, which features free workshops in guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, dulcimer, dobro & singing. The live music concerts include Hazel & the Delta Ramblers, River Road Ramblers and the Jeff & Vida Band. The day ends with a community jam session open to all players. Noon - 5:30 PM. 433 Erlanger St. Slidell, Louisiana. (985) 643-0694 or 781-5625
• Bluesberry Festival (June 1)
  This Northshore festival brings together seasonal blueberries with rockin' blues at Bogue Falaya in Covington.This year's acts will include Doug Kershaw, Timothea with Walter 'Wolfman' Washington, Joe Stark, Lenny McDaniel, J.B. Elston, Under the Gun and Amedee Frederick. 11:30 AM - 9:30 PM After the events in the park, 'Bluesberry After Dark' will present more live music at local clubs.(985) 892-8650
• International Arts Festival (formerly Reggae Riddums) (June 8-9)
  Hear the music of Cuba, the Carribean, and Africa at this festival in the middle of City Park's 100-year-old oak trees. Performers will include the soca sensation Arrow (Hot Hot Hot), the Peoples featuring Leon, Jamaican dancehall singing star Capleton, the Wild Magnolias, Bamboula 2000 and Early Brooks & Higher Heights. This festival was formerly called Reggae Riddums. 504-367-1313
• Asian Pacific Heritage Festival (June 8)
  The Audubon Zoo holds an all-day festival with Asian music, dance, cuisine, arts/crafts, martial arts, fashions and kids' activities. (504) 581-4629
• Jazz in the Vines – Outdoor Concert Series (June 8 & 22)
  The outdoor concerts occur at Ponchartrain Vineyards just north of Covington. The series presents Wardell Williams Blues Showband June 8th and The Last Straws Dixieland Band on the 22nd. 6:30-9:30p. Gates open at 5:30. $5 admission fee. 81250 Highway 1082, north of Covington. Call (985) 892-9742
• Canoe Trip on the Tickfaw River (June 15)
  Enjoy canoeing and walking through Louisiana’s newest state park, in nearby Tangipahoa Parish. The outing is a naturalist’s guide through the wetlands, forests, marshes, and trails of Tickfaw. Fee for tour. (504) 283-9400
• Bayou Lacombe Crab Festival (June 28-29)
  Each year over 2000 blue crabs are boiled at this festival, which naturally features soft-shell crab po-boys, live music, arts & crafts and carnival rides along with the other crustaceous cuisine. John Davis Park, Hwy 190 in LaCombe. (985) 822-5528