Well, it's not a "festival" per se, but what about Mardis Gras? Lots of music, dancing, celebration, parades etc...
Maybe better than a festival? What do you folks in La. think?
And how about the Christmas--New Years period? Is that a good time to visit?
Ed, have you been to New Orleans? The main tourists areas are open for business. tons to do, ww2 war museum, aquarium, french quarter, riverboat cruises, etc etc. if you like ink, there is a great tattoo parlor near the quarter, and lots of good cajun music down bourbon.
My experience is, festivals are great, but I've never needed an event to spur me on to a trip to Acadiana. Even when there is no large, planned event, there's other things on a smaller scale to enjoy -- musically or culturally.
When I run out of planned entertainment, I'll go sit on a stool at The City Bar in Maurice, hang out at McGee's Landing in Henderson, visit Jr. Martin in Scott, or go talk to Cecil at Floyd's Records in Ville Platte. Heck, I'd pay the price of a big festival admission to do any one of those things RIGHT NOW! Dang, I need me some parish blacktop under my tires...
jam sessions at savoy's music center in eunice, as well at mitch reed's place of business too. we live in one big festival in south louisiana. festival acadiens has both of christine balfa's bands this year. balfa toujours and bosoir catin