Each year the American Bus Association produces a guide of Top 100 Events in North America. Three Louisiana events made the 2012 list: The French Quarter Festival, New Orleans, April 12–15; Festival International de Louisiane, Lafayette, April 25–29; and Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival, Morgan City, Aug. 30–Sept. 3. 

I am not surprised that the recognized events are festivals. Louisiana is the festival capital of the world with more festivals than days in the year. If it walks, crawls, flies or swims Louisiana will create a festival around it before throwing it in a gumbo. 

The French Quarter Festival is free and occurs in one of America’s most culturally significant neighborhoods. Spending a warm spring day listening to live music on one of the 18 stages sounds like a winner to me. 

Festival International de Louisiane is the largest francophone festival in the United States. Spending time in Cajun country, listening to Cajun bands and eating Cajun food at this festival is a must. And the best part? Admission is free.

The Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival may have an odd name but with this peculiar name comes a fun time. This historic festival first occurred more than 75 years ago. Seafood and petroleum are the economic lifeblood of the area and a great reason to celebrate. The festival boasts wonderful live music along with a larger variety of shrimp dishes than Forrest Gump and Bubba could list. 

We hope to see you here in 2012 for one of these award-winning events. Explore LouisianaTravel.com and see the many opportunities for visitors in Louisiana.