Frequently Asked Questions: FAQ
What is The Taste of Louisiana Festival?
The Taste of Louisiana Festival, LLC is an entertainment company formed in 2009 to produce an annual festival that educates and celebrates anything pertaining to the Louisiana culture. Our main goal is to increase tourism to Southwest Louisiana through marketing the festival to surrounding states and inviting them to “Experience the Flavor and Culture of Louisiana” all in one location. The Taste of Louisiana Festival combines all cultural backgrounds of Louisiana; French, African, Caribbean, Hispanic and Native American. We provide an opportunity to enjoy all of the cuisine, music, arts and crafts of Louisiana.
What’s the admission cost?
The Taste of Louisiana Festival has a taken a very economically approach regarding admission. We understand our guest would like to enjoy all of the cuisines and activities of the festival without having to pay a costly entry fee. We have Early Bird Specials $8.00 for Adults and $3.00 for Kids 3 and over. Regular gates prices are $10.00 for Adults and $3.00 for Kids 3 and over.
Any tips on preparing for The Taste of Louisiana Festival?
- The summer weather in Southwest Louisiana can range from pleasantly cool to very warm, so you will want to dress comfortable. Merchandise is available if you need cooler clothing while enjoying the festival.
- Bring along sunscreen for yourself and your family, as well as sunglasses. The Amphitheater does have many tented areas but the sun will most likely be out in every area!
- A hat or a visor is a good idea. Don't worry; if you forget your hat or lose it while dancing, we have plenty of The Taste of Louisiana Festival hats available for purchase in the French Market area.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be dancing away during many Festival performances, standing in lines, and walking from area to area can be tiring .We will have a masseuse on hand to massage those hands and feet back to bliss.
- You will want to keep hydrated. Beverages are available throughout Festival property!
What is not allowed at Festival?
- Carts, pets, personal tents, glass, metal poles, shade canopies, beach or pole-style umbrellas, outside beverages or food are not allowed
- Weapons, illicit drugs, and other contraband are strictly prohibited
What kind of music does the festival feature?
Our focus for each festival is to celebrate the Louisiana Culture to the fullest. We will have performers from all over the nation performing Louisiana Jazz, Zydeco, Blues and Brass Bands.
When and where is it held?
The annual 1-day festival (for now) and is held during Memorial Weekend in May at the beautiful recently remodeled Lake Charles Boardwalk in Lake Charles, Louisiana. We transformed the Arcade Amphitheater on the grounds of the Lake Charles Boardwalk into a fun filled Louisiana Cultural Amusement park. The Festival features a Main Stage, Culture Corner, Chefs Corner, French Market, and a Louisiana Cuisine area. What would Memorial Weekend be without Barbecue? We also have a Barbeque cook-off area for our annual contest.
When is the performance schedule released?
The performance schedule will be up on the website on March 1, 2012.
How do I get to the Festival grounds?
The Taste of Louisiana Festival is held on the grounds of the Lake Charles Civic Center as well as next the beautiful boardwalk, which is located in the heart of downtown Lake Charles, Louisiana. Parking is free at the Civic Center.
Where can I park at the Festival?
Parking is free at the Civic Center, plenty of parking is available.
Do you help Festivalgoer’s in booking hotel rooms?
Yes, please visit the Hotels page for information on our many Festival hotels around the Lake Charles area.
Do you help Festivalgoer’s find airline travel?
Yes, please visit our Transportation page for information on air travel to and from the Lake Charles Regional Airport.
Do you help Festivalgoer’s find rental cars?
Yes, please visit our Transportation page for information on Rental Cars in the Lake Charles area.
Where could I get camping and RV information?
You can consult the Southwest Louisiana Visitors Bureau or call them at 1-800-456-SWLA (U.S.),to inquire about campgrounds and RV information.
Is the Festival accessible to people with disabilities?
Yes. Handicap parking is available at The Civic Center. The Festival grounds has several wheelchair accessible points. Though we do not offer a service that brings festival-goers to and from areas, we encourage all patrons to enjoy The Taste of Louisiana Festival. Wheelchairs and medical Scooters are permitted.
Are there ATM machines on Festival property?
No. ATM Machines are located in the Civic Center. If you need to leave the festival you may do so as long as you have your armband.
What kind of food will be available in the food areas?
The food areas are sure to please any palette looking for Louisiana cuisine, or barbeque to simple carnival foods. So, treat yourself to refreshing beverages and the various delicious foods that will be available, with menus to please the youngest to the oldest.
Are there vegetarian items available?
Yes. We will have some Vegetarian dishes available.
Are pets (dogs, cats, etc) allowed?
NO, pets are not allowed at The Taste of Louisiana Festival. We are pet lovers too and we do not want anyone's pet to get hurt, lost, stolen or bite someone or another animal during Festival. With over 10,000 people in the Amphitheater Area, we are not responsible for any hurt, lost, or stolen pets. We are not responsible for any human getting hurt as the result of a pet bite or another pet injured as a result of a bite.
Can I bring a blanket & chair?
Yes, you may bring blankets & small collapsible chairs. Please be aware that people will be dancing around you during performances and the view of the stage and performers may be blocked. Personal tents, metal poles, shade canopies, beach or pole-style umbrellas are not allowed on Festival property. Inserting stakes, poles, or any other objects into the ground, or use of ropes, cords, tape, etc. to reserve space is prohibited.
What about ice chests?
The Taste of Louisiana Festival has everything you need, so why worry about bringing the ice chest and trying to keep track of it while you are out enjoying Festival. Festival has great food and beverages on site for your enjoyment. Support Festival International and Our Vendors!
Are you allowed to block off space at each stage to view bands during Festival?
No, you cannot block of space at the stage. Inserting stakes, poles, or any other objects into the ground, or use of ropes, cords, tape, etc. to reserve space is prohibited.
Do you have a children's area?
Yes, we do have an area that is for the young or young at heart. Our children's area is known as The Taste of Louisiana Kids Zone where we tell our Kids “Alon Jwe” which means “Just Play” in Creole. For more information, please see the “Kids Zone “link above.
Where can I purchase my Festival t-shirt?
You can purchase T-shirts before, during or after Festival through our website: ‘Merchandise'. OR You can purchase Your T-shirt during Festival at one of the The Taste of Louisiana Festival Merchandise booth.
How can we meet the musicians who are playing at Festival?
Although only Festival staff and artists are allowed back stage, you can meet the artists after they perform at the Meet and Greet booth located behind the main stage. During the day of Festival, most of the musicians will have CD signing at the Meet and Greet booth where you can purchase their CD, have them sign it, and possibly even take a picture with your favorite artist. Visit the Meet and Greet booths for exact times of autograph sessions.
How do I become a Festival volunteer?
Email us : volunteer@Thetasteof Louisiana.com or fill out an online application. Click on ‘Volunteers' link above for more information.
How can I apply to perform at The Taste of Louisiana Festival?
If you are an artist or band manager interested in having you band considered for an upcoming festival, Email us: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The deadline is February 6th, 2012. In your email, please include a complete artist bio, booking contact info, links to YouTube videos or vimeo’s are most ideal. Digital press kits are preferred. Please note: submission does not guarantee booking.
All qualified applicants may submit their press kits between October 9th and February 6th to:
The Taste Of Louisiana Festival , LLC
ATTN: Festival Performance
630 Prien Lake Rd. Suite B PMB 153
Lake Charles, Louisiana 70601
Be sure to include a recording, biography & discography, photo, press clippings, and contact information including an e-mail address. Due to the volume of submissions we receive, not everyone will receive a response unless chosen to perform at the festival. Someone will contact you if you are chosen.
How can I apply for a food booth?
Please go to our vendors tab above to receive more information on how to become a Festival Food Vendor as well as how to be added to our mailing list.
Please send your Business Name, Physical Mailing Address(including city, state, & zip code), Telephone Number, and E-mail address to be added to the mailing list:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or
The Taste of Louisiana Festival, LLC
ATTN: Food Vendor Request
630 Prien Lake Rd. Suite B PMB 153
Lake Charles, Louisiana 70601
How can I apply for an Arts & Crafts booth?
Please visit our vendors tab above to receive more information about the French Market area as well as how to be added to our mailing list.
Please send your Name, Physical Mailing Address (including city, state, & zip code), Telephone Number, and E-mail address to be added to the mailing list:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or
The Taste of Louisiana Festival, LLC
ATTN: French Market Vendor Request
630 Prien Lake Rd. Suite B PMB 153
Lake Charles, Louisiana 70601
If I'm a member of the press, how can I get Media credentials?
Any questions can be addressed to the Event Coordinator, Joaquin Trent, 713.231.6772 .
How can I become a Festival sponsor?
There are several ways to support The Taste of Louisiana Festival. As a Corporate sponsor you can contact the The Taste of Louisiana Festival Office and speak to our Event Coordinator, Joaquin Trent , 713.231.6772. There are also advertising opportunities available.
