Donaldsonville Festa Italiana

See downtown Donaldsonville transformed into a proper Italian festa this weekend as the community honors the history and heritage of its Italian settlers. Pots and pots and pots of pasta are promised thanks to Chef Giacomo Russo's Spaghetti Sauce Cook-Off—featuring divisions in meatballs, sausage, or open class (put it all in!). Access to this tomato mecca—via participation in the People's Choice Awards—is available to festival attendees for $5. LSU fans need not sacrifice ghetti for the game—the Tigers will be pummeling the Bulldogs on the big screen in Elk's Lodge. The festival will round out with a special performance by King Pa Ka Yea' Band at 6 pm. Noon–10 pm at Crescent Park. Free entry. tourascension.com.