Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival

A full day of incredible jazz and R&B acts in Natchitoches' historic downtown? You'd better believe it. For almost three decades now this festival has brought a full-fledged celebration of these high energy genres (and others, too!) to its riverbank district. This year's lineup includes almost twenty acts, including Dead Reckoning String Band, Gretchen Wilson, 50 Man Machine, Sonny Gullage & the Blues Groovers, The Bar-Kays, Cypress Brake, Deep Water Rehab, and so many more. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, but leave your ice chests and outside food and drink at home. Kicks off Friday night at 5:30 pm, and carries through the weekend starting at 11 am Saturday. $25 for Friday-only; $55 for Saturday; $70 for the whole weekend; $125 for VIP. Discounts are available for students. natchjazzfest.com.