Springtime in New Orleans is a time to celebrate. As the days get longer and the humidity gets higher, residents and visitors alike get the opportunity to savor the best of the city -- its food and music.

Festival International de Louisiane -- April 23-27, Downtown Lafayette -- The French connection to southern Louisiana is strong. And there is no better way to thoroughly examine it than to totally immerse yourself in it. For five days each spring the Festival International de Louisiane allows you to do just that by transforming Downtown Lafayette into the largest French-speaking festival in the country. Begin your studies by picking up samplings from each of the six food courts. Shrimp Souvlaki, Crawfish Macque Choux, and Pork Jambalaya will keep your mouth watering. For an even more in depth look at our region's culinary arts, stick around for one of the Festival's cooking demonstrations. It may be tempting to spend all of your time (and money!) in the food courts, but wandering performers, storytellers, and more than 100 art and craft vendor are worth a wander away from the food. Six stages feature musicians from around the world that are sure to keep your toes tapping. Quebec's Alain Francoise, Burning Spear from Jamaica, and Louisiana's own Pine Leaf Boys are just a few of this year's highlights.

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival -- April 25-27 & May 1-4, New Orleans Fairgrounds -- Many festival lovers see Jazz Fest as the ultimate of the southern Louisiana, if not all, festivals. And food lovers know that music is only the beginning of this seven-day event that celebrates Louisiana's rich culture. Festival-goers can eat their way around the Fair Grounds, sampling local delights like Alligator Pie, Boudin Balls, and Crawfish Monica or branching out to international menu items like Cous Cous with Yogurt Sauce, Jama-Jama, or Tagine of Lamb. Foodies can look forward to the return of former favorites that were missing from the 2006 menu including Cracklins, Angelo Brocatto's Lemon Ice, and the entire Kid's Food area. (Don't miss Miss Linda's Macaroni and Cheese!) And if you think you've tried all the food that Jazz Fest has to offer, think again. Cajun Duck Po' Boys and Chicken Livers with Pepper Jelly are just two of the eight totally new menu items that will make this year's dining decisions even more difficult.

Greek Fest -- May 23-25, 1200 Robert E. Lee Blvd., New Orleans -- Once you've gotten your fill of Gumbo, Jambalaya, and Bread Pudding, head to Bayou St. John for all things Greek. This three-day, family-friendly festival will remind you that New Orleans influences stretch far beyond the French and Spanish culture that generally gets all of the credit. You can feel good about filling your plate with Tiropita, Dolmathakia, and Spanakopita. This year's festival prides itself on gourmet Greek Cuisine and a healthy Mediterranean diet --all handmade in the church's kitchen. Take a break between courses and watch the authentic Helenic dancers, do some shopping in the Greek Marketplace, or enjoy the festival from Bayou St. John with one of the canoes available for rent.

And if you just can't wait for the weekend....
YLC Wednesday at the Square -- Wednesdays through June 18, Lafayette Square, New Orleans -- This mid-week celebration can satisfy your need to eat, drink, and dance if you just can't wait for the next festival. A predominately after-work crowd fills Lafayette Square each Wednesday evening to sample delicious dishes from downtown restaurants, sip cold Abita Beer, and listen to local legends. In the upcoming weeks, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Pine Leaf Boys, and Trombone Shorty will entertain those festival-lovers that just can't get enough!