4 minute read
Festin' al Fresco
Spring and Summer Festival Foods and Food Truck Round-Ups.
BY JYL BENSON
AN ABUNDANCE OF FOOD TRUCKS AND FESTIVALS makes it possible to enjoy The Northshore’s celebrated food while basking in glorious weather, often between bouts of rigorous dancing to the strains of local music.
FOOD TRUCK ROUNDUPS
Given the sheer number of food trucks offering every imaginable type of cuisine, it is hard to believe there were none here before Hurricane Katrina. Twenty years later, Northshore standouts include Dat Fiya (@datfiya), offering wings, burgers and hibachi; The Good Stuffed (@thegoodstuffedfoodtruck), offering burritos, wraps, nachos, burrito bowls, quesadillas and stuffed baked potatoes; Creole Tomateaux (@thecreoletomateaux) with fried seafood, burgers, sandwiches and tacos; and The Crab Man Plus (@thecrabmanplus_), featuring fresh, flavorful peel-and-eat seafood platters.
On the first Friday of every month, Abita Brewing Company, Tap Room & Gift Shop (21084 Hwy. 36, Covington, abita.com) hosts a Food Truck Round-Up from 5:30–8:30 p.m. Trucks turn up from throughout the region. Also, a different visiting food truck is brought in every Saturday and Sunday. The beer garden and patio are dog-friendly. abita.com/events
In May, the Mandeville Lions Club will host the Mandeville Food Truck Festival, featuring music and a kids' zone. Proceeds will provide eyeglasses for low-income individuals and a camp for children with special needs.
And don’t miss the Louisiana Food Truck Festival at the Harbor Center in Slidell, which features over 20 food trucks, local craft vendors and live music.
FOOD FESTIVALS
Spring and summer on The Northshore are brimming with delicious reasons to celebrate, as food festivals take center stage, showcasing the region’s culinary creativity and vibrant community spirit. From heaping piles of crawfish to craft beer, these festivals serve up the flavors of the season with a side of live music, art and good times. Whether you’re a foodie or just someone who loves a fun, festival atmosphere, you’ll find plenty to savor. Here’s a taste of what’s cooking.
In April, Crawfish Cookin' for a Cause will take over the area around the Mandeville lakefront splash pad with music and the aroma of crawfish with all the fixings. Proceeds benefit charities supported by the Northshore Community Foundation. crawfishcookinforacause.com
Catch the 14th Annual Crawfish Cook-off by the St. Paul's School's Alumni Association in Covington. spscco.com
Slidell's All-You-Can-Eat Crawfish Cook-off, believed to be the largest single-day crawfish boil in the world, will take place April 26, 2025. Eat all the crawfish you can manage while enjoying live music, too. crawfishtickets.com
A Taste of Covington Food, Wine, Music & Art Festival runs throughout May with wine dinners and special events at area restaurants. Premier events include the Festa del Vino on May 10 and a Grand Tasting on May 17. atasteofcovington.com
On June 21, Mandeville's Castine Center will welcome craft beer enthusiasts for the 12th annual Larry Hartzog's Twisted Beer Fest and Homebrew Competition. Pets are welcome, and others will be available for adoption. All proceeds go to the Northshore Humane Society. northshorehumane.org/larryfest
Open only to adults, on July 12, the 7th annual Kokomo Stroll throughout downtown Covington features cocktails, craft beers and light bites. Participants are encouraged to dress in hula skirts, coconut bras and resort wear. www.kokomostroll.com
Come hungry, come thirsty and come ready for a season of Northshore festivals that will have your taste buds dancing and your calendar marked with unforgettable events!
FESTIVAL READY
YOUR ULTIMATE PACKING LIST
□ Festival tickets or wristbands
□ Festival schedule or event app with map of the festival grounds
□ Cash, credit card and ID
□ Small backpack (if permitted)
□ Sunglasses
□ Sunscreen
□ Refillable water bottle
□ Comfortable walking shoes
□ Lightweight, light-colored clothing with pockets
□ Portable chair or blanket
□ Phone with camera and portable charger
□ Hand sanitizer
□ Wet wipes or paper napkins
□ Bug spray
□ Rain poncho/light jacket or umbrella (if allowed)
□ Snacks or picnic items (if allowed)
□ Cooling towel or handheld fan
□ Earplugs (for loud performances)
□ Picnic basket or cooler (if permitted)
□ Reusable utensils and cups (for food vendors)
□ Trash bags (for cleanup or muddy gear)
□ Notebook or sketchpad (for artists and enthusiasts)
□ Child-friendly entertainment (toys, bubbles, coloring books)
□ Foldable wagon (for kids or gear, if allowed)
□ Light-colored, breathable hat with a brim
