Calendar: Jambalaya Fest; Outback’s fundraiser; Memorial Day at Whole Foods

Beaucoup jambalaya: A great way to clear sinus congestion is to head to the Jambalaya Festival this weekend for the plenty of world-record champion recipes and twists on the infamous Louisiana Creole rice dish. The people of Gonzales for 42 years have put together quite a Louisiana cultural party—all against a backdrop of live original music, carnival rides, fancy cars, even a Miss Jambalaya beauty pageant. The fun starts Thursday and extends through Memorial Day. Visit jambalayafestival.org for a schedule of events and details. Adventurous: Help Outback Steakhouse find a cure for Friedreich’s Ataxia, a life-shortening disease of the nervous system that affects children and adults. The Acadian Thruway eatery is hosting a fun-filled fundraiser featuring an “adventurous” menu to support research and public awareness among scientists, government agencies and pharmaceutical companies to find a cure for FA. Tickets are $30 and available by calling 953-4512. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Details at cureFA.org. Sliding into summer: Whole Foods celebrates Memorial Day from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, featuring American originals throughout the store. Sample plenty of good treats for free.