Head to Gonzales for the annual Jambalaya Festival – Two things Louisiana does right are jambalaya and festivals.

Two things Louisiana does right are jambalaya and festivals. Both will be on display at the 47th annual Jambalaya Festival in Gonzales this weekend. The event kicks off Friday with a cooking contest, arts and crafts show and live music around the Gonzales Civic Center (219 S. Irma Ave.). A 5K and one-mile fun run will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, and a car show will follow at 10 a.m. Children and teens can also show off their cooking skills Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The cook-off finals will be held Sunday at 1 p.m. You must register for the cooking contests. Bands such as Ryan Foret & Foret Tradition, Blue Eyed Soul Revue, Bag of Donuts, the Eddie Smith Band and more will perform across three stages. See a full schedule. The festival’s carnival opens today. Passes for the carnival rides are $55. Special prices are available each day.