What’s up

This month’s issue talks a lot about springtime. As the weather gets warmer, and we find ourselves outside more, there’s one thing we can’t forget, and that’s to treat ourselves with a cool, refreshing dessert. Specifically, gelato.

One of the newer additions to the Baton Rouge scene is La Divina Gelateria, which already has three successful locations in New Orleans. While the Acadian Village Shopping Center cafe has a tasty lunch menu of paninis and salads worth your time, the gelato is where it’s at.

Seasonal and local fruits shine in flavors like blood orange and grapefruit. Fresh herbs and spices find their way into the mix in interesting combinations, like dark chocolate with cayenne and cinnamon, or Crema Persiana, a bright blend of saffron, rose and pistachio.

Spanish Town gets a shout-out with the Pink Flamingo red cream soda. Even classic Southern cocktails get a nod with the Sazerac sorbetto and the Bourbon Pecan gelato.

Clearly the team and owners Lance and Mary LeBlanc aren’t messing around. They even provide a special gelato recipe just for dogs.

Pair their human-friendly flavors with the cafe’s Italian coffee drinks, or better yet, ask for a scoop of gelato with a shot of espresso for an eye-opening affogato. It makes for a pleasurable way to start the day, or a refreshing way to end a long, hot one. ladivinagelateria.com

Nearly every weekend this month is packed with big events and festivals in the Capital City or just a drive away. We’ve got coverage of much of it throughout the issue. Don’t miss out!

4 Live After Five. The free Friday concert series returns for spring at the Galvez Plaza stage downtown, starting off with the Chee Weez April 4. Jonathon Boogie Long, MoJEAUX and Marcia Ball round out the April lineup. Long Neck Society, Perkins Road featuring Cam Pyle, Bag of Donuts and David St. Romain take us through May. Each performance is 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. For specific dates and more, go to liveafterfive.downtownbr.org. For more music listings, go to page 123.

5-6 FestForAll. Two days of music and arts downtown coincide with the First Sunday free admission to several downtown attractions. Find out more on page 124.

11-13 Pontchatoula Strawberry Festival. It’s all things strawberry for this popular event. If that isn’t enough to satiate your cravings, find some delicious strawberry-themed dishes and cocktails from around Baton Rouge on page 103.

12 Baton Rouge Blues Festival. The biggest music event in town returns with three stages in and around North Boulevard Town Square. Coverage starts on page 110.

17 ART WINE DESIGN. The popular art hop features after-hours events and great exhibitions in the Southdowns Shopping Center. See more art-related activities on page 124.

19 Record Store Day. Celebrate all things vinyl at Lagniappe Records. Read more about the local store and its trending mascot, Agnes the Cockatiel, on page 120.

23 Festival International de Louisiane. The packed weekend of Louisiana and international music in Lafayette starts April 23. Read our tips on page 116.

25 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Two weekends of stellar music start April 25. For more information, see page 116.

27 Louisiana Earth Day. The largest Earth Day event in the state features educational activities, free plants, food vendors and music from the likes of Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience, Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie, the Mulligan Brothers and more along North Boulevard downtown. New this year, Retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honore and his Green Army will showcase the importance of sustainable and clean water in Louisiana at the Water Tent. Find out more about the festival at laearthday.org.