Hogs for the Cause XVI, April 5-6: Hogs for the Cause XVI kicks off on Friday with “Bacon and Wings Night” and Saturday features more than 90 teams in a barbecue competition that is also a fundraiser to support families battling pediatric cancer. Music is also on the menu with headliners including Shane Smith & the Saints and Band of Horses. UNO Lakefront Arena Festival Grounds, 6801 Franklin Ave., hogsfest.org, @hogsforthecause
Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, April 12-14: It’s strawberry season in Louisiana and this festival in the “Strawberry Capital of the World” marks the occasion with strawberry-centric food and drink, carnival rides, music, even a strawberry-eating contest as well as a parade through Ponchatoula. Memorial Park, 301 North 6th St., Ponchatoula; lastrawberryfestival.com, @ponchatoulastrawberryfest
Plaquemines Parish Seafood Festival, April 26-28: Shrimp, oysters and more seafood are served in a variety of ways. Music, crafts and carnival rides add to the festivities. 333 F. Edward Hebert Blvd, Belle Chasse, plaqueminesparishfestival.com
NOLA Crawfish Festival, April 29-May 1: Crawfish season may be winding down, but there is still time to savor the state’s favorite mudbug at this festival. Entertainment includes Tab Benoit, Los Bayou Ramblers, George Porter Jr. & Runnin’ Partners and John Boutté, among others. nolacrawfishfest.com, @nolacrawfishfest
Wild Things
What is an Alpaca Palooza, a Black Bear Bonanza or Jammin’ with Jaguars? Or how about a Maya Snorkel and Butterfly First Flight? They are just some of the Audubon Zoo (6500 Magazine St.), Aquarium (1 Canal St.) and Insectarium (1 Canal St.) “Wild Encounters” in which visitors can participate in various ways of getting a closer look and learning more about these amazing animals. Availability is limited, so reservation is a must. Pricing is based on experience and venue admission. audubonnature-institute.org/wild-encounters; @auduboninstitute
Secret Societies Revealed
Odd Fellows and Freemasons may not sound familiar to many modern ears, but to men in
the 19th and 20th centuries, they meant camaraderie and support. Through May 10, the Historic New Orleans Collection (520 Royal St.) is featuring two exhibitions, “A Mystic Brotherhood: Fraternal Orders of New Orleans,” featuring items from its collection, and “Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows
Folk Art,” a traveling show organized by the American Folk Art Museum. Both exhibitions delve into history, art and culture of these all-male secret societies — some of which are still in existence, while “A Mystic Brotherhood” explores how local chapters of fraternal organizations shaped the city’s history, culture and civic life. hnoc.org; @visit_thnoc
Horror in the House
Since New Orleans is the most haunted city in the U.S., it’s a natural that the Overlook Film Festival showcases its supernatural and horror movies here. Screenings of about 50 movies from major and independent studios feature a mix of new and classic films, including the world premiere of ‘“Abigail,” starring Melissa Barrera and Dan Stevens; Brian De Palma’s cult classic “Phantom of the Paradise”; a 100th anniversary screening of the silent movie “The Hands of Orlac,” which will feature a live score from the band Think Less, Hear More; and a 10th anniversary screening of “Oculus,” a film by Mike Flanagan, who will be attending. Other special guests include Barbara Crampton doing a live recording of her podcast “Scream Dreams” and Paul Williams, who will be part of the “Phantom of the Paradise” screening. There are also parties, panels, live podcasts and immersive experiences to add to the festive horror mood. The festival is April 4-7 with a locals day on April 8 at Prytania Theatres: Canal Place (333 Canal St., 3rd floor) Place or Uptown (5339 Prytania St.). overlookfilmfest.com, @overlookfilmfest
Maple Leaf Bar Turns 50
Music lovers from around the world have been gathering at the Maple Leafs Bar for 50 years. To celebrate its place in music and cultural history — it is also the spiritual home of the Krewe of O.A.K. — the bar is hosting a number of special music shows through the year, as well as offering a “Funkin’ Golden Ticket” for special access to shows and other benefits. In the meantime, April showcases a number of great musicians including Louis Michot & Friends (April 25) and George Porter Jr. Trio with Chris Adkins (April 29), among other shows. mapleleafbar.com; @mapleleafnola
