The Office of Cultural Arts and Events presents an array of unique and exciting entertainment options in Covington for residents and visitors alike. From block parties and farmers markets to art openings, festivals and live musical concerts, our numerous free public events improve quality of life and promote the City’s downtown historic district as a vibrant cultural destination. Many events take place along the streets of our beautiful downtown historic district. Others are staged at popular local venues such as the Covington Trailhead, a cultural resource center that houses a museum and outdoor amphitheater, and serves as a way station for the 26-mile Tammany Trace recreational trail.
We update our website regularly to keep you informed about upcoming events, so you can plan ahead. Also, to receive up-to-the-minute news on local happenings, be sure to follow us on Facebook , or join our email list by sending a request to gottaluvcov@covla.com.
Sarada Bonnett
Cultural Arts & Events Director
(985) 867-1202 ext. 275
sbonnett@covla.com
Joshua Davis
Cultural Arts & Events Coordinator
(985) 892-1873 ext. 276
jdavis@covla.com
Below is a sampling of our fun-filled offerings throughout the year:
ANTIQUES & UNIQUES FESTIVAL
This popular two-day springtime event features juried booths brimming with antiques, vintage furnishings and collectibles, fine arts and crafts, music, food and more. Held on the 3rd weekend of April in the downtown historic district.
CARNIVAL IN COVINGTON
Grab your bead bags along with family & friends and join us on Fat Tuesday for this exciting daytime Mardi Gras celebration! The extravaganza kicks off at 10 am with the annual Lions Club Parade, followed by festivities at the Covington Trailhead until 4 pm. Food vendors, music, a costume contest, kids’ activities and more!
COLUMBIA STREET BLOCK PARTY
Jump-start your weekend with live music, food, drinks and an array of classic cars at this free block party and car show on historic Columbia Street. Block parties are every final Friday of the month March through October, 6:30-9:30 pm.
CHRISTMAS CAROLING
Hundreds of visitors young and old raise their voices in song in December at a special event, “Candlelight Caroling at the Trailhead.” With popular local musicians leading residents in a joyful chorus, the event is festive community gathering that ushers in the Christmas season.
CHRISTMAS IN COVINGTON
For a healthy dose of Christmas cheer, bring the kids to this fun-filled holiday extravaganza, on the 2nd Saturday of December at the Trailhead. The fun-filled evening includes the arrival of Santa, caroling, Christmas karaoke for the kids, and other exciting holiday entertainment.
COVINGTON ART MARKET
Find a unique, one-of-a-kind gift for that special someone and support the local arts community! Held on the 1st Saturday of the month from March to December on Lee Lane, Covington’s boutique shopping corridor, the art market features fine art and crafts including jewelry, photography, paintings, woodworking, fiber art, pottery and more. The series is hosted by the St. Tammany Art Association with support from the City.
COVINGTON BUSINESS RESOURCE WORKSHOP
Covington will host its business program, the Covington Business Resource Workshop. This year’s program will focus on human resources fundamentals and employee retention.
The event will feature several speakers discussing human resource laws and best practices. It is sponsored by the city, the Louisiana Small Business Development Center at Southeastern Louisiana University, SCORE Northshore and the Covington Business Association.
EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA
Children and their parents are invited to bring their prettiest or coolest-looking hard boiled Easter eggs to the Trailhead in April to participate in the annual Egg Rollin’ contest. Prizes are awarded for the “fastest” eggs. This free family event also features barn animals and Easter crafts.
FARMERS MARKET
“Home grown” and “homemade” are the usual catchwords for this popular event. Open Saturdays and Wednesdays, rain or shine, the farmers market features locally-grown vegetables, strawberries, yard eggs, honey, baked goods, prepared foods, and much more! Saturdays 8 am-noon, 609 N. Columbia St. Wednesdays 10 am-2 pm, 419 N. New Hampshire Street.
Check out their website!
FIELD OF SCREAMS
Thrills and chills abound for all ages at this spooky “haunted forest” held in October at the Covington Recreation Complex. Hosted by the Covington Fire and Police departments, the natural habitat of the Blue Swamp Creek Nature Trail transforms into a spook-tacular setting for Halloween fun. At dusk, children up to 8 years old can enjoy a ghost trail with trick-or-treating, followed by a spine-tingling haunted tour not for the faint of heart.
MARDI PAWS
Canine royalty reigns at this Mardi Gras parade of pets featuring costumed canines accompanied by their favorite humans. With a dazzling royal canine court and prizes for best costumes, the event is fun for onlookers and parading pooches alike. Sponsored by the Ian Somerhalder Foundation, proceeds from parade entry fees benefit charities for children and pets.
ONSTAGE AT THE FUHRMANN
Think you have to travel to the Big Apple to enjoy the dramatic arts? Think again! From musicals and magic to comedic performances, Covington’s OnStage series presents an exciting lineup of live professional theatre each year at Fuhrmann Auditorium. Single tickets or season passes are available.
ROCKIN’ THE RAILS
Ready to relax and have some fun after work? Stop off at the Trailhead on Thursdays in April to enjoy a free outdoor concert featuring popular music presented by an exciting lineup of southeastern Louisiana’s trendiest bands. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, and plan on supporting a local non-profit by purchasing drinks and refreshments.
SAINT PATRICKS DAY
This is the time to bring out your inner Irish! Enjoy a parade presented by the Covington Celtic Club. Passing out paper flowers and Irish throws, and showing off bagpipers, dancers, and wolfhounds. After the parade, let your Irish spirit shine with a block party. With bagpipers and live music, this is a family fun event you won't want to miss! Don't forget to wear your green!
SPARKS IN THE PARK
July 4th celebration at Bogue Falaya Park. Bring blankets or lawn chairs and picnic along the river. Music provided. Food & beverages for sale. Fireworks begin at dusk. Free and family-friendly.
SUNSET AT THE LANDING
Enjoy the soothing sounds and stirring melodies of acoustical guitars and other strings, woodwinds and brass instruments at this riverside concert series featuring popular unplugged musical artists. Presented at the foot of Columbia Street where it meets the Bogue Falaya River, the Sunset at the Landing series is on the 3rd Friday of the month from March to October, and is sponsored in part by Heritage Bank of St. Tammany and the Covington Farmer’s Market.
Check out their Facebook page!
THREE RIVERS ART FESTIVAL
Since 1997, the Three Rivers Art Festival has bombarded the streets of downtown Covington with fun, music, color and, most importantly, art. Held in November it has grown from 49 to 200 exhibiting artists. The festival attracts a sophisticated buying public and a talented group of artists and fine craftsmen, with upwards of 60,000 visitors attending each year.
TRICKIN’ AND TREATIN’’
Children of all ages are encouraged to wear their favorite Halloween costume and enjoy this free, fun-filled event featuring trick-or-treating around the Covington Trailhead. Contests and prizes.
