Spring break usually conjures up images of lazily lying on the beach, catching a tan, swimming and consuming one’s body weight in Jell-O shots. But for some, taking a beach trip isn’t an option due to budgetary issues, prior obligations or lack of planning. Luckily, there are plenty of fun, cheap options to get you off the couch if you’re staying in Louisiana.

NOLA Pyrate Week

Where: Various venues in New Orleans

When: 7 p.m. Friday to 9 p.m. April 7

Cost: Most events are free, but donations are accepted 

Description: A weeklong festival of all things pirate-related, including a wench pageant, cemetery tours and bar outings. 

Louisiana Derby & Infield Festival

Where: Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, New Orleans

When: Gates open at 11 a.m. Saturday

Cost: $25, $60 for VIP

Description: The first horse race is at 1 p.m. Flow Tribe will play at about 2 p.m. The Louisiana Derby will run around 5 p.m., with a concert by Cowboy Mouth after.

New Orleans Film Society’s filmOrama

Where: Prytania Theatre, New Orleans

When: April 5-11, starts at noon each day 

Cost: $11

Description:  A weeklong showcase of new, foreign, independent and documentary films.

Kite Fest Louisiane 

Where: West Baton Rouge Soccer Complex

When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 6-7

Cost: Free

Description:  An annual celebration of kites that includes activities such as kite flying, kite design competitions, kite making, kite ballets and kite flying lessons. 

Freret Street Festival 

Where: Freret Street between Napoleon and Jefferson, New Orleans 

When: Noon to 6 p.m. April 6 

Cost:  Free

Description:  Features more than 200 local vendors showcasing arts, crafts and clothing items. It also features dog and cat adoptions, live music, a food court and a kids’ activity area with inflatables, a petting zoo and maze.

Zapp’s International Beer Fest

Where: Rural Life Museum, Baton Rouge 

When: 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on April 6

Cost:  $30 (advance purchase required) 

Description: Zapp’s invites participants to come out and taste more than 200 foreign and domestic beers and ales. Jambalaya and non-alcoholic beverages will also be served. Music will be provided by CJ Solar Band. 

Edible Book Festival 

Where: Alvar Library, New Orleans

When: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. April 6

Cost: Free with entry of an edible book or canned food item 

Description: The Edible Book Festival is an annual event held throughout the world in April. Attendees are encouraged to join in the fun by creating an edible book entry that will be exhibited, documented for the international edible book archive, judged and eaten.

FestForAll 

Where: Town Square (North Blvd.) Downtown Baton Rouge 

When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.  April 6, noon to 6 p.m. April 7

Cost:  Free

Description: FestForAll features a full weekend of art and entertainment in downtown’s Town Square and at Old State Capitol and the Shaw Center.  It includes various musical performances, art demonstrations, hula hoop circus performances and chainsaw wood sculpture.