September
September brings a wealth of festivals to Louisiana, and you won’t want to miss out on any of them!
The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, also known as Jazz Fest, is a highlight of the month. Held in the city’s Fair Grounds Race Track, the event attracts some of the biggest names in jazz, blues, and R&B for a weekend of incredible music. In addition to the music, there’s also plenty of delicious local cuisine to enjoy.
The Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival is another must-see September event. Held on the first weekend of the month, the event offers visitors the opportunity to feast on some of the state’s freshest and most delicious crawfish. In addition to the crawfish, there’s also plenty of live Cajun music, arts and crafts, and more.
The Fall Heritage Festival takes place in September and celebrates the culture and traditions of south Louisiana. This festival includes live music, art, food, and cultural activities. There are also exhibits on the history of the area and demonstrations of traditional crafts.
Another festival worth checking out is the Louisiana Cotton Festival in Ville Platte. The festival celebrates the city’s proud agricultural history with a variety of activities centered around cotton. Visitors can expect to find plenty of family-friendly activities, including a petting zoo, carnival rides, and more.
Finally, don’t miss the Louisiana Gumbo Festival in New Iberia. Held on the first weekend of the month, the event celebrates the state’s traditional gumbo dishes. Local restaurants will be competing to win the title of Best Gumbo, while visitors can sample plenty of delicious gumbo and other Cajun specialties.
October
October is a great time to visit Louisiana, as the state is home to several wonderful festivals throughout the month.
First up is the Louisiana Seafood Festival in New Orleans. Held in City Park, the event celebrates the city’s rich seafood heritage with plenty of delicious seafood dishes, live music, and more. Don’t miss the cooking demonstrations and the parade of boats that takes place each year!
Next up is the Louisiana Satchmo Festival in New Orleans. Honoring the legendary jazz trumpeter Louis Armstrong, this annual event brings together some of the top jazz and blues musicians from around the world. In addition to the music, there’s also plenty of delicious food, arts and crafts, and more.
Also in October, the Louisiana Boudin Festival takes place in Eunice. As the self-proclaimed “Boudin Capital of the World,” this event celebrates the region’s favorite sausage with plenty of delicious samples and live music. There’s also a Boudin-eating contest, so don’t miss out!
Finally, don’t miss the Louisiana Renaissance Festival in Hammond. Held at the Hammond Fairgrounds, the event brings the 16th century to life with a variety of activities, including jousts, live music, and more. There’s also plenty of delicious food and crafts to enjoy, making this a great day out for the whole family.
November
November in Louisiana is a great time to experience some of the state’s unique festivals and events.
First up is the Louisiana Book Festival in Baton Rouge. Held at the State Library of Louisiana, the event celebrates reading and literacy with a variety of activities, including author talks, book signings, and more. There’s also plenty of delicious food to enjoy, making this a great way to kick off the holiday season.
Also in November, the Louisiana Gumbo Festival takes place in Arnaudville. The event celebrates the state’s traditional gumbo dishes with plenty of delicious samples, cooking demonstrations, and more. Don’t miss the Gumbo Recipe Contest, one of the festival’s most popular attractions.
The Louisiana International Film Festival in Shreveport is another event you won’t want to miss. Held at several venues throughout the city, the event showcases some of the best international and independent films from around the world. There’s also plenty of great food, live music, and more to enjoy.
Finally, don’t miss the Louisiana Oyster Festival in Grand Isle. Held at the Grand Isle State Park, the event celebrates the state’s oyster industry with plenty of delicious samples, cooking demonstrations, and more. There’s also a shucking contest, a parade, and live music, making this a great day out for the whole family.
December
December in Louisiana brings with it some of the most festive events of the year, and you won’t want to miss out on any of them!
First up is the Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights in Natchitoches. Held in the city’s Historic District, the event features over 300,000 dazzling lights that stretch along the banks of the Cane River. There’s also plenty of live music, entertainment, and more to enjoy.
Also in December, don’t miss the Baton Rouge Christmas on the River. Held on the banks of the Mississippi River, the event celebrates the holiday season with plenty of live music, arts and crafts, and more. There’s also a magical light show that’s sure to put you in the holiday spirit.
The Louisiana Country Christmas in Baton Rouge is another great way to celebrate the holidays. Held at the Louisiana State Fairgrounds, the event features plenty of family-friendly activities, including a petting zoo, carnival rides, and more. Don’t miss out on the Christmas parade, a highlight of the event each year.
Finally, don’t miss the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival in New Iberia. Held in October, the event celebrates the region’s proud sugar cane heritage with plenty of live music, entertainment, and more. Don’t miss the annual parade, which makes its way through downtown New Iberia each year.
No matter what type of festival you’re looking for, Louisiana has something for everyone. From seafood festivals to sugar cane festivals, there’s plenty to experience in the state this season. So, don’t miss out on these exciting events – make sure to make your plans soon!
Feature Photo by: Stace O. Base
