The 15 Best Small-Town Louisiana Festivals You’ve Never Heard Of
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Jackie Ann
Author
If there’s one thing that rings true for Louisianans, it’s that we like to have a good time. With more than 400 festivals in Louisiana, it’s no wonder we’re often called the Festival Capital of America. You name it, we have a festival for it. Even though some are more well-known than others, that doesn’t mean the smaller festivals are something you should pass up. In fact, sometimes it’s the smaller festivals that you find are your favorites! Here are some of our favorites.
*Because there were so many to choose from, we decided not to include festivals that have already happened this year. The festivals listed below are in chronological order.*
Held annually on the second weekend in May, the festival has great Cajun food, Louisiana music, and that famous cochon de lait that’s absolutely mouthwatering. Sign up for the crackling cook-off and see if your recipe can knock off the defending champion!
May 11-14, 2017
1832 Leglise Street
Mansura, LA 71350
You don’t want to miss their signature events like the frog racing and frog jumping contests, and also the frog cook-off and frog eating contests. There’s also an accordion contest, which is something you don’t see every day.
May 11-13, 2017
Festival Grounds and Civic Center
210 Frog Festival Dr
Rayne, LA 70578
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Founded in 1986, the Louisiana Corn Festival honors the huge impact that agriculture has on our economy. Dozens of food vendors, arts and crafts booths, and live music all combine for a great time. Carnival rides, contests, and a children’s parades are just some of the attractions that bring hundreds of people out to support this festival.
June 8-10, 2017
208 Pershing Ave.
Bunkie, LA 71322
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Des Allemands is known as the "Catfish Capital of the World" and for good reason. The festival began in 1975 with the goal of raising money for the St. Gertrude the Great Catholic Church, and ever since it has grown into one of the city’s most popular attractions.
June 23-25, 2017
17324 La. 631
Des Allemands, La. 70030
This festival takes place on the first Saturday in July each year, celebrating Creole Louisiana Culture and Zydeco Music. They’re celebrating their 27th year, and it’s always a good time.
July 1, 2017
103 Lebeau Church Rd.
Lebeau, Louisiana 71345
The Delcambre Shrimp Festival has been going strong since 1950. Shrimp cook-offs, carnival rides, and fais-do-do music ensure you’ll have a blast at this festival.
August 16-20, 2017
409 East Main Street
Delcambre, 70528
Duck hunters, this is your festival. The "Duck Capital of the World" celebrates its 41st year with calling contests, skeet shooting contests, live music, carnival rides, and of course, delicious food.
August 24-27, 2017
404 Dallas Guidry Rd.
Gueydan, LA 70542
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This festival is all about celebrating Cajun Music, and it’s absolutely perfect. Dozens of bands will perform throughout the two-day festival, several local vendors will have food and drinks for sale, and there’s also a bunch of contests you can enter.
September 8-9, 2017
98 Main St.
Mamou, LA 70554
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Play with baby alligators, shop at the arts & crafts section, and enjoy delicious Cajun Cuisine all weekend long. There’s also carnival rides and live music, the perfect weekend!
September 22-25, 2017
13825 River Rd.
Luling, Louisiana 70070
This festival is great fun for the whole family. Food, music, games, and carnival rides. What more could you ask for?
October 10-15, 2017
704 N. Soileau Street
Ville Platte, LA 70586
For more than 40 years, the town of Zwolle has celebrated its Spanish and Native American heritage with the Tamale Fiesta. Thousands of people attend this celebration every year, and of course, thousands of tamales are consumed. This fun-filled weekend is jam-packed with live entertainment, arts and crafts, parades, a costume contest, and even tamale-making demonstrations.
October 12-14, 2017
1100 S. Main Street
Zwolle, LA 71486
Spend the day admiring fancy wooden boats docked along the Tchefuncte River, shopping at the many arts and crafts tents, and eating delicious foods from local restaurants. There’s a children’s area full of activities and games for the little ones and also a beer garden complete with flat screens and seating to sit back and relax.
October 14-15, 2017
133 Mabel Drive
Madisonville, LA 70447
The International Rice Festival is the oldest and largest agricultural festival in Louisiana. The festival honors our rice industry and the farmers themselves. Rice is a huge part of our cuisine, where would we be without red beans and rice, jambalaya, or gumbo? I can’t even think about it. Come celebrate this cornerstone of our Cajun/Creole heritage with parades, eating contests, arts and crafts, and live entertainment. You don’t want to miss it!
October 19-22, 2017
112 East Hutchinson Avenue
Crowley, Louisiana 70526
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For one weekend, the sleepy little town of Colfax awakens to celebrate all things pecan. You’ll find jellies, jams, and anything else you can think of that can be flavored pecan here. Make sure you stay for the fireworks show at the end of the night!
November 3-5, 2017
611 Eighth Street
Colfax, LA 71417
Come out and celebrate your Cajun heritage with local Cajun entertainers, a car and truck show, live auctions, delicious food, kids games and more at the Atchafalaya Basin Festival. The one day festival is held the 2nd Saturday in November and admission is free!
November 11, 2017
1452 Henderson Hwy.
Henderson, Louisiana 70517
And there you have it! Now that your entire year is planned out, which festivals are you planning on attending? Let us know in the comments below!
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