While autumn slowly lingers on the horizon of Louisiana's Cajun Bayou, the region will transform into a vibrant tapestry of color, music and festivity for its fall festival season. Picture a season where the air is crisp (as opposed to crispy during the summer; we drop a vowel in the fall!), the food is rich and the music is as soulful as a sunset over the bayou. This fall, we invite you to immerse yourself in a world of autumnal events that celebrate everything from artistic expression to culinary Cajun delights … each encapsulating the true essence of Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou.
Cut Off Youth Center Hurricane Festival
September 27-29
This lively festival celebrates the spirit of the community with live music, delicious food, carnival rides and other fun activities. It’s a perfect way to experience the local culture, especially if you sample the gator dishes!
La Fete Des Vieux Temps
October 4-6
La Fete Des Vieux Temps translates to “Festival of Old Times” and is a celebration of Cajun heritage and history. Enjoy music, dancing, art and food while learning about the region's past. The festival’s lively atmosphere is perfect for those looking to dive deeper into Cajun culture … and try their hand at pirogue racing.
Louisiana Gumbo Festival
October 11-13
No fall in Louisiana is complete without indulging in some gumbo! The Louisiana Gumbo Festival offers a wide array of gumbo variations – nearly 500 gallons of it! The festival also features live music and family-friendly activities, making it a great outing for everyone.
Acadia Music Fest ft. Nelly
October 19
Music lovers, get ready for a treat! The Acadia Music Fest is headlined by none other than Nelly this year. This event promises an electrifying performance, along with a lineup of other local, national and international artists that will keep you dancing all night long.
French Food Festival
October 25-27
The French Food Festival in Larose is a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss. Featuring an array of French and Cajun-inspired dishes, this festival celebrates the region's diverse food culture with an emphasis on rich flavors and local ingredients. Bon appétit!
Monsters on Main
October 25
Monsters on Main in downtown Thibodaux is the perfect family-friendly Halloween event for your little ghosts and ghouls. Local businesses will be handing out treats and hosting entertaining activities for kids of all ages. Enjoy a night of costumes, candy, crafts and contests in a safe and spooktacular environment. Bring the whole family for a memorable evening where the only thing you’ll have to worry about is finding enough room in your candy bucket!
BBQ & Bourbon on the Bayou Festival
November 2
If you’re a fan of smoky BBQ and fine bourbon, the BBQ & Bourbon on the Bayou Festival is your chance to indulge. Held in Thibodaux, this festival features mouth-watering BBQ from local pitmasters, more than 50 brands of bourbon[MF1] and live music to enhance the experience.
Big Boys Main Street Cookoff
November 8
One of the most talked about events up and down the bayou, the Big Boys Main Street Cookoff is a competition you won’t want to miss. Local chefs will battle it out, offering a variety of Cajun dishes to sample. It’s a food lover’s paradise and a fantastic way to enjoy the local flavors.
Thibodeauxville Fall Festival
November 9
Rounding out the fall festivities and providing a fun-filled end to a festive weekend, the Thibodeauxville Fall Festival brings the community together for a day of fun. With live entertainment, vendors, a car show, activities for kids and the famous rubber duck race, it’s a great way to celebrate the season with your family and friends.
As the fall breeze rustles through the bayou over the next few weeks, let the season’s festivities and heartwarming traditions sweep you off your feet. From the lively rhythms of washboards and accordions in Thibodaux to the tantalizing tastes in Chackbay and Larose, each event invites you to savor the essence (and flavors!) of our Cajun charm. So, embrace the cooler air, gather your friends and family, and let Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou help you create memories that will warm your heart long after the leaves have fallen and the gators have gone into brumation.
