Louisiana is well-known for its food, music, and the culture. But did you know that The Pelican State has numerous festivals throughout the year celebrating those very things? If you’re looking for a good time in Sportsman’s Paradise, try one of these Louisiana festivals!

Festival International de Louisiane

Festival International de Louisiane is one of the most popular festivals in the state of Louisiana. Hosted every year in Lafayette, Festival International in five days of culture and fun. Every April, downtown Lafayette becomes the home of international music. The festival boasts seven music stages in addition to street musicians, paintings, drawings, and boutiques. The festival is the largest international music and arts festival in the United States. The main purpose of the festival is to bring the gap between Acadiana and its roots in the French-speaking world. Over 20 countries are represented during the festival, which is about to mark its 34th year anniversary!

Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival

In 1959, the Louisiana Legislature named Breaux Bridge, Louisiana the Crawfish Capital of the World. In 1960, as a spin off of the Breaux Bridge Centennial Celebration, the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival was born. The festival is now known as one of the largest gatherings of Cajun musicians in the world. The Crawfish Festival takes place during the first weekend of May every year. Over 30 bands play each year! If you’re lucky, you may even win the zydeco dance contest. If you’ve never had crawfish etouffee, don’t fret. There’s a cook-off each year!

International Rice Festival

With its home in Crowley, Louisiana, the International Rice Festival is one of the oldest festivals in the state. The first festival was on October 5, 1937 and since then over seven million people have flocked to Crowley to attend. The festival is held in Downtown Crowley and highlights the importance of rice not only as a food, but also as a staple in the world’s economy. Each year the festival holds two parades: the Children’s Parade on Friday and the Grand Parade on Saturday. Other events include a Rice Cooking Contest and a Rice Eating Contest, a frog derby, and a queen’s pageant.

Christmas Festival of Lights

The Christmas Festival of Lights takes place in the oldest permanent settlement in Louisiana- Natchitoches. The Festival of Lights has been a Natchitoches tradition since 1927 and is one of the oldest community holiday celebrations in the United States. The Festival began as a one day event and have transformed into six-week long celebration. The Natchitoches Christmas Season begins the Saturday before Thanksgiving and ends on January 6th. Each year consists of over 300,000 lights and over one hundred set pieces that are on display every night.

Bogalusa Blues & Heritage Festival

Located in Bogalusa, Louisiana, this Louisiana Festival is one that should not be missed. The Bogalusa Blues & Heritage Festival is the youngest festival on the list. The Blues & Heritage Festival was born in 2011 and quickly became one of the largest and most popular festivals in Louisiana. The first festival was held in 2012 and was declared the New Event of the Year by the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals. The festival is held every September with music, lodging, food, and crafts.

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