Louisiana Travel Guide - 2026
Seasonal Celebrations
2026-02-18 09:52:46
FOOD, DRINK, MUSIC, CULTURE: THERE’S ALWAYS A REASON TO CELEBRATE THE SEASON!
Few states have fun like Louisiana, where festivals throughout the year celebrate everything under the sun. Here’s a roundup of signature events you won’t want to miss!
Winter
Don’t miss the Natchitoches Christmas Festival (celebrating 100 years in 2026) where fireworks and 300,000 lights line the riverfront. In Lutcher, Festival of the Bonfires sets the levee aglow with massive wooden structures lit to guide Papa Noël. As Carnival season arrives experience Mardi Gras statewide, from the grand parades of New Orleans all the way up to Shreveport and to the horseback celebrations of Courir de Mardi Gras in the Acadiana region.
Spring
Warmer weather means music, food and outdoor fun! In Lafayette, Festival International de Louisiane turns downtown into a global village. Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival boasts thousands of pounds of mudbugs, while Amite Oyster Festival showcases oysters galore. Ruston’s Railroad Festival celebrates the town’s roots with food, art and music and Alexandria comes to life with BBQ, music and more at Alex River Fête in May.
Summer
Also in Ruston, the Louisiana Peach Festival brings parades, crafts and a whole lot of sweetness, plus the Beauregard Watermelon Festival in DeRidder serves up slices, contests and small-town charm. Thibodaux throws a true Cajun party with its Mud Bug Boil-Off, and Bunkie keeps things savory with the Louisiana Corn Festival. In Morgan City, the Shrimp & Petroleum Festival honors two cornerstones of local life, and Shreveport’s Highland Jazz & Blues Festival blends music and community pride.
Fall
Cooler temps bring a packed festival calendar come fall. Zwolle Tamale Fiesta celebrates that town’s Native American and Spanish heritage with plenty of spicy, meat-filled tamales. Just across the river from New Orleans, Gretna Fest delivers an all-star music lineup. In New Iberia, the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival features parades and sweet treats. Shreveport’s Red River Revel turns the riverfront into an open-air arts fest, while Houma's Rougarou Fest blends Halloween fun with Cajun folklore.
No matter what time of year you visit, great celebrations await throughout the state!
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