Seasonal Celebrations 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! FESTIVAL OF THE BONFIRES, LUTCHER FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DE LOUISIANE, LAFAYETTE Winter 46 #OnlyLouisiana @ExploreLouisiana Left to right: Paul Kieu/Larry Lynn 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.
Louisiana Travel Guide 2026: Page 46
