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Image courtesy of Explore Houma

The Rougarou Fest, Houma's free Halloween festival celebrating Louisiana folklore, has been ranked as one of the Top 10 Costume Parties in the United States by USA Today in 2014, one of the Top 20 Events out of 11 states in the month of October by the Southeast Tourism Society in 2015 and 2019, Best New Event in the state of Louisiana by the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals in 2015, and Festival of the Year by the Louisiana Travel Association in 2020.

The Rougarou Returns

Houma's Halloween Festival re-emerges from the Terrebonne Parish swamps, with costumes and live music and more.

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Brush off your witch’s hat and zombie mask and head for Houma October 21—23 for one of the wildest costume parties in the country. After a two-year absence, the elusive rougarou re-emerges from the Terrebonne parish swamps to kick off its namesake festival, which USA Today named one of the Top Ten Costume Parties in the United States in 2014. A free, family-friendly event dedicated to the iconic Cajun werewolf, the 2022 Rougarou Fest celebrates the region’s recovery from Hurricane Ida with live music, Cajun food, cultural activities, and the Krewe Ga Rou Parade.

The three-day festival moves to a new home this year, relocating to the grounds of the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing awareness about the plight of Louisiana’s wetlands, so that this vital resource may be preserved for future generations. All proceeds from the festival benefit creation of the Wetlands Discovery Center, which recently completed Phase I of its campus development—a live wetlands nature exhibit complete with an outdoor amphitheater ideal for hosting events such as the Rougarou Fest.

Since its inception in 2011, Rougarou Fest has proven not only a showcase for the rich folklore emanating from Southeast Louisiana’s bayou communities, but also a resilient—and resourceful—force for good. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, organizers adapted quickly, transforming the festival to a drive-through format to enable attendees to enjoy traditional festival foods. In 2021, when Hurricane Ida dealt the Houma community a heavy blow, festival staff mobilized to form Rougarou Relief, repurposing sponsorship funds to assist those in need. For 2022, Rougarou Fest returns to its traditional format at last.

“We’re excited to have a fresh start, to celebrate the recovery from Hurricane Ida,” said Jonathan Foret, Rougarou Fest Founder and Organizer and Executive Director of the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center. “This year, we’re having a wonderful festival to celebrate the resilience of our people as they rebuild our community.” 

Rougarou goes alien during its Friday opening, screening ET in honor of the movie’s 40th anniversary. On Saturday, Beignet the nutria will be pardoned, and allowed to keep his tail another year for his contributions to raising awareness of the area’s invasive species. The afternoon revolves around the festival’s much-loved costume contest at 5 pm. Rougarou witches, zombies, and giant puppets emerge for the Krewe Ga Rou parade at 7 pm, with a pumpkin lighting to follow around 9 pm. On Sunday, the festival will honor two standard bearers of traditional Louisiana culture. Terry Lapeyrouse is a fourth-generation resident of Chauvin who perpetuates the traditional craft of drying shrimp. For decades, Nelson Harris is widely known around Terrebonne Parish for playing bongo and conga drums in both traditional and African styles. Now 72, Harris has turned his passion for drumming into a way to give back to his community, playing at charitable events and leading educational workshops for children.

All weekend, festival-goers will get to browse arts and crafts booths, sample Cajun delicacies (don’t miss the Pop Rouge ice cream!), and turn the kids loose in the children’s activities area. From Woodside Energy’s Gris Gris Music Stage, an all-star lineup for live bands will include ReauxShambo, The Wolfe Johns Blues Band, Cajun Music Preservation Society, Back Roots, Sista Slick and the Brothas, The 45s, Nonc Nu & Da Wild Matous, Bang Bang, and Ben Labat. Meanwhile on the Atchafalaya Narrative Stage, a roster of culturally relevant panel discussions will explore the region’s traditions and folklore.

New this year is convenient RV parking, with power and water hookups, at the Houma Civic Center. The site is within walking distance of the Atchafalaya Narrative Stage and offers a front row seat for the parade.

Rougarou Fest, presented by Peoples Drug Store, will run October 21—23, 2022. Festival hours are 5 pm–10 pm Friday, 10 am–10 pm Saturday, and 10 am–5 pm Sunday. 132 Library Drive in Houma. rougaroufest.org

Sponsored by Explore Houma