In Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou, a proper party is never more than a week away. From outdoor music festivals to overflowing black pots, fall is the season when Lafourche Parish puts on a rolling celebration that you don’t want to miss.
First off, ease into the season with an arts and antiques shopping spree. During September, the picturesque town of Thibodaux offers two chances to browse a variety of wares, beginning with Treasures on the Bayou on September 11 and 12, followed by Thibodaux Main Street’s Fall Arts Walk on September 18. Presented by Tawasi, the 47th annual event attracts vendors from across the country, who bring an eclectic selection of antiques, jewelry, silver, furniture, rugs, glassware, art, and so much more. A week later, historic downtown Thibodaux will be awash in creative color as local artists line the sidewalks for the town’s traditional (and free) Fall Arts Walk from 5 pm–8 pm.
In October, the fall festival season kicks off in earnest, with back-to-back events happening all month long. On October 2-4, Raceland showcases the best of Cajun culture during La Fete Des Vieux Temps, or the “Festival of Old Times.” Cheer on contestants in the pirogue races, learn how cane syrup is made, and marvel at the craftsmanship of handmade wooden pirogues displayed by the Center for Traditional Boatbuilding, all while two-stepping your way to nonstop Cajun music, food, and dancing.
October 9—11, the Louisiana Gumbo Festival returns, demonstrating why Chackbay is known as the "Gumbo Capital of the World."
The following weekend, you’ll want to be in Chackbay (aka the “Gumbo Capital of Louisiana,” to taste-test traditional Cajun gumbos on October 9—11. During the Louisiana Gumbo Festival, volunteers dish out around 500 gallons of fresh seafood and chicken and sausage gumbo throughout the weekend, so be sure to bring an appetite. Buy the kids a weekend armband and let them hit the carnival rides while you make the most of live Cajun and Zydeco music.
On October 17, the one-day Acadia Music Fest somehow finds time to welcome headliners Whiskey Myers and Better than Ezra. Joining them are local Louisiana favorites including The Bends, Flow Tribe, and more during Thibodaux’s largest outdoor music festival. Add Southern eats and a dedicated kids’ corner, and this fundraising event for the Ben Meyer Foundation is a must-do on Lafourche’s fall calendar.
Local and regional cuisine dominate the following three weekends, with the French Food Festival October 23—25 in Larose, the BBQ & Bourbon on the Bayou Festival November 7 and Big Boy's Main Street Cook Off November 13, both happening in Thibodaux. Together, these three culinary throw-downs offer an unparalleled taste of Lafourche Parish’s distinctive French and Cajun cuisine, featuring local cooks competing for bragging rights, alongside bourbon tastings and mouthwatering BBQ from across the region.
Finish with a flourish at the Thibodeauxville Fall Festival on November 14. Live music and more than 180 arts, crafts and food vendors fill the pretty streets of downtown Thibodaux. An annual car show attracts hordes of hot rods and antique vehicles, while the famous Rubber Duck Race churns the waters of Bayou Lafourche as hundreds of rubber ducks float towards the finish line at 4 pm.
For a complete listing of events coming up to Lafourche Parish this fall, click here.
