A jam-packed fall events schedule features lots more opportunities to experience the unique sights, sounds, and flavors of St. Landry Parish. Tour small towns, mingle with locals, and taste some savory delights while reveling in some of the most distinctive cultural events Cajun Country has to offer.
On Saturday, September 26, come celebrate Louisiana's “unofficial state bird” at the Louisiana Mosquito Festival, at Cankton’s Landon Pitre Memorial Park. Gates open at 10 am, with live music by Cajun Roots kicking off at 10:30 am. Stick around for a full day of fun featuring vendors, a jambalaya cookoff, silent auction, and kid’s area. Live music comes courtesy of Dylan Aucoin & the Judice Ramblers, Mike Broussard & Quickdraw, Jamie Bergeron & the Kickin’ Cajuns, and the 4Horses.
On October 9—11, head to the Bayouside town of Washington when the Semi-Annual Antique Fair and Yard Sale returns to the Old Schoolhouse Antique Mall. It’s an opportunity to shop upwards of two hundred vendors selling antiques, furniture, vintage clothing and decorative items in this much-anticipated treasure hunters’ event.
Photo courtesy of St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission
Exploring wares at Washington's Semi-Annual Antique Fair and Yard Sale
Two weekends in October, the ghosts of Opelousas return to life during Cemetery Tours & Historical Reenactments storytelling events. In the centuries-old St. Landry Catholic Church Cemetery, roam among ancient tombs while learning about the historic figures who’re buried there; they include Napoleonic General Garrigues de Flaugeac, and Louisiana Governor Jacques Dupré. Guided cemetery tours take place on Saturdays, October 10 and 17 at 6 pm, 6:30 pm, 7 pm, and 7:30 pm; and on Sundays, October 11 and 18 at 2 pm. and 3 pm.
Dedicated to celebrating the written word, the 20th annual Festival of Words will return to Grand Coteau November 6—7, featuring creative writing workshops and poetry readings by Patrice Melnick, former Poet Laureate Darrell Bourque, and Toby Daspit. The festival also offers a community stage for open mic and “Drive-by Poetry,” where local students drive through Grand Coteau and Sunset, performing dramatic readings of works by visiting authors.
Photo courtesy of St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission
The Holy Ghost Creole Festival brings serious culinary fireworks to Opelousas's Holy Ghost Catholic Church, November 6—8, 2026
While brushing up on your literary chops, drop by Opelousas’s Holy Ghost Catholic Church during the Holy Ghost Creole Festival on November 6—8. There you can dance to live zydeco music, feast on Creole delights including backbone stew and barbeque pork steak, and pick up some fresh-made sweet dough pies for dessert. The event also features a 5k run, a 1-mile fun walk and the Creole Festival Parade, too.
To discover more fall fun on the Acadian Prairie, visit St. Landry parish’s Cajun Travel Events page.
