Fall Festivals Preview
While any time is perfect for a Louisiana getaway, the fall season is an ideal travel window thanks to cooler temperatures, the arrival of traditional fall colors and a rich slate of outdoor festivals celebrating Louisiana's acclaimed music, cuisine and culture.
Big events happen in every region of the state each weekend in the fall. And the beauty of Louisiana festivals is that while central themes may be indigenous music such as zydeco or culinary staples such as gumbo, the state's festivals typically overlap in offerings—music festivals always have great Louisiana food on hand and vice versa.
Music lovers will find a rich slate of acts playing traditional Louisiana music and more. Jazz fans flock to New Orleans for late August's Satchmo Summerfest to pay tribute to America's global jazz ambassador, New Orleans native Louis Armstrong. Cajun music fans won't want to miss Crowley's International Rice Festival in October, and zydeco fans' best bets are the Original Southwest Zydeco Festival near Opelousas and the Cane River Zydeco Festival in Natchitoches. For those who enjoy Cajun music and zydeco, the fall must-do event is Festivals Acadiens et Creoles in Lafayette. Meanwhile, blues and R&B fans will find their tunes at Houma's Voice of the Wetlands Festival, the Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival and the Gretna Heritage Festival.
Louisiana's fall food festival roster will satisfy with spotlights on regional culinary specialties. The Oak Street Po-Boy Festival pays tribute to New Orleans' version of a submarine or hero sandwich; the Meat Pie Festival celebrates Natchitoches' tasty fried pastry filled with seasoned beef and pork; and the Zwolle Tamale Fiesta celebrates the region's Spanish culinary heritage. Regional food aside, a rich menu of Louisiana dishes can be found celebrated at festivals—Bridge City and Chackbay honor Louisiana's "official state cuisine," gumbo.
Music and food aside, there are other interesting subjects honored with fall festivals. Arts and crafts lovers will enjoy the Red River Revel in Shreveport and the Three Rivers Art Festival in Covington; architecture and history enthusiasts will want to check out the Natchitoches Pilgrimage, a tour of homes in Louisiana's oldest city; and family travelers will find fun for all ages at Louisiana's biggest fairs, the State Fair of Louisiana held in Shreveport and the Greater Baton Rouge State Fair.
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