Blessing Of The Fleet _ Hero

Don’t Miss the Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival

The name may be unusual, but the fun is everything you would expect!

Louisiana is home to some truly unique celebrations, but perhaps none have a more bizarre moniker than the one awarded “Most Unusual Festival Name” – the Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival.

And while the name may be odd, it is actually incredibly accurate.

This Labor Day weekend festival celebrates the hard-working men and women who make up Morgan City’s two largest industries: seafood and oil. Since both sectors often require employees to work for long stretches of time without seeing family or friends, this five-day celebration was created to offer deserving workers, families, locals and visitors the opportunity to enjoy the city’s charm.

After just one visit, you’ll discover why Time magazine once described the festival as “the best, the most unusual, the most down-home, the most moving and the most fun that the country has to offer.”

Fantastic Food & Family Fun

No festival in Louisiana is complete without the indulgent aroma of fantastic food, and with shrimp in the title this festival is no exception. Savor rows and rows of food vendors serving everything from carnival classics to modern creations. You’ll also find shrimp in every preparation imaginable (of course!) from popcorn shrimp baskets to decadent bacon-wrapped shrimp.

The Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival is jam-packed with activities, too, from traditional fun like music, arts and crafts, a children’s village and parade to fireworks, a 5K run, coronation and ball, plus the time-honored tradition of the “Blessing of the Fleet.” That’s where decorated shrimp boats parade through Berwick Bay to receive their blessing for a successful shrimping season.

Youngsters will love the carnival rides, bounce house, face painting and free games, not to mention a kids parade featuring decorated scooters and wagons strolling through Lawrence Park. Adults will dig browsing the extensive arts and crafts area with more than 100 vendors showcasing handcrafted jewelry, fine art, woodwork and more. The whole family will love outstanding live music – from Cajun to country to cover bands – and fireworks over Berwick Bay at night.

Shrimp and Petro 1

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the oil industry.

Shrimp and petro 2

Bring your dancing shoes for Cajun favorites.

Shrimp and Petro 3

Be sure to bring the kids to the Children's Parade.

Morgan City River Front

Enjoy the views from the Morgan City riverfront.

Even More to See & Do

While you're in the area, be sure to explore the rest of Morgan City. This riverfront town is the personification of Southern hospitality, with many shops and restaurants waiting with a warm welcome and a historic Main Street full of friendly faces. With so many wetlands surrounding the area, you also want to take a guided swamp tour or grab a kayak to try out one of the area’s many paddling trails.

For a truly unique experience, visit the International Petroleum Museum and Exhibition, you can hop aboard an actual oil rig known as "Mr. Charlie" to learn the history of the oil industry and the techniques still used today.

There’s so much to see and do when you come to the Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival. Check out Morgan City and the Cajun Coast to plan your trip!