Top 10 Things to Do at the State Fair of Louisiana

Event dates and times are subject to change. Check the official Louisiana State Fair website before traveling.

If you're ready for thrilling carnival rides and endless family fun, head to the State Fair of Louisiana, held annually in October and November in Shreveport. Dance to live zydeco performances, eat shrimp-on-a-stick and ride dozens of carnival rides during the festival. We can’t begin to list everything you can do at the fair, so like our seafood, we boiled it down. Read on for fair fun. 

Top 10 Things to Do at The State Fair of Louisiana

1. All-American High Dive Show

The alluring and electrifying twists and tumbles of these brave acrobats.

2. Racing Pigs

Cheer for your favorite friend and hope they are the swiftest swine during the Hollywood Racing Pigs.

3. Street Performers

See a spontaneous magic show as you walk the fairgrounds.

4. A Rowdy Rodeo

The LRCA Finals Rodeo features real cowboys from throughout the state, with cash and prizes up for grabs. Check out these feats of skill and strength, where folks showcase lassoing skills and daredevil bull and bronco rides.

5. Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show

Check out the live lumberjack show that is sure to leave you amazed. 

6. A Ride of a Lifetime

It's as if the Discovery Channel comes alive at the Double Hump Camel Show, featuring Mongolian Bactrian camels — and yes, you can ride them.

7. Live Music 

Rosters typically feature local and national touring acts from country, R&B, gospel and rock genres.

8. Carnival Rides

Scream with excitement on rides like the Vertigo and Drop Zone, or look over the glowing downtown district on the Ferris wheel.

9. Tractor Pull

Judge for yourself who is the mightiest tractor of all in this celebration of agricultural prowess.

10. Fair Food

Sample an abundance of deep-fried bread pudding; chicken, shrimp or pizza on a stick; cookie dough bites; funnel cakes and lemonade. 

Bonus! 

Here's one more reason why we love the State Fair of Louisiana: Many attractions and concerts are free with admission, making this a great place to take the family. 

Find More Things to Do in Shreveport

While you’re in Shreveport, check out these fun attractions.

1. The Shreveport Aquarium

Located on the city’s beautiful downtown riverfront, the aquarium focuses on immersive experiences, inviting families to walk through a specialized gallery where you can see some of the facility’s sharks, seahorses, eels and other sea creatures swim around.

2. Asian Gardens of Shreveport

The Asian Gardens of Shreveport is a lush oasis representing 15 Asian countries, inviting guests to stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens full of plants, flowers, statues and more.

3. Lakes and Adventure Parks 

While Shreveport and Bossier City form north Louisiana's largest metro area, there's plenty of gorgeous surrounding natural areas worth exploring. Your range of outdoor adventures is great — whether you spend a day fishing on the Cypress Black Bayou or Caddo Lake, or go zip-lining over alligators at the Gators & Friends Adventure Park. 

Looking for more family-friendly things to do in Shreveport? Check out our roundup.