Your Guide to Louisiana’s Jambalaya Festival
Discover the Jambalaya Festival, one of Louisiana’s oldest festivals, located in the Jambalaya Capital of the World.
The Jambalaya Festival in Gonzales features live music, fun for the whole family and plenty of jambalaya to go around. So grab your iron pot and paddle, and join the fun!
History of the Jambalaya Festival
On June 10, 1968, John J. McKeithen, the Governor of Louisiana at the time, proclaimed Gonzales as the Jambalaya Capital of the World. In mid-June of the same year, the first festival was held, with only thirteen cooks vying to be crowned World Jambalaya Cooking Champion.
By 1971, the festival was drawing crowds of nearly 50,000, and in 1972, the Mini-Pot jambalaya cooking contest was introduced. The dish was cooked in the World's Smallest Jambalaya Pot, a tradition which continues to this day. Many kiddos participate, and it’s just as fun to watch as the traditional contest!
Jambalaya Festival Schedule
The festival kicks off with dozens of cooks in the running for the Jambalaya Champion. This traditional cook-off takes place over open, wood-burning flames. If you’re looking for the most authentic plate of jambalaya, you are sure to find it here. Take a stroll through the cooking area to chat with the chefs as they tend to their pots, and maybe even pick up a few tips and tricks to try at home.
Alongside the tasty jambalaya, the festival serves up a carnival with a variety of rides, a pageant and a car show, with an incredible lineup of classic cars, hot rods and unique custom builds.
Enjoy live music across three days and two stages, the main festival stage and the swamp pop stage. Local and nationally recognized artists and bands perform a variety of genres, from rock and country to swamp pop and blues.
On Saturday morning, work up an appetite at the 5K and 1-mile fun run on the grounds of the Lamar Dixon Expo Center. Participants receive a free t-shirt — and free jambalaya at the after party!
Other Things to Do in Gonzales
Gonzales is located in Louisiana’s Sweet Spot, Ascension Parish. Just 20 miles from Baton Rouge and 50 miles from New Orleans, this small town along the Great River Road is minutes from several historic sites, including Houmas House and Gardens and the Cajun Village Cottages.
If you’re still hungry after the festival, head to The Library Wine & Provisions in Conway Village Center. With an upscale Cajun-inspired menu and a large selection of European and American wines, this dining experience is perfect for a date night — or a way to treat yourself.
Locals also recommend Gilla Brewing Company, known for their beers and uniquely flavored seltzers. Try the Gorilla Ball, a hazy IPA named for the LSU Tigers baseball team.
Learn more about Louisiana’s Sweet Spot – Ascension Parish for more trip ideas.
