Your Guide to the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival

The sweetest time of the year is fast approaching with the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival on the horizon! Join King Sucrose and Queen Sugar to celebrate in historic downtown New Iberia in September. As the state's largest sugarcane producer, Iberia Parish is a fitting host each fall to continue the lasting traditions of the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival and Fair.

History of the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival

During the first days of sugar production, farmers honored a successful harvest with a process called “apres la roulaison,” or “after grinding,” because a sugar crop has only been proclaimed fruitful after the cane has been crushed to extract its juices. The Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival harkens back to these celebrations, with the same hospitality and joie de vivre.

The town of New Iberia has been formally celebrating its most important crop since 1937. The first Sugar Cane Festival occurred that year, when Californian transplant Charles Stevenson realized sugar’s true value and the zest of life of the people of the sugar parishes. At first, the festival was limited to New Iberia, and only the townspeople voted for Queen Sugar. 

The festival has been held every year since its inception, except during World War II and the pandemic years. 

Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival Events

The festival, located along the Bayou Teche, is jam-packed with events and activities to guarantee a great time all-around. The Hi-Sugar 5K kicks off the weekend, offering a great dose of fun and fitness for the whole family. Then, the local clergy bless the sugar fields, and the fun begins!

All are invited to the fais do do, a Cajun party with live music, dancing and an all-around good time. At night, watch the crowning of Queen Sugar and King Sucrose, and dance at the coronation ball. 

Bring the kids and head over to the historic Shadows-on-the-Teche for the Farm Fest complete with a petting zoo, cookie decorating, a cupcake walk and more. This festival makes for the perfect family-friendly outing. 

For more information, visit the event website. Don’t forget to greet your fellow festival-goers with a smile and “Hi, Sugar!”

Other Things to Do in New Iberia

Visit the Jeanerette Museum to learn more about the area’s sugarcane industry, as well as the native flora and fauna. Kids will love the Swamp Room, which features more than 40 specimens. Head to Vermilion Bay to relax at Cypremort Point State Park, whose man-made beach provides a delightful area for picnicking and fun on the water.