Things to Do in Louisiana This Month
No matter the season, there's always something to celebrate in Louisiana.
From shrimp boils to summer soirees, here's how to spend August in Louisiana.
Savor what’s left of summer in Louisiana this August. Chase down the last of the season's seafood at shrimp festivals along the coast, don white linen for one final soiree and pack into cool museums and galleries.
Featured Events in Louisiana
Tammany Taste of Summer
Northshore
August 1-31
All month long, restaurants, hotels and attractions across St. Tammany Parish roll out special menus and offers as part of Tammany Taste of Summer. It's the perfect excuse to try a new chef-driven restaurant in Covington, book an overnight getaway in Mandeville or treat the family to a discounted outing at a local attraction while soaking up the last of summer on the Northshore.
Make a long weekend of it. Bike the Tammany Trace, a 31-mile multi-use trail that highlights five charming towns in St. Tammany Parish.
Plan your trip to The Northshore.
Red Dress Run
New Orleans
August 8
Every August, thousands of runners descend on the French Quarter in one shared uniform: a red dress. Hosted by the New Orleans Hash House Harriers, the Red Dress Run is part costume party, part charity fundraiser — and part citywide celebration. Registration includes a kickoff at Crescent Park, food from local restaurants, live music and drinks. Proceeds benefiting local nonprofits.
While you're in the area, wander over to Frenchmen Street for live jazz at the Spotted Cat, or grab a po'boy at Elizabeth's Restaurant, a neighborhood go-to known for its praline bacon.
Acadian Culture Day
Lafayette
August 11
Step back into 19th-century Louisiana at Vermilionville's Acadian Culture Day, a celebration of Cajun heritage. Watch spinning, quilting and basket-weaving demonstrations, catch the lively Tintamarre Parade and learn a few dance steps before the day is through. Cajun music plays all day, and the Acadian Cultural Preservation Award recognizes a community member who keeps the culture alive.
Later, stop by Johnson's Boucaniere, a world-famous joint that has served up Cajun specialties like boudin, andouille sausage, tasso and cracklins for more than 80 years.
Delcambre Shrimp Festival
Delcambre
August 12-16
For more than 70 years, the small shrimping town of Delcambre has thrown one of South Louisiana's best parties: the Delcambre Shrimp Festival. Start with a Blessing of the Fleet at the dock before enjoying shrimp dozens of ways, from boiled and fried to piled into a po'boy. Fais do-dos keep the dancing going all weekend, with headliner Mark Chesnutt taking the stage Saturday night.
Before the festival, trace facts and folklore at the nearby Acadian Museum of Erath. To reach it, drive the Cajun Corridor, a byway connecting Delcambre to Erath. You’ll notice charming towns, peaceful cattle and tranquil bayous along the way.
Covington White Linen for Public Art
Covington
August 15
The Covington White Linen for Public Art transforms Boston Street into a walkable celebration of art, food and community. Local galleries, shops, restaurants and bars stay open late, with a portion of sales benefiting the Covington Public Art Fund. Expect live music, art demonstrations and plenty of local vendors as you shop and stroll in your finest.
Can’t get enough art? Find more inspiration at St. Tammany Art Association’s latest gallery exhibition.
Plan your trip to The Northshore.
National Medal Celebration
Houma
August 15
The National Medal Celebration — a free, community wide party — honors The Terrebonne Parish Library System for earning the nation's highest honor in the field. Start with an official medal presentation at 10 a.m., followed by live Cajun music, Native American drumming demonstrations and a scavenger hunt for kids.
Afterward, explore the Southdown Plantation House & Museum downtown, or book a swamp tour to spot alligators and cypress trees in the lush bayous surrounding town.
Ruston Art Ramble
Ruston
August 20
Each quarter, the Ruston Art Ramble transforms downtown Ruston into an open-air gallery for an evening. Local businesses stay open late while artists and makers set up shop along the sidewalks to showcase paintings, pottery, jewelry and more. Grab a bite or a drink as you wander from block to block, supporting the artists who make North Louisiana’s art scene worthwhile.
Before the event, make time to spot the Ruston Murals. Painted on walls, transformer boxes and underpasses, this nine-piece series highlights the area’s vibrant community.
Discover Ruston-Lincoln Parish.
White Linen Night Summer Social
Natchitoches
August 20
Slip into your best white linen for a charming evening at the historic Lemée House. Hosted by the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches, the White Linen Night Summer Social is a chance to mingle with friends while you’re surrounded by one of Natchitoches' most storied 19th-century homes.
Before the party, take a stroll down Front Street to browse Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile, Louisiana's oldest general store, or grab a bite along the riverbank in the Natchitoches Historic District.
Baton Rouge Underground Film Festival
Baton Rouge
August 27-30
Now in its second year, the Baton Rouge Underground Film Festival brings four days of independent film to the historic Manship Theatre. This year's lineup includes nine feature-length films, dozens of shorts and a slate of workshops and panels covering everything from financing to filmmaking fundamentals.
Before the lights dim, walk the Baton Rouge Film Trail and visit more than 100 locations around town where movies and TV shows have been filmed, including the Manship Theatre.
Gueydan Duck Festival
Gueydan
August 27-30
This year marks a milestone 50th anniversary for the Gueydan Duck Festival, a four-day bash in the Duck Capital of America. Experience duck-and-goose- calling contests, skeet-shooting and decoy-carving, as well as a parade, cooking contests and a carnival. Country stars Tracy Byrd and Wayne Toups headline the entertainment.
An outdoorsman’s dream, the area’s diverse landscape is perfect for even more outdoor adventure. Explore America’s WETLAND Birding Trail and witness spoonbills, pipers and egrets, or cool off on the Bayou Vermilion Paddle Trail, where the region’s natural beauty shines.
The Mixoff Festival
Covington
August 30
Calling all cocktail lovers: the inaugural Mixoff Festival brings together more than a dozen local bartenders, restaurants and mixologists at Coquille Parks & Recreation for an afternoon of sipping and strolling. Guests receive a punch card to sample cocktail creations before casting their vote for a favorite. Live entertainment, food trucks and local vendors round out this 21-and-older celebration.
Kick off a weekend in Covington with a morning bike ride. Rent gear from Brooks' Bike Shop and pedal through the historic St. John district to H.J. Smith and Sons, a 150-year-old general store and museum.
Plan your trip to The Northshore.
State Parks & Preserves
Statewide
Louisiana is home to 21 beautiful state parks filled to the brim with fun family experiences. As temperatures rise and foliage blooms, consider the state’s exciting hiking, biking and paddle trails. Or book a getaway at one of our lovely cabins!
Make Plans for Louisiana This Month
Whether it's one of our many exciting festivals or an adventure in the great outdoors, there is always something unique to experience in Louisiana. Be sure to check our calendar of events for the most up-to-date list of festivities.
