Things to Do in Louisiana This Weekend
Here's a roundup of Louisiana events and activities happening this weekend.
Featured Festivals & Events in Louisiana
It’s fall, y’all! Fall in Louisiana brings cool evenings and warm gumbo. Festival season is in full swing, with parish fairs, fall festivals and football games filling the calendar. Get outside and explore our state parks, or stay indoors and discover one of Louisiana’s state museums.
Festival of Words
Grand Coteau
November 6-7
Wordsmiths and poetry lovers, this one’s for you. The Festival of Words turns Grand Coteau into a two-day celebration of the written word. Sit in on poetry readings and creative writing workshops led by Patrice Melnick, Toby Daspit and Darrell Bourque, a former Louisiana poet laureate. Step up to the community stage for open mic, or keep an eye out for “Drive-by Poetry,” when local students perform dramatic readings of the visiting authors’ work around town.
Between sessions, wander Grand Coteau’s historic district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Refuel at Big Hill Café at Brent’s or satisfy your sweet tooth at B Sweet Bakery.
Plan your visit to St. Landry Parish.
Berwick Lighthouse Festival
November 6-8
Berwick
The candy-colored lighthouse that once guided vessels through the Atchafalaya Basin now serves as the mascot for the Berwick Lighthouse Festival, a three-day downtown carnival. Enjoy performances from Krossover, Left on Red and Chase Tyler; sip cocktails and mocktails; and cook like a champ in a regional gumbo cook-off.
While you’re on the coast, take note of Berwick’s serene green spaces. Make time to hike through the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, which highlights terraces, swamps and marshes. Later, drive down the Bayou Teche National Scenic Byway for tranquil Southern views.
Explore more things to do along Louisiana’s Cajun Coast.
Holy Ghost Creole Festival
Opelousas
November 6-8
Come hungry to the Holy Ghost Creole Festival. The weekend opens with fried catfish and gospel hymns from Holy Ghost Catholic Church choirs. On Saturday, work up an appetite at the 5K run or 1-mile fun walk, then dig into backbone stew, barbecue pork steak, boudin and cracklins while zydeco bands keep the music tent hopping. Save room for the famous homemade sweet dough pies.
Make a day of it in Opelousas. Explore local history at the Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center, where exhibits range from the Civil War to zydeco music. For lunch, head to Back in Time Cafe, a down-home spot known for Southern comfort food, homemade desserts and zydeco music.
Learn more about St. Landry Parish.
Ozone Songwriter Festival & Artist Showcase
Covington
November 6-8
Settle in for a weekend of songs and the stories behind them at the Ozone Songwriter Festival & Artist Showcase. Friday night’s ticketed showcase at Fuhrmann Auditorium stars country singer-songwriter Deana Carter, with Jaime Floyd and festival founder Greg Barnhill. Saturday and Sunday, the music moves to historic Covington, where songwriters perform original work in a Nashville-style songwriter circle atmosphere. Proceeds from the showcase support the Ozone Music Foundation’s programs for young musicians across the Northshore.
Turn your visit into a getaway. Rent a bike at Brooks’ Bike Shop and pedal the 31-mile Tammany Trace, which starts in Covington. Browse downtown galleries anchored by the St. Tammany Art Association. Then settle in for dinner at LOLA, where Southern comfort food is served in the town’s old train depot.
Giant Omelette Celebration
November 7-8
Abbeville
Watching chefs flip a single omelet might not sound worthwhile — but what if we told you more than 5,000 eggs, 50 pounds of butter and an elephant-sized cast-iron skillet were involved? Welcome to Abbeville, home to one of Louisiana’s most whimsical festivals: the Giant Omelette Celebration.
When you’re not at the celebration, where French-cooking demonstrations, antique shows and live music are involved, taste the bayou town’s Cajun excellence. Sample fried alligator or a grilled oyster po’boy at Dupuy’s or boudin-stuffed eggrolls at Bourbon Street Deli.
Louisiana Renaissance Festival
Select dates November 7-29
Hammond
En garde! Step into a world of fantasy at the Louisiana Renaissance Festival — a gala of artists and oddities. Shop from wool weavers and welders; watch performances from fiddlers and fire handlers; and sip merlots and meads. Whatever you do, you’ll leave inspired.
Before your medieval adventure, explore Hammond’s rich history. The city’s longstanding commitment to arts and culture is reflected in 20 stops along the Hammond Historic District trail, including the former Ritz Theater, once considered an elite hideaway for wealthy New Orleanians.
BBQ & Bourbon on the Bayou Festival
November 7
Thibodaux
There’s a lot to love about barbecue, from honey-glazed ribs to crisp-edged brisket. Indulge in fresh-off-the-smoker meats and sample more than 35 of the region’s best bourbons at Thibodaux’s BBQ & Bourbon on the Bayou Festival.
Beyond its niche festivals, Thibodaux’s Acadian roots echo throughout the community. While you’re in town, grab an overstuffed po’boy from Spahr’s Seafood or visit the Bayou Country Children’s Museum, which features elementary activities with a Cajun twist, like child-sized Mardi Gras floats and shrimp boats for exploring.
Learn more about Lafourche Parish.
Rendezvous Downtown Grand Finale
Rayne
November 7
Rayne closes out its fall music series with an all-day party at Rendezvous Downtown. Kids’ activities kick off at 11 a.m., and food and drink vendors keep everyone fueled. Jam to artists like Vielle Maniere and Leroy Thomas and the Zydeco Roadrunners, then head to the Country Hoedown at the Warehouse in Rayne. Tickets are required, and country and western attire is encouraged.
Rayne is the Frog Capital of the World, so make time for a meal. Order a frog leg platter or pepper jelly oysters at Chef Roy’s Frog City Cafe. Or crack into boiled crawfish at Hawk’s. Want to stay the night? Book a restored, century-old cottage at Maison D’Memoire Bed & Breakfast Cottages.
State Parks & Preserves
Statewide
Louisiana is home to beautiful state parks filled with fun family experiences. As temperatures fall, consider fishing, golfing or birding. Or book an autumnal getaway at one of our lovely cabins.
Make Plans for Louisiana This Month
Whether it's one of our many exciting festivals or an outdoor adventure, there’s always something to experience in Louisiana. Check our calendar of events for the most up-to-date list of festivities.
