Fall is festival season in Louisiana. The cooler temperatures get everybody out of the house and over to their nearest festival to enjoy live music, great food, and maybe an ice-cold beverage or two. The Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival is one of our favorite fall festivals, and it’s just around the corner. 

When Jesuit priests first brought sugar cane to Louisiana in 1751, they could never have predicted the impact it would have on Louisiana. Sugar cane is one of Louisiana’s biggest exports and is responsible for nearly 20,000 jobs in Louisiana. 

Out of the 23 sugar-producing parishes, Vermilion, Iberia, Lafayette, Iberville, St. Mary, and Assumption Parishes lead the pack. In 2022, Louisiana produced more than two million tons of raw sugar, making Louisiana the top-producing state in the country. Louisiana and Florida are typically neck-and-neck every year, but it looks like Louisiana may be tasting the sweet victory for the next few years. 

Sugar cane is one of Louisiana’s biggest crops, and on the last weekend of September, all of the sugar-producing parishes come together to New Iberia to throw the annual Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival. This is one of the oldest festivals in Louisiana! The festival was born in 1937 and it’s only gotten sweeter every year. 2024 marks the festival’s 81st season.

Here’s everything you need to know about this beloved fall festival in Louisiana:

September 26-29, 2024 are the dates for this year—don’t forget!

The four-day festival begins on Thursday, September 26th with an art/garden/flower show followed by a reception. Festers can also attend Farm Fest over on the grounds of Shadows on the Teche from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. This family-friendly event kicks off the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival and admission is $10 per family. There will be plenty of family activities including a petting zoo, cupcake decorating, live music, a kids’ raffle, and more. 

The annual blessing of the crop at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 27 marks the beginning of the festival (and sugar cane season). The entire weekend is full of parades, live music, and delicious food. 

Check out the musical acts for the 2024 Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival:

Friday 9/27:

• Cajun Roots
• The Rouge Krewe
• Molly Ringwalds
• Mike Jamez

Saturday 9/28:

• Bad Boys Band
• Jamie Bergeron & The Kickin Cajuns
• Spank the Monkey
• YING YANG TWINS

Friday and Saturday nights are an epic Fais Do Do that’s not to be missed. View a full listing of musical acts and times on the festival’s website. 

The festival will also have plenty of carnival rides for all ages to enjoy. 

The Street Fair is located at Bouligny Plaza in downtown New Iberia. Tickets cost $1.25 each—keep in mind that some rides may require more than one ticket!

Visit the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival website for more information. Are you planning on attending this fall festival this year? Let us know in the comments below!

There’s still time to find a place to stay in New Iberia. This waterfront cabin might be just what you’re looking for!

If you want to add a little spice to your sweet festival, carve out some time to visit Avery Island nearby.