Small-town festivals in Louisiana allow us to laugh, eat, dance, and reunite with some of our old friends. If there’s one thing that rings true for Louisianans, it’s that we like to have a good time. With more than 400 festivals in the Pelican State, it’s no wonder we’re often called the Festival Capital of America. You name it, we have a festival for it. Even though some are more well-known than others, that doesn’t mean the smaller festivals are something you should pass up. In fact, sometimes the smaller festivals are our favorites! Here are some of the best small-town festivals near me!

1. Cochon De Lait Festival, Mansura: May 10-12, 2024

Held annually on the second weekend in May, one of the best Louisiana festivals 2024 has great Cajun food, Louisiana music, and that famous cochon de lait (pig in milk) that’s absolutely mouthwatering. Sign up for the crackling cook-off and see if your recipe can knock off the defending champion! Read further details on the Cochon De Lait Festival website.

2. Rayne Frog Festival, Rayne: May 9-11, 2024

You don’t want to miss the signature events like the frog racing and frog-jumping contests, and also the frog cook-off and frog-eating contests. There’s also an accordion contest, which is something you don’t see every day. For more information, visit the Rayne Frog Festival Facebook page.

3. The Authentic Bonnie & Clyde Festival, Gibsland: May 24-25, 2024

On May 23, 1934, bank robbers Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker finally met their fate when they were shot to death in a police ambush in Bienville Parish, Louisiana. In its 31st year, folks can head out to the Authentic Bonnie and Clyde Museum, watch the downtown shootout reenactment, dance to live entertainment, and even enter a look-alike contest. Find more details on the Authentic Bonnie & Clyde Festival Facebook event post.

4. Louisiana Corn Festival: June 13-15, 2024

Founded in 1986, the Louisiana Corn Festival honors the huge impact that agriculture has on our economy. Dozens of food vendors, arts and crafts booths, and live music all combine for a great time. Carnival rides, contests, and children’s parades are just some of the attractions that bring hundreds of people out to support this festival. View the schedule on the Louisiana Corn Festival website.

5. Lebeau Zydeco Festival, Washington: July 6, 2024

One of the most exciting festivals in Louisiana takes place on the first Saturday in July each year, celebrating Creole Louisiana Culture and Zydeco Music, and it’s always a good time. Folks can set up for the day with tents and lawn chairs. Find out more on the Lebeau Zydeco Festival Facebook page.

6. Delcambre Shrimp Festival, Delcambre: Aug. 14-18, 2024

This longstanding celebration of the shrimping industry has been going strong since 1950. Shrimp cook-offs, carnival rides, a boat parade, queens' pageants, and fais-do-do music ensure you’ll have a blast at this event taking place on the Delcambre Shrimp Festival Grounds.

Look for updates on the Delcambre Shrimp Festival Facebook page.

7. Gueydan Duck Festival, Gueydan: Aug. 22-25, 2024

Duck hunters, this is your festival. The "Duck Capital of the World" celebrates its 41st year with calling contests, skeet shooting contests, live music, carnival rides, and of course, delicious food.

Read all about it on the Gueydan Duck Festival website.

8. Mamou Cajun Music Festival, Mamou: Sept. 13 and 14, 2024

This 51st annual event is all about celebrating Cajun Music, and it’s absolutely perfect. Dozens of bands will perform throughout the two-day festival, several local vendors will have food and drinks for sale, and there are also a bunch of contests you can enter - all taking place at the Mamou City Civic Center.

See the lineup on the

Mamou Cajun Music Festival website.

9. Alligator Festival, Luling: Sept. 26-29, 2024

Play with baby alligators, shop at the arts and crafts section, and enjoy delicious Cajun cuisine all weekend long. There are also carnival rides and live music, the perfect weekend!

Read more details on the Alligator Festival website.

10. Louisiana Cotton Festival, Ville Platte: Oct 8-13, 2024

This festival is a great time for the whole family. Located at the North Side Civic Center, the fun brings delicious food, live music, games, and carnival rides. What more could you ask for?

For further information, visit the Louisiana Cotton Festival Facebook page.

11. Zwolle Tamale Fiesta, Zwolle: Oct. 10-12, 2024

For more than 40 years, the town of Zwolle has celebrated its Spanish and Native American heritage with the Tamale Fiesta. Thousands of people attend this celebration every year, and of course, thousands of tamales are consumed. This fun-filled weekend is jam-packed with live entertainment, arts and crafts, parades, a costume contest, and even tamale-making demonstrations.

For further details, visit the Zwolle Tamale Fiesta website.

12. Wooden Boat Festival, Madisonville: Oct. 19 and 20, 2024

Spend the day admiring fancy wooden boats docked along the Tchefuncte River, shopping at the many arts and crafts tents, and eating delicious foods from local restaurants. Located at the Maritime Museum Louisiana, you'll also find a children’s area full of activities and games for the little ones and also a beer garden complete with flat screens and seating to sit back and relax.

For updates, follow the Wooden Boat Festival Facebook page.

13. International Rice Festival, Crowley: Oct. 17-20, 2024

The International Rice Festival is the oldest and largest agricultural festival in Louisiana celebrating 87 years! The event honors our rice industry and the farmers themselves. Rice is a huge part of our cuisine, where would we be without red beans and rice, jambalaya, or gumbo? I can’t even think about it. Come celebrate this cornerstone of our Cajun/Creole heritage with parades, eating contests, arts and crafts, and live entertainment in downtown Crowley. You don’t want to miss it!

For more information, visit the International Rice Festival website.

14. Louisiana Pecan Festival, Colfax: Nov 1-3, 2024

For one weekend, the sleepy little town of Colfax awakens to celebrate all things pecan. You’ll find jellies, jams, and anything else you can think of that can be flavored pecan here. Make sure you stay for the fireworks show at the end of the night! Watch for updates on the Pecan Festival website.

15. Atchafalaya Basin Festival, Henderson: Nov. 9, 2024

Come out and celebrate your Cajun heritage with local Cajun entertainers, a car and truck show, live auctions, delicious food, kids' games, and more at the Atchafalaya Basin Festival. The one-day event is held on the second Saturday in November at Henry Guidry Memorial Park, and admission is free! Find the schedule on the Atchafalaya Basin Festival website.

16. Plaquemines Parish Fair and Orange Festival, Buras: Dec. 6-8, 2024

In its 78th year, this lively event, at the historic Fort Jackson, celebrates Plaquemines Parish's citrus heritage and all it has to offer. Dance to the music, watch the exciting Civil War reenactments, and take a carnival ride. Have you ever heard of a kumquat-stuffing contest? Read all about it on the Orange Festival website.

Small-town festivals give reasons to enjoy life. Which festivals are you planning on attending? If you've experienced some, which ones did you enjoy the most? Let us know in the comments below!

For more to see in the Pelican State, check out these 14 natural wonders in Louisiana. And if you're flying, sign up to receive cheap flight alerts.