There's only one thing Louisiana loves more than boudin, and that's cracklins! A cracklin is pork rind's bigger, better, and tastier sibling. This popular, southern snack is made by deep-frying chunks of pork in its own rendered oil…twice. While you can find cracklins in almost every local grocery or gas station stop in St. Landry Parish, there's one place you have to go to get them fresh.
The Port Barre Lions Club is thrilled to announce the 39th Annual Cracklin Festival, set to take place on the second full weekend in November at Veterans Memorial Park in Port Barre, Louisiana. This beloved community event celebrates the rich Cajun heritage of Acadiana and offers a weekend filled with family-friendly activities, local cuisine, and live entertainment.
The Cracklin Festival is not only a showcase of Louisiana's iconic culinary tradition—cracklins—but also serves as a vital fundraiser for the Port Barre Lions Club, supporting various charitable initiatives in the community.
Port Barre Lions Club warmly invites families from across the region to come together for a weekend filled with fun, delicious food, and lively festivities at the 39th Annual Cracklin Festival. Join us as we celebrate Cajun culture and community spirit with events and activities for all ages.
Festival Highlights Include:
Live Music & Entertainment – Featuring popular local and regional acts, offering a lively mix of Cajun, Zydeco, and country music to keep the crowd dancing all weekend long including: Clifton Brown & The Rusty Bucket Band, Tommy G & Stormy Weather, CJ Vedell & The Zydeco Grapplers, Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band, Dustin Sonnier & The Wanted, Kylie Frey, Three Thirty-Seven, Robert Jardell & Pure Cajun, Jamie Bergeron & The Kickin' Cajuns, and The Adam Leger Band.
Cracklin Cook-Off – A fierce competition where teams battle to create the best cracklins, showcasing different methods and flavors unique to the Cajun culinary tradition. We have two categories, pork and chicken cracklins and we have two divisions, amateur and professional. We are giving awards for the best decorated booths as well.
Food & Craft Vendors – Enjoy local delicacies beyond cracklins, including gumbo, jambalaya, and boudin, while browsing handcrafted goods from talented artisans.
Cracklin Festival Pageant – Featuring contestants from across the region, celebrating the spirit of Acadiana and honoring the young women of the community. Our Youth Pageant will be held on November 8th and our Miss & Teen Pageant on November 9th. See our website for more information and entry forms. Official Crowning will be held at the festival grounds for the new 2025 Miss & Teen Cracklin Festival Queens.
Parade – Who doesn't like a good hometown parade? Every year our Cracklin Festival Parade rolls down Saizan Ave with our Festival King and Queen, visiting festival royalty, local school and community groups, even a few campaigning politicians every now and then. Come join us for all of fun! Anyone interested can sign up on-line under "Festival Events".
Supporting the Community:
The Cracklin Festival is a major fundraising effort for the Port Barre Lions Club, with proceeds supporting numerous local projects, scholarships, and charitable causes throughout the year. With a commitment to service, the Lions Club also runs various outreach programs focused on vision health and disaster relief for the local community.
About the Port Barre Lions Club:
Founded with a mission to serve, the Port Barre Lions Club has a long-standing history of community involvement and outreach. The Cracklin Festival is just one of many ways the Port Barre Lions Club brings people together to celebrate local culture while giving back.
Join Us at the Cracklin Festival:
The Port Barre Lions Club invites everyone to join the celebration and experience the unique charm of the Cracklin Festival. Mark your calendars and bring your family and friends to enjoy the best of Cajun culture and cuisine. For more information, please visit our website or follow us on social media for updates.
Contact:
Port Barre Lions Club
Email: cracklinfest@yahoo.com
Phone: 337-692-3311
Website: https://cracklinfest.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/portbarrelions
Please note: For safety purposes and to ensure everyone has a fun and safe experience, we will be enforcing a Clear Bag Policy this year. Clear bags must be no larger than 12″x6″x12″. Small clutch bags are allowed (no larger than 4.5″x6.5″). Diaper bags are permitted with an accompanying infant, but they will be subject to search. No backpacks, purses, or other opaque bags will be allowed.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation! Let's make this year's festival a memorable and safe event for all.
