4 Mar 2022

Chili Cook-Off

2022-03-09T16:24:00-06:00

Rotary Club of Opelousas Sunrise announces its 1st Annual Chili Cook-off scheduled for Saturday, March 19 from 9am – 1pm at the Opelousas Yambilee Ag Arena.

You can choose your favorite to win “People’s Choice”, and a panel of judges will award first, second, and third place winners.  Admission is $5 for adults and children over 12 for chili tasting. Buy refreshments, shop craft vendors, or enjoy a game of corn hole.

All funds derived from this event will be used for the betterment of our local community, such as: sending local students to leadership camps, aid to The Refinery Mission (formerly called the Men’s Lighthouse Mission), Shoppe de Noel for residents of nursing homes in St. Landry Parish, support of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), support of the local ICONS food bank and many other worthy projects.

For $50, you can have your chili compete. Pre-register by emailing Opelsunriserotary@gmail.com.

For more information, contact Tom Mhire, RCOS President at 337-349-5456 or Shelton Anthony, Chili Cook-off Chairman at 337-290-0837. Visit our Facebook Page for more details.

Chili Cook-Off2022-03-09T16:24:00-06:00
4 Mar 2022

Eunice Farmers Market

2024-10-21T13:59:21-05:00

Find farm-fresh produce year-round at the Downtown Farmers Market in Eunice, Louisiana. Shoppers can choose from an array of seasonal garden fruits and vegetables, jellies, jams, and other preserves. Other farmers market favorites include raw honey, free-range eggs, and Cajun sweet dough pies. Weather permitting, the market is open every Saturday and Wednesday morning from 8am-12pm. 

If you would like to participate as a vendor, contact Sanford Wood at 337-457-0607.

Eunice Farmers Market Squash & Peas in Eunice, Louisiana
Eunice Farmers Market Scuppernog in Eunice, Louisiana
Eunice Farmers Market Zucchini Bread in Eunice, Louisiana
Eunice Farmers Market Sweet Dough Pies in Eunice, Louisiana
Eunice Farmers Market2024-10-21T13:59:21-05:00
4 Mar 2022

Here’s the Beef Cook-Off

2025-08-06T10:36:41-05:00

Calling all carnivores, foodies, and chefs. You get to be the food critic at the Annual Here’s the Beef Cook-Off in Opelousas, Louisiana as pitmasters and area chefs prepare their best beef dishes. The culinary categories include gourmet, brisket, roast, gravies and stews, tongue, and ground meat. That’s right; beef tongue is a delicacy in Cajun Country and can be sampled at the festival. If you think your cooking has what it takes to win, entry to the contest is $40. Call Jay Guidry at 337-351-1763 for more details.

Prior to the cook-off, an old-fashioned trail ride takes off at 8am. It’s $15 to ride plus you get tasty, authentic Louisiana cooking for breakfast. At the Here’s the Beef Cook-Off, for only $10, you can dance and hear live music by local Cajun-style bands starting at 10am and eat all the award-winning food you want.

This long-running annual event is sponsored by the St. Landry Parish Cattlemen’s Association, Cattlewomen, and the LA Beef Industry Council. The Cattlemen’s Association aims to educate people about the importance of the cattle and farm industry in St. Landry Parish and throughout the state of Louisiana.

Here’s the Beef Cook-Off2025-08-06T10:36:41-05:00
4 Mar 2022

Annual Gumbo Cook-Off

2025-07-30T16:53:07-05:00

The Gumbo Foundation cooks for a cause in Opelousas, Louisiana. Every year, area chefs gather to compete for the best gumbo. St. Landry Parish is a haven for gumbo with plenty of Cajun and Creole restaurants. Every household in Acadiana has a family recipe for their own brand of gumbo. With such variety, winning the best is a high honor. Grab a bowl of gumbo or dance along to live music with a lineup of Cajun and zydeco musicians.

This event isn’t just about great food. All the proceeds from the cook-off benefit a child whose family is burdened with medical-related expenses. Each year, a different child is chosen to receive help.

The Gumbo Cook-Off happens every year on the last Saturday in January. Enjoy good food and fun music all for a good cause.

Visit their event page to learn how to join the cook-off or for event updates.

Gumbo Cook-Off in Opelousas, Louisiana
Gumbo Cook-Off in Opelousas, Louisiana
Gumbo Cook-Off in Opelousas, Louisiana
Gumbo Cook-Off in Opelousas, Louisiana
Annual Gumbo Cook-off in Opelousas, Louisiana
Gumbo Cook-Off in Opelousas, Louisiana
Annual Gumbo Cook-Off2025-07-30T16:53:07-05:00
4 Mar 2022

Opelousas Farmers Market

2023-10-13T12:32:35-05:00

Shop for local, home-grown produce at the Opelousas Farmers Market. Opelousas, Louisiana, in addition to its rich music history, is also a major agricultural community. In the mid-20th century, Opelousas was called the Yam Capital of the World. Today, you can still try Opelousas-grown sweet potatoes. Take home some home-grown goods. At the farmers market, you can find collards and mustard greens, kale, carrots, honey, and squashes from local farmers. Availability depends on the season.

The Opelousas Farmers Market is open throughout the year every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Opelousas Farmers Market Vendors in Opelousas, Louisiana
Opelousas Farmers Market Blueberries in Opelousas, Louisiana
Opelousas Farmers Market in Opelousas, Louisiana
Opelousas Farmers Market in Opelousas, Louisiana
Opelousas Farmers Market2023-10-13T12:32:35-05:00
4 Mar 2022

World Championship Crawfish Étouffée Cook-Off

2025-08-06T11:09:23-05:00

The Eunice Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Eunice, proudly presents the 39th Annual World Championship Crawfish Étouffée Cook-off.

This event features professional and amateur cooks vying for the title of “World Champion.” Taking place in the city of Eunice this is one of the best ways to taste crawfish in Louisiana. Teams will compete to see who can cook the best crawfish étouffée in three categories: Amateur, Professional and Best Decorated Booth. Once the judges have their samples from the booths, the public can buy the crawfish étouffée directly from the participants. Vote for your favorite to win the People’s Choice Award. The winners will be announced around 3:30pm.

Join us on Saturday, March 28, at the Pavilion at 651 Samuel Drive in Eunice from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM as we celebrate 39 years of Cajun culture, music, and mouthwatering étouffée.

Enjoy live Cajun and zydeco music (starting at 10am). Stay tuned for the lineup.

There will also be arts and crafts, a petting zoo, pony rides, fun jumps, and more fun activities for the whole family. World Championship Crawfish Étouffée Cook-off is now held on the last Saturday in March every year. Admission and parking are free.

World Championship Crawfish Etouffee Cook-Off in Eunice, Louisiana
World Championship Crawfish Etouffee Cook-Off in Eunice, Louisiana
World Championship Crawfish Etouffee Cook-off
World Championship Crawfish Etouffee Cook-Off in Eunice, Louisiana
World Championship Crawfish Étouffée Cook-Off2025-08-06T11:09:23-05:00
4 Mar 2022

Washington Community Festival

2025-08-06T10:52:35-05:00

The Washington Community Festival is a revitalization of the former Catfish Festival which was historically held in the steamboat town. It will take place on Saturday, March 28 along Washington’s Main Street from 10am to 9pm. It’s gonna be a good time in the old town!

The event will host three blocks of vendors, live music, a car show, and a Catfish Cook-Off. The Bayou Courtableau has been famous for many years for its large catfish, so this cook-off fits right in with the heritage of the area and is a subtle nod to the older festival. There will also be a silent auction.

Stay tuned for the live music lineup.

Contact the Washington Town Hall at 337-826-3626 or the steamboatcityassociation@gmail.com for vendor, car show, or cook-off information.

Washington Community Festival
Washington Community Festival2025-08-06T10:52:35-05:00
4 Mar 2022

Boot Brew Fest

2025-08-06T11:32:26-05:00

The Boot Brew Fest is a yearly event taking place the Saturday after Easter in Eunice, Louisiana at Lakeview Park & Beach. At this festival, you can really get to know the homebrewing process straight from the brewers themselves while tasting samples of their efforts. $10 will get you access to the festival but for $40 you can get full festival access which covers admission, beer samples, and a bowl of jambalaya. You must be 21 years or older to purchase this ticket and sample the homebrews. For $65, you can get VIP Festival Access. This includes all Full Festival Access benefits, plus a souvenir t-shirt and early access to the festival.

Attendees are encouraged to vote for the best-tasting beer.

Find Lodging in Eunice.

Boot Brew Fest
Boot Brew Fest
Boot Brew Fest
Boot Brew Fest2025-08-06T11:32:26-05:00
4 Mar 2022

Sweet Dough Pie Festival

2025-10-31T14:52:28-05:00

Celebrate the history of Grand Coteau and a traditional Louisiana treat called the sweet dough pie. Every year, pastry chefs and home cooks vie to be the best in the sweet dough pie contest where the public is the judge. A large variety of pies are available for purchase. Some favorites include fig, custard, lemon, blackberry, and other local, seasonal ingredients. Browse through over 100 vendors with art, handmade items, flowers and herbs, custom furniture, indoor and outdoor decor, and more.

Take a self-guided tour around the town of Grand Coteau, passing by: St. Ignatius School, the St. Peter Claver complex, the Schools of the Sacred Heart, and St. Charles Church and cemetery. This picturesque cemetery, with ancient Live Oaks and Spanish Moss, is the final resting place of the first African American Mayor for the State of Louisiana since Reconstruction, the woman the St. Charles church bell was named after, historical gravesites of our war veterans, and many renowned Jesuit priests.

The Sweet Dough Pie Festival is the last Saturday of October. For information on the sweet dough contest, becoming a vendor or visiting the festival call 337.331.6352. This is a free event, but parking is $5.

Click here for nearby accommodations.

Sweet Dough Pie Festival Grand Coteau Louisiana
Sweet Dough Pie Festival Grand Coteau Louisiana
Sweet Dough Pie Festival Grand Coteau Louisiana
Sweet Dough Pie Festival Grand Coteau Louisiana
Sweet Dough Pie Festival2025-10-31T14:52:28-05:00
4 Mar 2022

Port Barre Cracklin Festival

2025-11-26T14:56:43-06:00

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 40th 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 offering a lively mix of Cajun, Zydeco, and country music to keep the crowd dancing all weekend long.

The Cracklin Festival is a showcase of Louisiana’s iconic culinary tradition—cracklins—and serves as a vital fundraiser for the Port Barre Lions Club, supporting various charitable initiatives in the community. The cook-off has two categories, pork and chicken cracklins and there are two divisions, amateur and professional.  We are giving awards for the best decorated booths as well.

Enjoy local delicacies beyond cracklins, including gumbo, jambalaya, and boudin, while browsing handcrafted goods from talented artisans.

Featuring contestants from across the region, their youth pageant celebrates the spirit of Acadiana and honoring the young women of the community.  Official Crowning will be held at the festival grounds for the new 2026 Miss & Teen Cracklin Festival Queens.

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! 

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.

The Port Barre Lions Club was 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.

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.

Port Barre Cracklin Festival in Louisiana
Cracklin Festival in Port Barre, Louisiana
Cracklin Festival in Port Barre, Louisiana
Cracklin Festival in Port Barre, Louisiana
Cracklin Festival in Port Barre, Louisiana
Cracklin Festival in Port Barre, Louisiana
Port Barre Cracklin Festival2025-11-26T14:56:43-06:00

St. Landry Parish Visitor Center
Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm

337.948.8004
978 Kennerson Road (I-49 exit 23)
P.O. Box 1415 • Opelousas, LA 70570

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