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.
