4 Mar 2022

Annual Gumbo Cook-Off

2025-01-14T14:40:33-06:00

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.

Annual Gumbo Cook-Off2025-01-14T14:40:33-06:00
4 Mar 2022

World Championship Crawfish Étouffée Cook-Off

2025-02-14T10:25:32-06:00

The Eunice Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Eunice, proudly presents the 38th 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 29, 2025, at the Pavilion at 651 Samuel Drive in Eunice from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM as we celebrate 38 years of Cajun culture, music, and mouthwatering étouffée.

Enjoy live Cajun and zydeco music (starting at 10am) by Cajun Strong, Geno Delafose, and Jamie Bergeron. There will be plenty of dancing and, of course, tons of étouffée. In addition to world-class Cajun cuisine and live music, enjoy an array of arts & crafts vendors and kids’ activities, including a hands-on Music Instrument Petting Zoo presented by Louisiana Folk Roots.

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 Étouffée Cook-Off2025-02-14T10:25:32-06:00
4 Mar 2022

Washington Community Festival

2024-07-19T14:42:49-05:00

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 22 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.

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

Washington Community Festival2024-07-19T14:42:49-05:00
4 Mar 2022

Courir de Mardi Gras & Chicken Run

2024-02-14T13:14:10-06:00

Looking for something new and exciting this Mardi Gras season? Check out the traditional Courir de Mardi Gras & Chicken Run in Eunice, Louisiana. This Mardi Gras celebration is nothing like parades you see in big cities. Here, revelers dress in colorful handmade costumes and dance through the countryside.

What is a courir?

During a courir, riders go from house to house begging for donations to add in a community-wide gumbo. The highlight of the event is the chicken run, an honored tradition for ambitious, young revelers. During the run, the capitaine will release a chicken or guinea. Participants then compete to catch the fowl. Once captured, it makes for a nice addition to the gumbo.

History of the courir

The Eunice Courir de Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday Run) dates to when the town was first established in the late 19th century, but the tradition itself goes back even further. These traditions are based on early begging rituals from the Medieval era. The Eunice courir was abandoned for a few years during World War II. In 1946, a small band of riders revived the tradition. Today, the Eunice Courir de Mardi Gras has more than 2,000 participants on the run. The run is always held on Mardi Gras Day, but it is only one part of the five-day Eunice Mardi Gras Celebration. There’s a full schedule of last year’s Mardi Gras events in Eunice here.

How to participate

Registration for this event is required, and participants must be 18 years or older. Visit the run’s Facebook page for additional details you need to know before the event. Registration is open at 6am at the Northwest Community Center. Early risers typically have a better chance of getting a seat on the trailer, but for those who are walking, the capitaine will keep you well-nourished with boudin stops along the way.

Looking for family-friendly Mardi Gras events? Visit our Mardi Gras events page for travel ideas. Need a place to stay? Find nearby accommodations.

Courir de Mardi Gras & Chicken Run2024-02-14T13:14:10-06:00
4 Mar 2022

Annual Krotz Springs Sportsmen’s Heritage Festival

2024-07-19T15:08:36-05:00

The Annual Krotz Springs Sportsmen’s Heritage Festival was voted best New Event for 2013 by the Louisiana Association of Fairs & Festivals. The mission of this cultural event is to promote the wetlands and woodlands that surround the community of Krotz Springs and the Atchafalaya River. Join the locals in celebrating and sharing the heritage and extraordinary wildlife and habitats on the banks of the Atchafalaya the weekend after Memorial Day. Adventurous foodies can vote for the best wild game in the Fur, Feathers, or Fins cook-off. Cajun, Swamp Pop, and Zydeco music fans can take over the dance floor, and families will enjoy the fairgrounds, food, and art vendors.

Annual Krotz Springs Sportsmen’s Heritage Festival2024-07-19T15:08:36-05:00
4 Mar 2022

Sunset Herb & Garden Festival

2024-06-07T10:38:53-05:00

For over 20 years, the Sunset Garden Club has hosted the Annual Sunset Herb & Garden Festival in Sunset, Louisiana. Over the decades, the wide selection of plants and herbs continues to impress garden enthusiasts. Step outside with your kids, friends, or even spend an afternoon with Mom and Dad. Festival vendors specialize in a variety of plants. Because of this, they can answer your questions about growing and cultivation. Some festival favorites include hibiscus, grasses, fruit trees, bromeliads, orchids, ferns, succulents, roses, and a whole lot more. If that seems overwhelming, don’t worry. Master Gardeners are on-site. These experts present informative presentations while leaving time for a Q&A.

Local crafts, handmade yard art, and herbal bath and body products can also be found on the grounds for sale. First-timers should know that plants go fast. The saying is true; the early bird gets the worm. You may also want to bring a wagon to store plants and items while you shop. This celebration isn’t just for adults. The Kid’s Corner features fun jumps, face-painting, and other engaging activities. Kids can also visit the fairy garden or meet some of the beekeepers or agricultural vendors on site.

The Sunset Herb & Garden Festival is held on the first Saturday in May every year in Sunset. The festival grounds are located on Marie Street, across from the old Sunset High School. Parking is available behind the school, on Sibille Street. Traffic will be directed to this location, so just follow the cars!

Funds raised by this annual festival are used for town beautification projects facilitated by the Sunset Garden Club. Admission is $5, but children 6 and under get in for free. Sunday is always the rain date for this event.

Need overnight accommodations? Find hotels, RV parks, and B&Bs here.

Sunset Herb & Garden Festival2024-06-07T10:38:53-05:00
4 Mar 2022

Congé

2024-03-18T15:53:56-05:00

Congé is a spring celebration held on the breathtaking grounds of the Academy of the Sacred Heart and Berchmans Academy in Grand Coteau, Louisiana. Toss some confetti eggs with the kids as you play carnival games or test yourselves on the rock wall. There will also be games, live music, fantastic food, a silent auction, and a raffle.

The Congé Easter Egg hunt starts at 10am. Your child can take pictures with the Easter Bunny and find as many eggs as they can carry.

Congé2024-03-18T15:53:56-05:00
4 Mar 2022

Boot Brew Fest

2024-11-20T16:50:34-06:00

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 Fest2024-11-20T16:50:34-06:00
4 Mar 2022

Cycle Zydeco

2024-07-19T15:00:32-05:00

Cycle Zydeco is a four-day bike ride through Cajun Country. This rolling party is the best touring ride in the US. Start with breakfast in the morning and a leisurely bike ride through scenic byways to the next community. At each stop, shop and sample dishes at local restaurants. Every evening, cyclists can enjoy a personal party. Experience zydeco dance lessons and live music by award-winning Cajun and zydeco music bands.

Each day they offer two route options. The main route is around 38 miles and the long route is 62.14 miles+. Register for the entire four-day event or the “weekend warrior” option.

See route descriptions and register at CycleZydeco.org.

The ride is hosted by TRAIL. TRAIL is a non-profit organization dedicated to building and maintaining parks, hiking trails, bike trails, and other recreational infrastructures. They work to build better communities that promote healthy lifestyle options, appreciation for the native environment, and a more desirable place to live, work, and visit.

Cycle Zydeco2024-07-19T15:00:32-05:00
4 Mar 2022

Semi-Annual Antique Fair & Yard Sale

2024-12-11T15:15:41-06:00

The Semi-Annual Antique Fair & Yard Sale is a highly anticipated antique show in Washington, Louisiana. Twice a year at the Old Schoolhouse Antique Mall, hundreds of vendors gather to sell their wares. You can shop for bargains, food vendors, and more vintage items. Experienced antique shoppers love to stop at this sprawling 40,000 sq. ft. building.

The Old Schoolhouse Antique Mall was built in 1934 as Washington High School. Today, the two-story building features antiques, furniture, vintage clothing, and primitives. Take a break from shopping at Duet’s Café. This 50’s style diner is located in the school’s gym. Grab a burger or sandwich there to refuel. They serve daily plate-lunches and homemade cakes and pies.

Visit the Semi-Annual Antique Fair & Yard Sale on the second weekend in April and October every year except when it interferes with Easter. It’s a weekend-long event from Friday to Sunday starting at 9am.

Need accommodations? Washington has several historic bed and breakfasts.

Semi-Annual Antique Fair & Yard Sale2024-12-11T15:15:41-06:00
Go to Top