7 Mar 2022

Top of the Teche

2025-08-06T11:18:36-05:00

The Top of the Teche is a 7.7-mile race for vehicles like kayaks, canoes, pirogues, and SUPs. It stretches from Leonville to Arnaudville, Louisiana. There are 15 classes for racers to choose from with competitors vying for trophies. Registration begins at the boat launch in Leonville with takeoff at 10am. Race ends at Myran’s Maison de Manger in Arnaudville.

This event is one of many that take place on Bayou Teche throughout the year. For a full schedule visit TourduTeche.com. Top of the Teche benefits the work of the Arnaudville Chamber of Commerce and the Leonville Volunteer Fire Department.

Paddling Bayou Teche is made possible by the efforts of the non-profit organization, TECHE Project. The TECHE Project began as a small, volunteer clean-up organization. Today, the group is responsible for the bayou’s designation as a National Paddle Trail by the U.S. Park Service and a National Water Trail by the U.S. Interior Department. The team has also added trailheads and floating docks to communities along the Teche featuring a water-proof map for canoers marking attractions, restaurants, and historic sites along the trail.

Top of the Teche Schedule:
7am-9am – Boat Check
9am – Opening Ceremony
10am – Race starts for all divisions
2pm – Award Ceremony

Top of the Teche in Leonville and Arnaudville, Louisiana
Top of the Teche in Leonville and Arnaudville, Louisiana
Top of the Teche in Leonville and Arnaudville, Louisiana
Top of the Teche2025-08-06T11:18:36-05:00
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 Makers Market

2022-03-11T12:44:42-06:00

This event, taking place in the parish seat of Opelousas, is a place for vendors to display and sell their creations. The Opelousas Downtown Maker’s Market hosts artisans, baked goods, a guitar jam session, and so much more. Grab a coffee at the nearby Java Square and peruse vendor stalls with your friends. Take a walk around the Opelousas Courthouse Square while you’re here, and visit the 350-year old Jim Bowie Oak, multiple murals, and public art.

Opelousas Makers Market
Opelousas Makers Market
Opelousas Makers Market
Opelousas Makers Market2022-03-11T12:44:42-06:00
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

Exit 11 Yard Sale

2025-03-13T09:18:38-05:00

RRRRaRain date is Sunday, March 16th. Check local news for weather updates.

On March 15th from 7am-4pm, you can shop Sunset Downtown and Around. Shop owners and antique dealers in Sunset, Louisiana invite local vendors, artists, and craftspeople to set up shop along Napoleon Avenue and the surrounding area. Find antiques, artwork, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind items at bargain prices. Some shops will feature special sales or one-day discounts. 

This event takes place annually on the third Saturday of the month in March. Vendors are invited to contact any antique store or market in town for booth space. Call 337-331-5577 for more information.

Want to plan ahead and need accommodations? Find hotels nearby, here.

Exit 11 Yard Sale in Grand Coteau and Sunset, Louisiana
Exit 11 Yard Sale in Grand Coteau and Sunset, Louisiana
Exit 11 Yard Sale in Grand Coteau and Sunset, Louisiana
Exit 11 Yard Sale2025-03-13T09:18:38-05:00
4 Mar 2022

Courir de Mardi Gras & Chicken Run

2025-08-06T10:13:54-05:00

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 in Eunice, Louisiana
Courir de Mardi Gras in Eunice, Louisiana
Courir de Mardi Gras in Eunice, Louisiana
Courir de Mardi Gras in Eunice, Louisiana
Courir de Mardi Gras in Eunice, Louisiana
Courir de Mardi Gras & Chicken Run in Eunice, Louisiana
Courir de Mardi Gras & Chicken Run2025-08-06T10:13:54-05:00
4 Mar 2022

Sunset Herb & Garden Festival

2025-07-29T16:01:08-05:00

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.

Herb & Garden Fest
Herb & Garden Fest
Herb & Garden Fest
Herb & Garden Fest
Herb & Garden Fest
Herb & Garden Fest
Sunset Herb & Garden Festival2025-07-29T16:01:08-05:00
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 Zydeco in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Cycle Zydeco
Cycle Zydeco
Cycle Zydeco
Cycle Zydeco
Cycle Zydeco
Cycle Zydeco2024-07-19T15:00:32-05:00
4 Mar 2022

Fête-Dieu du Teche Eucharistic Boat Procession

2025-07-25T15:24:25-05:00

August 15 is a very special day in Acadiana. For those in the Roman Catholic Church, it is the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. For this same reason, it is also a day that should resonate within the hearts of all those who embrace their Acadian heritage. In celebration, a Eucharistic procession takes place along Bayou Teche from Leonville to St. Martinville, retracing the voyage of the Acadians over 250 years ago. During this procession, 50 boats will disembark at 9:30am and travel along Bayou Teche. The 40-mile procession will make several stops along the way for a recitation of the Rosary and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

This year, the procession will start in Franklin, travel up the Bayou Teche, and end in New Iberia.

Families are encouraged to register a family boat or gather as a family at one or more of the stops along the procession route. You can register your boat here.

Find overnight lodging here and explore the area.

Annual Fête-Dieu du Teche Eucharistic Boat Procession
Annual Fête-Dieu du Teche Eucharistic Boat Procession in Leonville, Louisiana
Annual Fête-Dieu du Teche Eucharistic Boat Procession in Leonville, Louisiana
Annual Fête-Dieu du Teche Eucharistic Boat Procession in Leonville, Louisiana
Annual Fête-Dieu du Teche Eucharistic Boat Procession in Leonville, Louisiana
Annual Fête-Dieu du Teche Eucharistic Boat Procession in Leonville, Louisiana
Fête-Dieu du Teche Eucharistic Boat Procession2025-07-25T15:24:25-05:00

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

Visitor Guide (En)
Visitor Guide (Fr)

Privacy Policy  |  Copyright St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission  |  Fraud Report
Go to Top