Louisiana Festivals and Events Happening this Weekend: September 27 through October 1

FallPhoto byJeremy ThomasonUnsplash

Even though Autumn may not be completely evident in Louisiana yet, festival season is in full gear. Here's what's happening around the state this weekend.

Natchitoches Parish Fair - Natchitoches - September 27, 28, 29, 30

454 Fairgrounds

A showcase for the talents of Natchitoches citizens, the Natchitoches Parish Fair also features midway carnival rides, food/drink concessions, and fun for the whole family. Gates open at 5 PM on Wednesday, September 27 with opening ceremonies beginning at 6:00 PM.

Natchitoches Classic Car Show - Natchitoches - September 29 & 30

2023 Front Street and Riverbank

Held on the first weekend of October every year, the Natchitoches Classic Car Show features a fish fry and live music beginning at 5:30 PM on Friday, September 29. More than 400 classic cars will line the streets of downtown Natchitoches. Awards will be presented at 4:00 PM on Saturday, September 30, at the Downtown Riverbank Stage.

Bogalusa Blues & Heritage Festival - Bogalusa - September 29 & 30

625 Willis Avenue

Cassidy Park in Bogalusa is the setting for the Bogalusa Blues & Heritage Festival. Musical lineup includes the Sam Forshey Band, Claire Kellar, D.K. Harell, and The Chitlins on Friday. Lil Red and Big Bad with special guest Renee Gros, Gregg Wright, Johnny Sansone, and Mr. Sipp take the stage on Saturday. There will be plenty of food and a Kid's Zone.

Sabine Parish Fair & Rodeo - Many - September 27, 28, 29, 30

115 Fairgrounds Road

Midway rides begin Wednesday, September 27, with free gate admission at the Sabine Parish Fair & Rodeo. The rodeo performance happens September 29 & 30 at 7:30 PM. Rodeo tickets cost $10 with those 5 and under admitted free.

Red River Revel - Shreveport - September 30 through October 8

101 Crockett Street

Held in Festival Plaza in Shreveport, the Red River Revel is a festival of art, music, culture, and food. The work of over 80 artists working in acrylics, oils, glass, metal, wood, sculpture, jewelry, and much more will be on display. Live music will happen every night of the festival on four stages.

The National Fried Chicken Festival - New Orleans - September 30 & October 1

3500 Lakeshore Drive

Presented by Raising Cane's, the National Fried Chicken Festival draws hundreds of thousands from across the world who share a love of great food, music, culture, and fried chicken. Two music stages will feature entertainment from local and national artists including Big Freedia, Shamarr Allen, Rockin' Dopsie Jr., Kermit Ruffins, The Soul Rebels, and Big 6 Brass Band. The "Food is Culture" stage will have live cooking demonstrations, TED-style talks, and panel discussions with celebrity chefs and culinary thought leaders. There will be fried chicken available from over 50 restaurants from around the country.

General admission is $15 per day with weekend tickets available for $25. Children under 12 are admitted free with a ticketed adult.

SugarFest - Port Allen - Port Allen - October 1

845 North Jefferson Avenue

The West Baton Rouge Museum is the setting for SugarFest 2023. From 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, visitors of all ages can learn about local culture, music, and history. There will be folk art, craft demonstrations, museum exhibits, and live music including Blues, Folk, Dixieland Jazz, Cajun, Zydeco, and Bluegrass. Demonstrations will be presented on praline candy making, bousillage making, cane cutting, cane grinding, cane syrup grinding, blacksmithing, woodworking with antique hand tools, spinning, and much more. This event is free and open to the public.

Iota's Fall Festival - Iota - September 30

The fun happens at the Iota Veteran's Memorial Pavillion for Iota's Fall Festival. Saturday, September 30, from 2 PM to 11 PM. There will be live music, food booths, arts & crafts booths, a jambalaya cookoff, and a kid's corner. Admission is $10, with children four and under admitted free.

Ark-La-Miss Fair - Monroe - September 29 through October 8

401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway

The Ark-La-Miss Fair takes place at the Monroe Civic Center over 10 days. Carnival rides, snack booths, livestock shows, and more await the whole family at this fun fall fair.