Festival crazed? We don’t blame you! People are itching to get out now that things have cooled down in Louisiana. Coronavirus put a lot of festivals on hold, but there are still many scheduled to take place and others we suspect we’ll hear more about soon. We’ve scoured the web to find you some of the best events still taking place despite all the shutdowns. Get your calendars ready as we review schedules and see what the south is still putting on–here are the top 5 Louisiana Festivals still scheduled for 2020!
Note: Coronavirus is still being monitored, and these events are subject to change. We will do our best to update information as needed.
#5 – Louisiana Pecan Festival
Update: The Louisiana Pecan Festival was cancelled for 2020 and will resume in 2021. Read the official statement HERE.
Colfax’s Louisiana Pecan Festival celebrates the area’s long history with pecans. Pecans are traditionally a key food source in the region, and it’s become the theme for their annual fest. Some of the highlights are Children’s Day and a Saturday Street Dance.
You’ll find all the regular attractions you’d expect from Louisiana festivals along with specialty pecan-themed foods like pecan pies locals will tell you are irresistible. This year’s Louisiana Pecan Festival is scheduled to take place on Friday, November 6th – Sunday, November 8th, 2020.
#4 – Festival Acadiens et Creole
This Louisiana festival evolved over decades to finally take on its official name in 2007–the Festival Acadiens et Creole. It’s a weekend-long celebration of Louisiana’s deep Cajun and Creole roots that emphasizes crafts, music, and food. This might be up your alley want to experience Louisiana culture without all the chaos you’d get in New Orleans. Their website gives you a thorough look at what you can expect from the event, from sponsors to individual vendors. This year’s Festival Acadiens et Creole is scheduled to take place on Friday, October 9th – Sunday, October 11th.
#3 – Red River Revel
Update: Red River Revel was postponed until 2021. Learn more HERE.
Red River Revel is a week-long concert, making it the best Louisiana festival for music lovers. While other events listed here focus on culture and take place in small venues, Revel goes grander in size with less of Louisiana heritage shining through. This festival features some big music names, so you’ll want to check out the lineup and see who’s going to be playing. This year’s Red River Revel is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 3rd – Sunday, October 11th.
#2 – Natchitoches Christmas Festival
Update: It’s been officially announced that the Natchitoches Christmas Festival will still take place in 2020! (11/8/20)
You can’t miss out on this month and a half-long festival in the City of Lights. Due to its positioning between several major cities, the Natchitoches Christmas Festival is one of the most popular gatherings for residents in the northern part of Louisiana. It’s easy to get to, laid back, and lasts the entire month of December. Anyone looking for Christmas fun can head to Natchitoches for a beautiful display of lights on the Red River and enjoy a mix of games, visits with Santa, and a heartwarming atmosphere. It’s perfect for those looking to celebrate the holiday season and an absolute must for people who love Christmas. This year, the Natchitoches Christmas Festival is schedule to take place from Saturday, November 21st – Wednesday, January 6th, 2021.
#1 – Louisiana Peach Festival
Update: Instead of the Louisiana Peach Festival, Ruston had PEACHtober in 2020. Read our review HERE.
You know we had to do it! And why wouldn’t we? The Louisiana Peach Festival is the kingpin of Ruston, LA’s festival circuit and a key part of the city’s history. It attracts visitors from all over, in and out of state. You simply can’t overlook this endearing festival, now celebrating 70 years!
During the event, downtown Ruston is filled with vendors selling crafts and other merchandise. Ruston has an exquisite crafting community, so the best come out and show at the annual Peach Fest. Our favorite just so happens to be the peach ice cream, which is sold in the Ruston Civic Center and other areas of downtown. There’s usually a talent show, rodeo, and music played on Saturday in Railroad Park.
This year’s annual Peach Festival is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 24th. Check the Louisiana Peach Festival website as details are updated in the coming months.
Final Words
Remember: these dates and events are all subject to change, as we never know what may happen with COVID-19 and the number of cases. It’s unfortunate that so many events were cancelled this year, but there are still many Louisiana festivals still scheduled to take place. Hopefully you can find one to attend even if social distancing measures and masks are still in effect. Keep checking back on PeachTown, as we will keep monitoring and make sure to update our list if the situation changes.
Louisiana festivals confirmed cancelled for 2020:
- Beauregard Watermelon Festival
- Voodoo Festival
- French Quarter Festival