It’s no secret that Louisiana likes to have a good time, and that’s certainly true in Acadia Parish, the heart of the Cajun Prairie. Home to deep-seated Mardi Gras traditions, authentic food and music, and some of Louisiana’s most popular festivals, the area is ready to show you how to “pass a good time!”
January
MLK Celebration
The community of Rayne celebrates the powerful legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a remembrance walk and flag raising, following by a wellness fair, civil rights program, and tasty lunch at the Rayne Civic Center. The free event honors Dr. King’s commitment to social harmony.
215 Frog Festival Drive
Rayne, LA 70578
February
Church Point Courir de Mardi Gras
Witness one of the longest-running authentic Cajun Mardi Gras runs, in which local men dress in traditional costumes and chase down a chicken on foot and horseback to throw in the community gumbo pot. The festive community gathering also includes a parade, Cajun music and dancing, and some of the tastiest chicken and sausage gumbo imaginable.
303 E. Pioth Street
Church Point, LA 70525
Carnival D’Acadie
Downtown Crowley rings in Mardi Gras each year with a family-friendly celebration that includes a parade, live music, vendors and food. Prepare to catch beads from floats festooned in purple, green, and gold. Hear live bands and fill your belly with Louisiana’s tasty Cajun cuisine. Mmm!
425 N. Parkerson Avenue
Crowley, LA 70526
April
Cajun Woodstock
Complete with a 5K color run, live music, a live auction, and a motorcycle “poker” run, Church Point’s Cajun Woodstock is a lively event that also raises money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Come out and experience two tried and true things about Louisiana: its sense of fun and its generous spirit.
104 E. Darbonne
Church Point, LA 70525
May
Rayne Frog Festival
Ribbit! Rayne’s signature croakers are calling you to take part in this longstanding festival, founded way back in 1972. Spread of over two days, the charming springtime gathering attracts thousands for live bands, a carnival midway, arts and crafts, a parade, and of course, frog leg cookoffs and eating contests. You’ll be feeling froggy in no time.
108 S. Adams
Rayne, LA 70578
October
Roberts Cove Germanfest
Hoist your stein and don your lederhosen! The Roberts Cove Germanfest celebrates Louisiana’s powerful yet undersold German heritage. Nineteenth Century German immigrants were responsible for establishing the state’s successful rice-growing industry here in Acadia Parish. Hear authentic German tunes, see agricultural demonstrations, dine on German fare, and enjoy a cold draft beer in the mild Louisiana fall weather.
7212 Roberts Cove Road
Rayne, LA 70578
International Rice Festival
One of Louisiana's largest and oldest festivals, the International Rice Festival in downtown Crowley attracts tens of thousands of attendees for a three-day celebration of one of the state’s most important crops. Sample a wide variety of rice-centric dishes, dance in the street to live bands, enjoy thrilling carnival rides, see the parade and pageant, and witness cooking contests in which some of the country’s best local cooks vie for top honors.
425 N. Parkerson Avenue
Crowley, LA 70526
December
Christmas in Crowley
Beautiful, historic downtown Crowley pulls out all the stops with a family-friendly vintage Christmas celebration that will warm your heart. Downtown’s many merchants roll out special deals on last-minute holiday gifts. Kids enjoy cocoa, cookies, and a visit from Santa, while scores of twinkling lights set a magical, merry vibe.
425 N. Parkerson Avenue
Crowley, LA 70526
Rayne Holiday Market
Stroll through rows of local vendors at Rayne’s annual Holiday Market in the Rayne Civic Center. From baked goods and preserves to crafts and retail items, there’s no shortage of one-of-a-kind finds at this festival marketplace. Christmas music plays as you shop, and concessions will keep you satisfied as you pick up the perfect goodies for family and friends. Santa is on site, too, ready to hear your Christmas list.
215 Frog Festival Drive
Rayne, LA 70578
