News in Louisiana's Cajun Bayou

Our autumnal events continue into October and hit all the important “F’s” – fall, family, friends, festivals, fun and (perhaps most importantly) food! Come on down to Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou this month to see, taste, hear and experience what it means to be Cajun in the Fall and how we do things here in coastal Louisiana. Here’s a sampling of all the fun to come!

Grand Reveil Acadien (GRA) 2022 Symposium
October 5

The Grand Reveil Acadien will be making a stop in Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou during their week-long celebration of the Acadian & Cajun culture. Visit the link above to get a full rundown of the seminars and events taking place in Lafourche Parish that day. You’re invited to learn about the history and traditions of both during this all-day event.

La Fete des Vieux Temps
October 7 – 9

Immerse yourself in authentic Cajun culture with the “Festival of Old Times,” an event featuring tasty Cajun food (as if there’s any other kind), music, dancing, and an arts-and-crafts show.

Laurel Valley Fall Festival
October 16

Held at Laurel Valley Village in Thibodaux, this arts-and-crafts show is complemented by live music, demonstrations and authentic Cajun food. Guests can browse vendors, enjoy good food and learn about the history of sugar cane farming in the area.

Saved by the ‘90s
October 20

Are you a ‘90s baby wishing you could relive your childhood? Now’s your chance! Artists like DJ Spin and the Spin Doctors will take concert-goers into the ‘90s at this throwback event.

Louisiana Gumbo Festival
October 21 – 23

Do you prefer your gumbo with sausage? Or perhaps with chicken? Maybe seafood? Whatever your preference, come enjoy authentic gumbo made from scratch at the Louisiana Gumbo Festival, along with live music and demonstrations. Fun fact: Nearly 500 gallons of gumbo will be made throughout the weekend!

Monsters on Main
October 28

Bring your little ghosts & ghouls to Downtown Thibodaux for a fun evening of trick-or-treating with participating businesses!

French Food Festival
October 28 – 30

We hope you’ve got some stretchy pants, because this festival celebrates local dishes influenced by both the French and Cajun cultures. Sample the various dishes while taking in the live music, but be sure to not eat so much that you can’t join in the dancing!

Acadia Music Fest
October 29

Local, national and international artists come together for one day in Thibodaux for the Acadia Music Fest. This year, the festival is headlined by Ludacris, who will be joined by artists including David Shaw, DJ Spin, and more.

Downtown Sounds
November 3

What’s better than taking up the streets of Downtown Thibodaux with live outdoor music! Check out Flow Tribe and Snapper & the Fishsticks at the second edition of Downtown Sounds!

Big Boy’s Main Street Cook Off
November 11

One of the most anticipated events of the year, Big Boy’s Main St. Cook Off brings out local chefs to determine who can make the best, most unapologetically Cajun dish. Spectators get plenty of delicious samples, along with live music.

Thibodeauxville Fall Festival
November 12

Come for the food, music, car show, and art vendors … stay for the rubber ducks! Try your luck at the infamous rubber duck race down Bayou Lafourche. The odds may not be in your favor, but the winner gets ultimate bragging rights – and a hefty monetary prize.

Whether you’re coming to one of the events for the good food (aren’t we all?), the chance to immerse yourself in the Cajun culture, to spend time with friends and family, or just try your luck at winning money from a lucky ducky, we’re ready and waiting to welcome you to Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou.

Though there’s always something fun to do in Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou, fall is an extra-special time of year here. It’s when residents and visitors get to enjoy some of Lafourche Parish’s most beloved events, and now – one year after Hurricane Ida put a pause on so many activities – most of these events are back on the bayou … and better than ever, if we do say so ourselves! Here’s a preview of what’s coming up in September:
Boat Tours on Bayou Lafourche
Weekly, every Friday and Saturday

The Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center’s weekly boat tours are resuming this month. Travel up and down the bayou with a park ranger, learning about the history of the waterway and the wildlife and nature that surrounds you. On Fridays, you’ll also be treated to a tour of the E.D. White Historic Site as part of this round-trip journey. In addition, the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center has their Cercle Francophone Classes and Music on the Bayou every Tuesday, and Historic Downtown Thibodaux Walking Tours every Wednesday & Thursday.

Cajun Music Jam at Gina's
September 7 and 21

Head to Gina’s at the Legion – for bimonthly Cajun Music Jams. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Cajun music or a novice just wanting to dip your toes in, all ages and experience levels are welcome to play, dance and pass a good time.

Tawasi Antiques and Art Show
September 9 – 11

This three-day show features antiques and art dealers from across the country, with proceeds going back to the community. Enjoy a variety of quality pieces including jewelry, glassware, silver, furniture, art pieces, and more.

Creole Classic Fest
September 17

Bring your dancing feet and cooking skills to the Creole Classic Fest, held at Harang Auditorium in Thibodaux. Listen to live music, compete in a cornhole tournament and enter a cook-off to show off your culinary skills (advance registration required).

Cut Off Youth Center Hurricane Festival
September 23 – 25

With live music, carnival rides, vendors, classic Cajun food and kid-friendly activities, this annual festival offers something for every member of the family.

Fall Arts Walk
September 23

Stroll down Main Street while taking in work by resident artists and supporting the local shops and businesses you pass along the way.

Nicholls State University Football Season Opener
September 24
Come cheer on the NSU Colonels at their first home game of the season against Jacksonville State. It’s a Red Out, so be sure to show up wearing red to support the team!

Clearly, if there’s one thing we love in Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou, it’s a fun event! We have plenty to do this month, so grab your family and come on down. We hope to see you here!

Louisiana's Cajun Bayou Remembers Hurricane Ida - One Year Later

Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou has seen its fair share of challenges over the past two years. As all of our hotels, restaurants, attractions and events grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic and the ever-changing path forward, Lafourche Parish was dealt a devastating Category 4 blow on August 29, 2021.

Hurricane Ida, the second-most damaging and intense hurricane to ever hit the state of Louisiana, made landfall near Port Fourchon on the 29th and quickly made its way up Bayou Lafourche. The destruction left in its wake was nothing short of catastrophic. The aftermath has been felt by every single resident of our beloved parish, with towns down the bayou being some of the hardest hit.

However, the story does not end there. You see, Cajuns are no strangers to adversity. Some of the first settlers along the bayou, the Acadians, faced severe uncertainty and challenging times. That same strength, grit, and determination has been passed down for generations. It shined brightly the morning of August 30th, the day after landfall, as neighbors helped neighbors, communities helped communities, and friends from around the country rushed to our aid.
As our residents emerged to begin picking up the pieces of their lives, what we saw was not shattered windows, splintered trees and destroyed homes. It was people opening their homes to those without one, community organizations distributing critical aid to families that didn’t know what tomorrow would bring, and business owners giving away whatever they could to aid the cause. In the hot, humid days that followed, the words “how can I help” echoed off the banks of the bayou.

As the weeks grew into months, things began to get better. Debris was cleaned up, supplies distributed, roofs tarped and lights turned back on. Hotels – even though many were running on generators with damage of their own – manned their front desks and housed linemen, work crews and those in need of shelter. Our restaurants continued to serve hot meals to workers and first responders… day in and day out. Our own tourism team did not stop working one day, even though Ida destroyed our visitor center and offices. Everyone selflessly did their part to begin putting our destination back together. Along the way, we collectively showed the world what it truly means to be Cajun.
One year later, here we are. Our doors are back open, the tables are set, the beds are made and our lively festivals have returned. We are welcoming visitors back to experience our unapologetically Cajun culture once again. Even though there is a still a long way to go, we have come so very far over the course of one year. We would not be where we are today if it were not for our residents, government officials, community organizations, volunteers, linemen and those who came from far and wide to help us put the pieces back together.

We invite you to come be part of our continued recovery. Come stay awhile at one of our local hotels or B&B’s, taste authentic Cajun cooking at our family-owned restaurants, take a ride into our unspoiled swamps, or party like a local at one of our many festivals and events. We often say that the Bayou Life isn’t for anyone … it’s for everyone. And we mean it. There is truly no other place like Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou in Lafourche Parish. We can’t wait to welcome you to our incredibly resilient family.

Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Crosses Country Borders for Historic Partnership

Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism Announces Collaboration with Acadian Regions of Nova Scotia

When people think of America’s great food cities, New Orleans often tops the list. But it’s not just big cities that know their way around a menu. Plenty of small towns are noted for their food scenes, too … but only one in Louisiana! On June 17, USA Today 10Best announced that Thibodaux is the #2-ranked Best Small Town Food Scene in the entire United States. This is Thibodaux’s fourth time being nominated, and its second year in a row of taking the #2 position.

This was a Reader’s Choice Award contest, in which millions of the website’s readers voted for their favorite nominees in several “best small town” categories. After four weeks, the voting closed and the winners were announced on June 17. Not only did Thibodaux receive this honor, but it was the only Louisiana destination to be included on the list of nominees, proving that it continues to make its mark as one of the South’s top culinary destinations.

If you’re the kind of person who sees the world through a photographer’s lens or enjoys being creative, you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up some of the most “Instagrammable” spots throughout Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou. Whether you’re looking to up your Instagram game, find a new spot for your family pictures, or just need an excuse to get out and have some fun, these spots are guaranteed to give you the perfect #TravelTuesday or #PhotoOfTheDay post that will be the envy of all your friends.

Thibodaux Downtown Art Mural
505 W 2nd St, Thibodaux, LA, 70301

Spring is making its way down the Bayou, brining warmer weather and plenty of fun along with it. Our festival season is in full bloom right now … and we encourage visitors and residents to see what all the buzz is about.

This year, Mardi Gras is back on the Bayou and better than ever! Because COVID put a damper on last year’s celebrations, we have a lot of Mardi Gras to make up for in 2022. Not to worry … because we know how to celebrate here on the Bayou! From February 20 to March 1 (Fat Tuesday), krewes will be parading throughout Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou. You can find all the parade routes HERE. We recommend that you practice catching your throws now, just so you’ll be prepared in a couple of weeks. Grab some beads and get ready for some reveling … and laissez les bon temps rouler!

Sunday, February 20
Krewe of Shaka in Thibodaux, 12:30 p.m.
Krewe of Ambrosia in Thibodaux, 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 26
Krewe of Apollo in Lockport, 12:00 p.m.

Sunday, February 27
Krewe of Cleophas in Thibodaux, 12:30 p.m.
Krewe of Chronos in Thibodaux, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 1
Krewe of Gheens in Gheens, 11:00 a.m.
Krewe des Couyons in Golden Meadow, 12:00 p.m.
Krewe of Ghana in Thibodaux, 1:00 p.m.
Krewe of Choupic in Chackbay, 1:00 p.m.

And if you find yourself hungry and in the Mardi Gras spirit with all these parades, here are the best spots to get some king cake. We hope you’re the lucky one who finds the baby inside!
The Willow Café
713 West Third Street, Thibodaux, LA 70301
985-448-0444

Ninette’s Cake Shop
1050 S. Acadia Road, Thibodaux, LA 70301
985-447-1714

The Cake Shop
305 Crescent Avenue, Lockport, LA 70374
985-532-6339

Spahr’s Seafood (featuring king cake beignets)
601 W. Fourth Street, Thibodaux, LA 70301
3682 Highway 90 E., Des Allemands, LA 70030
16816 Highway 3235, Galliano, LA 70345
985-448-0487
Alumni Grill (featuring king cake cheesecake and milkshakes)
1130 LA-1, Thibodaux, LA 70301
985-492-1324

Cajun Pecan House
14808 W. Main Street, Cut Off, LA 70345
985-632-2337

If you’re interested in celebrating Mardi Gras with us but can’t make it to Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou to party in person, Cajun Pecan House ships its king cakes nationwide, offering the tastes of Carnival delivered right to your front door.

Have the perfect Mardi Gras outfit? Trying a king cake milkshake for the first time? Celebrating at home with your own king cake? Be sure to share it with us on social media using the hashtag #CajunBayouMardiGras.

January is the month of “new,” as we say goodbye to 2021, we look forward to the new year by establishing goals and perhaps dreams of new adventures ahead. Did you make a resolution to become more active this year? Or to step outside your comfort zone and try new things? Perhaps you plan to adopt a new hobby. Whatever you’ve set your sights on doing in 2022, Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou is ready to support the “new” you in this new year. Here are some ideas to get you started:

If you’re looking to be more active or spend more time outside …

Nicholls State Bayou-Side Park opened last summer so locals and visitors would have an incredibly accessible place to launch their own kayaks and paddle boards right in the heart of Thibodaux. A paddle up and down Bayou Lafourche is a great way to explore something new while being active and enjoying the great outdoors.

‘Tis the season to be jolly in Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou! Here in Lafourche Parish, we’re known for our unique Cajun culture, and we amp it up just a little bit more at Christmastime. We have a few special traditions you won’t find in other spots around the planet.

Instead of Santa Claus arriving on Christmas Eve, children all along the bayou eagerly await the appearance of Papa Noel. Similar to Santa (but -- dare we say – better) Papa Noel leaves toys for the kids, but he ditches the flying sleigh and reindeer and instead travels via pirogue, which is basically a Cajun canoe, along the waters of the bayou. And – BIG bonus – that pirogue is pulled by alligators instead of reindeer!

Yeah. We know. How could it get better? Well … we light bonfires along the bayou to help Papa Noel find his way to each and every home to deliver his toys. On Christmas Eve, you see little bonfires along the bayou – best spotted if you travel by boat, but please be sure you don’t get in Papa Noel’s way and slow down his journey!