Rebounding from devastating flooding is a true testament to the resilience and joie de vivre of Louisiana.
While south Louisiana may be down, it most certainly is not out and the celebration of the state's culture, resources and people are a way to keep the momentum going for rebuilding.
Some fairs and festivals are regrouping this fall, hoping to return at their usual time next year.
In the meantime, a two-step, a drink and some Cajun cuisine can be a nice break from drywall and paint.
SEPTEMBER
FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPT. 16-17
MAMOU CAJUN MUSIC FESTIVAL: Mamou Recreation Center Complex, Main Street adjacent to Hightway 13, Mamou. Two days of traditional Cajun music, food and dancing indoors at this Evangeline Parish celebration. mamoucajunmusicfestival.com.
MARTHAVILLE GOOD OLE DAYS FESTIVAL: Downtown Marthaville. Located in Natchitoches Parish, this festival celebrates the town's heritage with a parade, music, food, arts and crafts and more.
NATCHITOCHES MEAT PIE FESTIVAL: Downtown riverfront, Natchitoches. Music, food, arts and crafts, annual Cane River Run and fireworks celebrate the central Louisiana delicacy. (800) 259-1714. meatpiefestival.com.
ST. MARTINVILLE PEPPER FESTIVAL: Festival Grounds, 200 N. New Market St., St. Martinville. Celebrating all the spice of life, this festival includes cooking contests, races, carnival rides, food and crafts, plus entertainment and music. $5. (447) 962-9948.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY, SEPT. 16-18
ST. THERESA BON TON FESTIVAL: St. Theresa Catholic Church, 4822 Carlyss Drive, Carlyss. Located near Lake Charles, this traditional church festival celebrates with music, auctions, food, rides, bingo, their signature pies as a large garage sale. st-theresa-parish.org.
MONDAY-SUNDAY, SEPT. 19-25
SABINE PARISH FAIR AND RODEO: Fairgrounds Road, Many. Weeklong family festival near Toldeo Bend includes music, food, rides, a rodeo, livestock show and more. (317) 471-9145.
WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY, SEPT. 21-25
LOUISIANA SUGAR CANE FESTIVAL: Various locations in New Iberia, including Bouligny Plaza, Cyr Gates Community Center at 300 Parkview Drive and Pepperplex at 607 Sucrose Drive. This "sweet" festival celebrates 75 years with rides, livestock show, pageants, parades, fireworks and contests that stretch across the city. Thursday is Farm Fest at Shadows-on-the-Teche. (337) 369-9323. hisugar.org.
THURSDAY-SUNDAY, SEPT. 22-25
ALLIGATOR FESTIVAL: West Bank Bridge Park, Interstate 310 and River Road, 13825 River Road, Luling. Food, drinks, rides and music are the hallmarks of this St. Charles Parish Festival, plus a chance to pet baby alligators and to view arts and crafts. alligatorfestival.org.
FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPT. 23-24
BOGALUSA BLUES & HERITAGE FESTIVAL: Cassidy Park, 625 Willis Ave., Bogalusa. The focus is on the music at this festival, with a side of food and crafts to go with the beat. $10 and up. bogalusablues.com.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY, SEPT. 23-25
HURRICANE FESTIVAL: Cut Off Youth Center, 205 W. 79th St., Cut Off. Food, music rides and fun for all ages await at this Lafourche Parish Festival. (985) 632-7616.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 24
NOLA ON TAP: City Park Festival Grounds, 1701 Wisner Blvd., New Orleans. Beer fest includes music, more than 400 local, national and home-brewed beer, vendors and games. $5 and up. nola.tap.org.
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, SEPT. 24-25
BEST OF THE BAYOU: 7856 Main St., downtown Houma. Two-day, two-stage festival of live music, food, activities and more. bestofthebayou.la.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 25
FRIED CHICKEN FESTIVAL: Lafayette Square, St. Charles Avenue and Maestri Street, New Orleans. First festival to celebrate the quintessential southern dish, with eating and cooking contests, live entertainment and more. friedchickenfestival.com.
WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY, SEPT. 28-Oct. 2
![FairCritters.TAM ST 4.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/8d/a8d1059c-7923-11e6-9822-fbd2e9278bfc/57d70a4c313dd.image.jpg?resize=150%2C96 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/8d/a8d1059c-7923-11e6-9822-fbd2e9278bfc/57d70a4c313dd.image.jpg?resize=200%2C127 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/8d/a8d1059c-7923-11e6-9822-fbd2e9278bfc/57d70a4c313dd.image.jpg?resize=225%2C143 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/8d/a8d1059c-7923-11e6-9822-fbd2e9278bfc/57d70a4c313dd.image.jpg?resize=300%2C191 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/8d/a8d1059c-7923-11e6-9822-fbd2e9278bfc/57d70a4c313dd.image.jpg?resize=400%2C255 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/8d/a8d1059c-7923-11e6-9822-fbd2e9278bfc/57d70a4c313dd.image.jpg?resize=540%2C344 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/8d/a8d1059c-7923-11e6-9822-fbd2e9278bfc/57d70a4c313dd.image.jpg?resize=640%2C408 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/8d/a8d1059c-7923-11e6-9822-fbd2e9278bfc/57d70a4c313dd.image.jpg?resize=750%2C478 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/8d/a8d1059c-7923-11e6-9822-fbd2e9278bfc/57d70a4c313dd.image.jpg?resize=990%2C631 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/8d/a8d1059c-7923-11e6-9822-fbd2e9278bfc/57d70a4c313dd.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C659 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/8d/a8d1059c-7923-11e6-9822-fbd2e9278bfc/57d70a4c313dd.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C764 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/8d/a8d1059c-7923-11e6-9822-fbd2e9278bfc/57d70a4c313dd.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C849 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/8d/a8d1059c-7923-11e6-9822-fbd2e9278bfc/57d70a4c313dd.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C940 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/8d/a8d1059c-7923-11e6-9822-fbd2e9278bfc/57d70a4c313dd.image.jpg?resize=1804%2C1149 2008w)
Sarah Cowell, 9, of Fifth Ward Elementary, pets a rabbit during the St. Tammany Parish fair in Covington. The five-day fair features exhibits and live entertainment. The 2016 fair will be held Sept. 28-Oct. 2.
ST. TAMMANY PARISH FAIR: 1304 N. Columbia St., Covington. A full-blown parish fair, complete with rides, music, entertainment, food, a rodeo, pageants, livestock show, arts and crafts and more. (985) 892-8421. sttammanyparishfair.info.
TANGIPAHOA PARISH FAIR: Florida Parishes Arena, 1301 N.W. Central Ave., Amite. Tangipahoa celebrates economic development with a traditional fair, including rides, food, royalty, a parade, livestock show, cooking contests, talent and spirit contests and more. tangipahoaparishfair.org.
FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPT. 30-OCT. 1
ROBELINE HERITAGE FESTIVAL: Downtown Robeline, Highway 6. Celebration of the heritage of this central Louisiana town west of Natchitoches with music, crafts, food, a parade and more. (800) 259-1714. robelineheritage.org.
OCTOBER
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, OCT. 1-2
TREME FESTIVAL: Henriette Delille and Gov. Nicholls streets, New Orleans. Celebration of historic neighborhood, with music, food and arts and crafts to benefit St. Augustine Catholic Church and area organizations. tremefest.com.
ROBERTS COVE GERMANFEST: 7212 Roberts Cove Road, Rayne. "Willkonnen" marks the word for this festival celebrating the strong contingent of German settlers to this Acadia Parish area, with music, food, crafts and more. robertscovegermanfest.com.
TUESDAY-SUNDAY, OCT. 4-9
BEAUREGARD PARISH FAIR: 506 West Drive, DeRidder. One of the oldest agricultural fairs in the state features livestock and pet shows, culinary competitions, rides, music, a parade, a variety of pageants and more. (337) 462-3135. beauregardparishfair.vpweb.com.
WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY, OCT. 5-9
WEST LOUISIANA FORESTRY FESTIVAL: Vernon Parish Fairgrounds, Leesville. Carnival rides, livestock show, vendors, food and more celebrate the logging heritage of the state. (337) 238-0647. vppjla.com.
THURSDAY-SATURDAY, OCT. 6-8
ATCHAFALAYA CATFISH FESTIVAL: Melville Civic Center Grounds, 1105 First St., Melville. Fried, courtbouillon, grilled, blackened and more will be on the menu for this festival, with entertainment and more. (337) 623-4226.
ZWOLLE TAMALE FIESTA: Zwolle Festival Grounds, 1100 S. Main St., Zwolle. Festival to celebrate the Native American and Spanish heritage of the area with food, contests, rides, music and royalty boasting some of the state's most interesting crowns and fashion. (318) 645-2388. zweolletamalefiest.com.
FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCT. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22
OKTOBERFEST: Deutsches Haus, Rivertown, Kenner. German food, music and celebration are the focal points of this three-weekend extravaganza. $8. oktoberstnola.com.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY, OCT. 7-9
GRETNA HERITAGE FESTIVAL: Downtown Gretna. Six stages and 25 blocks of this historic West Bank community come alive for annual festival, featuring rides, food, arts and crafts, celebrations of Italian and German heritage, plus name entertainment. $20 and up. (504) 361-7748. gretnafest.com.
PONCHATOULA FALL FESTIVAL: Ponchatoula Memorial Park,301 N. Sixth St., Ponchatoula. First Kiwanis family-friendly festival with rides, games, petting zoo, music and a barbecue cooking contest attracting teams from across the nation. (985) 386-2536.ponchatoulakiwanis.com.
LA FETE DES VIEUX TEMPS: Highways 1 and 190, Raceland. "The Festival of Old Times" features food, music, cooking contests, exhibitions, rides and more. Facebook.com/lafetedesvieuxtemps.
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, OCT. 8-9
![NO.BoatFest ST 10.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/94/994d56ba-7924-11e6-b618-138d16a44da2/57d70be7d296a.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/94/994d56ba-7924-11e6-b618-138d16a44da2/57d70be7d296a.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/94/994d56ba-7924-11e6-b618-138d16a44da2/57d70be7d296a.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/94/994d56ba-7924-11e6-b618-138d16a44da2/57d70be7d296a.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/94/994d56ba-7924-11e6-b618-138d16a44da2/57d70be7d296a.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/94/994d56ba-7924-11e6-b618-138d16a44da2/57d70be7d296a.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/94/994d56ba-7924-11e6-b618-138d16a44da2/57d70be7d296a.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/94/994d56ba-7924-11e6-b618-138d16a44da2/57d70be7d296a.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/94/994d56ba-7924-11e6-b618-138d16a44da2/57d70be7d296a.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/94/994d56ba-7924-11e6-b618-138d16a44da2/57d70be7d296a.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/94/994d56ba-7924-11e6-b618-138d16a44da2/57d70be7d296a.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/94/994d56ba-7924-11e6-b618-138d16a44da2/57d70be7d296a.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/94/994d56ba-7924-11e6-b618-138d16a44da2/57d70be7d296a.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C984 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/94/994d56ba-7924-11e6-b618-138d16a44da2/57d70be7d296a.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1175 2008w)
Finished boats are on display during the Down and Dirty Boat Building Contest at the Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival. Oct. 8-9 are the 2016 dates for the festival.
WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL: Along the banks of the Tchefuncte River, Madisonville. The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum festival includes rides, music, crafts, a boat-building contest, parade and food are part of this festival. $10. (985) 845-9200. woodenboatfest.org.
FISHERMEN'S FESTIVAL: St. Peter Catholic School, 188 W. Seventh St., Reserve. Annual school for, featuring food, pageants and fun. stpeterreserve.org.
TUESDAY-SUNDAY, OCT. 11-16
LOUISIANA COTTON FESTIVAL: North Side Civic Center, 704 N. Soileau St., Ville Platte. Evangeline Parish celebrate big cotton in this venerated festival with Cajun joie de vivre, packed with rides, food, music, royalty, contests, a parade and the turning of the Tournoi, a Medieval-themed competition of knights and jousting. (337) 831-3340. louisianacottonfestival.com.
WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY, OCT. 12-16
RAPIDES PARISH FAIR: Fair Grounds, 8149 U.S. Highway 71S, Alexandria. Livestock competitions, cooking events, music, food and rides are on the bill for this central Louisiana mainstay of the fair and festival circuit. (318) 767-3968. therapdiesparishfair.com.
THURSDAY-SUNDAY, OCT. 13-16
![LafFest.101215](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/05/205ebb9a-7924-11e6-a995-337e21899fa2/57d70acb8b371.image.jpg?resize=150%2C94 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/05/205ebb9a-7924-11e6-a995-337e21899fa2/57d70acb8b371.image.jpg?resize=200%2C126 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/05/205ebb9a-7924-11e6-a995-337e21899fa2/57d70acb8b371.image.jpg?resize=225%2C142 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/05/205ebb9a-7924-11e6-a995-337e21899fa2/57d70acb8b371.image.jpg?resize=300%2C189 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/05/205ebb9a-7924-11e6-a995-337e21899fa2/57d70acb8b371.image.jpg?resize=400%2C252 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/05/205ebb9a-7924-11e6-a995-337e21899fa2/57d70acb8b371.image.jpg?resize=540%2C340 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/05/205ebb9a-7924-11e6-a995-337e21899fa2/57d70acb8b371.image.jpg?resize=640%2C403 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/05/205ebb9a-7924-11e6-a995-337e21899fa2/57d70acb8b371.image.jpg?resize=750%2C472 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/05/205ebb9a-7924-11e6-a995-337e21899fa2/57d70acb8b371.image.jpg?resize=990%2C624 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/05/205ebb9a-7924-11e6-a995-337e21899fa2/57d70acb8b371.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C652 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/05/205ebb9a-7924-11e6-a995-337e21899fa2/57d70acb8b371.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C756 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/05/205ebb9a-7924-11e6-a995-337e21899fa2/57d70acb8b371.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C840 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/05/205ebb9a-7924-11e6-a995-337e21899fa2/57d70acb8b371.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C930 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/05/205ebb9a-7924-11e6-a995-337e21899fa2/57d70acb8b371.image.jpg?resize=1813%2C1142 2008w)
A woman raises her arms as she watches the Lost Bayou Ramblers during the final day of the 50th Festivals Acadiens et Creoles in Lafayette last year. The festival this year will be Oct. 13-16 in Girard Park.
FESTIVALS ACADIENS ET CREOLES: Girard Park, downtown Lafayette. From the heart of Acadiana comes one of the biggest festivals to celebrate the experience, music, food and joie de vivre of Louisiana's early settlers. Arts and crafts, kids activities and informational presentations are also included. festivalsacadiens.com.
LOUISIANA CATTLE FESTIVAL: Downtown Abbeville. Originally called the Dairy Festival, this southwest Louisiana event celebrates the cattle industry of the state with pageants, parades, contests, a livestock show and a street dancing, as well as arts and crafts. (337) 652-0646. louisianacattlefestival.org.
CALCASIEU-CAMERON FAIR: West Calcasieu Arena and Event Center, 401 Arnea Road, Sulphur. Located near Lake Charles in southwest Louisiana, this 93-year-old event features rides, music, food, cooking competitions, pageants, wildlife exhibits anymore. (337) 527-9371. visitlakecharles.org.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY, OCT. 14-16
CRESCENT CITY BLUES AND BARBECUE FESTIVAL: Lafayette Square Park, 540 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans. Music is the mainstay but delicious barbecue gets equal billing at this downtown festival that includes an arts market and food vendors. (504) 558-6100. jazzandheritage.org/blues-fest.
BRIDGE CITY GUMBO FESTIVAL: Gumbo Festival Park, 1701 Bridge City Ave., Bridge City. Holy Guardian Angels Church sponsors this "world famous" festival of all things gumbo, including rides, pageants, cooking competitions, music, arts and crafts and more. $3. bridgecitygumbofestival.org.
ANDOUILLE FESTIVAL: Thomas F. Daley Memorial Park, 2900 Highway 51, LaPlace. St. John the Baptist Parish's festival salutes the succulent smoked sausage in a variety of ways, with music, food, children's activities, a run, pageants, arts and crafts, rides and more. $3. (985) 652-569. andouillefestival.com.
ALMA PLANTATION HARVEST FESTIVAL: Downtown New Roads. Rides, food, entertainment, pageants and more are part of this event. (225) 638-5360. harvestfestivalnewroads.com.
SATURDAY, OCT. 15
ANBA DLO HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL: New Orleans Healing Center, 2372 St. Claude Ave., New Orleans. Water symposium with interactive art installations, parade, food drinks and music. (504) 940-7730. anbadlofestival.org.
RAGLEY TIMBER AND HERITAGE FESTIVAL: Ragley Historic Square, 6715 Highway 12, Ragley. Train rides, fun jumps, demonstrations, arts and crafts plus lots of good food and silent auction. $5. (337) 725-3324.
WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY, OCT. 19-22
WASHINGTON PARISH FREE FAIR: Washington Parish Free Fair Grounds, 115 Main St., Franklinton. This rural fair dates back to 1911 and maintains a country feeling with a pioneer village, market, rodeo, midway, pageants, food and music, including Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Bros. (985) 516-7078. freefair.com.
THURSDAY-SUNDAY, OCT. 20-23
INTERNATIONAL RICE FESTIVAL: Downtown Crowley. One of the oldest and largest of the state's agricultural festivals, this Acadia Parish event celebrations one of Acadiana's most prolific crops with food, contests, rides, a parade, pageants, entertainment and more. (337) 783-3067. rice festival.com.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY, OCT. 21-23
![Seafood001.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/17/317351fa-7926-11e6-bba8-d7c17979a2b1/57d70e10c8ad9.image.jpg?resize=150%2C94 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/17/317351fa-7926-11e6-bba8-d7c17979a2b1/57d70e10c8ad9.image.jpg?resize=200%2C126 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/17/317351fa-7926-11e6-bba8-d7c17979a2b1/57d70e10c8ad9.image.jpg?resize=225%2C141 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/17/317351fa-7926-11e6-bba8-d7c17979a2b1/57d70e10c8ad9.image.jpg?resize=300%2C188 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/17/317351fa-7926-11e6-bba8-d7c17979a2b1/57d70e10c8ad9.image.jpg?resize=400%2C251 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/17/317351fa-7926-11e6-bba8-d7c17979a2b1/57d70e10c8ad9.image.jpg?resize=540%2C339 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/17/317351fa-7926-11e6-bba8-d7c17979a2b1/57d70e10c8ad9.image.jpg?resize=640%2C402 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/17/317351fa-7926-11e6-bba8-d7c17979a2b1/57d70e10c8ad9.image.jpg?resize=750%2C471 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/17/317351fa-7926-11e6-bba8-d7c17979a2b1/57d70e10c8ad9.image.jpg?resize=990%2C622 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/17/317351fa-7926-11e6-bba8-d7c17979a2b1/57d70e10c8ad9.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C650 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/17/317351fa-7926-11e6-bba8-d7c17979a2b1/57d70e10c8ad9.image.jpg?resize=1080%2C678 1200w)
St. Louis King of France first- through third-graders including CeCe Liggio, right, and Ella Beaulieu, left, practice their dance routine for the 18th annual Bucktown Seafood Festival 2015. The 2016 festival is planned Oct. 21-23.
BUCKTOWN SEAFOOD FESTIVAL: 1600 Lake Ave., Metairie. Music, rides, games and succulent seafood are the hallmarks of this festival for St. Louis King of France School. (504) 833-8224. slkfschool.com.
SATURDAY, OCT. 22
![Experience Louisiana Festival](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/bc/dbcb371c-7926-11e6-969a-0fe7ee25f088/57d70f19a3e6c.image.jpg?resize=150%2C250 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/bc/dbcb371c-7926-11e6-969a-0fe7ee25f088/57d70f19a3e6c.image.jpg?resize=200%2C333 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/bc/dbcb371c-7926-11e6-969a-0fe7ee25f088/57d70f19a3e6c.image.jpg?resize=225%2C375 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/bc/dbcb371c-7926-11e6-969a-0fe7ee25f088/57d70f19a3e6c.image.jpg?resize=300%2C500 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/bc/dbcb371c-7926-11e6-969a-0fe7ee25f088/57d70f19a3e6c.image.jpg?resize=400%2C667 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/bc/dbcb371c-7926-11e6-969a-0fe7ee25f088/57d70f19a3e6c.image.jpg?resize=540%2C900 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/bc/dbcb371c-7926-11e6-969a-0fe7ee25f088/57d70f19a3e6c.image.jpg?resize=640%2C1066 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/bc/dbcb371c-7926-11e6-969a-0fe7ee25f088/57d70f19a3e6c.image.jpg?resize=750%2C1250 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/bc/dbcb371c-7926-11e6-969a-0fe7ee25f088/57d70f19a3e6c.image.jpg?resize=990%2C1650 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/bc/dbcb371c-7926-11e6-969a-0fe7ee25f088/57d70f19a3e6c.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C1725 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/theadvocate.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/bc/dbcb371c-7926-11e6-969a-0fe7ee25f088/57d70f19a3e6c.image.jpg?resize=1115%2C1858 1200w)
Sam Riehl, of Lafayette, celebrates the age-old artistry of blacksmithing at the 2015 Experience Louisiana Festival in the Folklife Village at LSU-Eunice. Riehl will return, along with more than 30 artisans showing the diverse folk traditions from around the state at the Oct. 22-23 festival.
SWEET DOUGH PIE FESTIVAL: St. Charles Catholic Church, 174 Church St., Grand Coteau. One-day event celebrates the history of this St. Landry Parish town (home to the Academy of the Sacred Heart boarding school) with contests, speakers, music and arts and crafts. (337) 662-3058. sweetdoughgc.com.
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, OCT. 22-23
ROUGAROU FEST: Downtown Houma. Festival fundraiser for South Louisiana Welands Discovery Center, celebrating the legends the werewolf-like rougarou, with music, food, activities, a parade, contests and more. rougaroufest.org.
EXPERIENCE LOUISIANA FESTIVAL: LSU-Eunice, 2048 Johnson Highway, Eunice. The rich heritage of this area comes to life in a festival that includes music, folklife, food, cooking demonstrations, a film village, and exhibition games of the world-champion LSUE ball teams. (337) 457-1776. experiencelouisiana.org.
THURSDAY-SUNDAY, OCT. 27-NOV. 13
STATE FAIR OF LOUISIANA: State Fairgrounds, Shreveport. Grand state fair, with rodeo, livestock shows, midway, contests, food, headlining entertainment and more. Closed on Mondays. $8 and up. (318) 635-1361. statefairoflouisiana.com,
FRIDAY-SUNDAY, OCT. 28-30
VOODOO MUSIC + ARTS EXPERIENCE: City Park, New Orleans. Three-day festival of music, food and arts which has blossomed into a national draw for the Crescent City. $70 and up. worshipthemusic.com.
FRENCH FOOD FESTIVAL: Larose Regional Park and Civic Center, 307 E. 5th St., Larose. Cajun food, music and dancing, plus rides, cultural demonstrations, contests and events are highlights of this festival. (985) 693-7355. bayoucivicclub.org.
SATURDAY, OCT. 29
HARVEST MOON FESTIVAL: Downtown Franklin. Family-friendly event with food, treats and crafts. (337) 828-1516. facebook.com/franklinharvestmoonfest.
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, OCT. 27-NOV.6
GREATER BATON ROUGE STATE FAIR: 16072 Airline Highway, Baton Rouge. Perched on the edge of East Baton Rouge and Ascension Parishes, the fairgrounds is home to a whirlwind of activity, from live entertainment, agricultural and livestock shows, special events, food, rides and a south Louisiana good time. (225) 755-3247. gbrsf.com.
NOVEMBER
FRIDAY-SUNDAY, NOV. 4-6
SWAMP POP MUSIC FESTIVAL: Hidden Oaks Family Campground, 21544 U.S. 190, Hammond. Music and food at this family-friendly event. hiddenoaksfamilycampground.com.
LOUISIANA SWINE FESTIVAL: 2000 Staff Ave., Basile. This Acadiana festival celebrates 50 years, with pageants, talent competitions, food, entertainment and more. (337) 224-0058. facebook.com/Louisiana-Swine-Festival-127475284854/.
LOUISIANA PECAN FESTIVAL: Colfax. This Grant Parish town celebrates the native pecan with a weekend of fun, including music, food, royalty and fun. (318) 627-5196. lapecanfest.com.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY, NOV. 11-13
WESTWEGO CYPRESS SWAMP FEST: Westwego Farmers & Fisheries Market, 484 Sala Ave., Westwego. Music, food, rides, games and crafts are highlights of this West Bank festival. (504) 341-9083. cityofwestwego.com.
RIVER PARISHES FALL FESTIVAL: Sacred Heart Church, 453 Spruce St., Norco. Three days of music, food, rides, games and fun. (985) 764-9958. sacredheartschoolnorco.org.
PORT BARRE CRACKLIN FESTIVAL: Veteran's Park, 504 Saizan Ave., Port Barre. Crispy friend cracklins are the centerpiece of this festival showcasing the ritual of making the tasty pork treats, plus music, rides, arts and crafts and royalty. (877) 948-8004.
SATURDAY, NOV. 12
THIBODEAUXVILLE FALL FESTIVAL: Downtown Thibodaux. One-day festival celebrates historic downtown area with arts and crafts, food, a duck race on Bayou Lafourche and more. thibodauxchamber.com.
ATCHAFALAYA BASIN FESTIVAL: Park Drive, Henderson. One-day festival of food, music, car and truck show and arts and crafts to benefit area churches. basinfestival.com.
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, Nov. 12-13
TREME CREOLE GUMBO FESTIVAL: Armstrong Park, 701 N. Rampart St., New Orleans. Brass band showcase also features gumbo, an arts market and kids area. (504) 558-6100. jazzandheritage.org/treme-gumbo.
THREE RIVERS ART FESTIVAL: Downtown Covington. Artworks of all genres, food, a children's discovery area and more are on tap for this St. Tammany Parish festival. (985) 327-9797. threeriversartfestival.com.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY, Nov. 18-20
EL FESTIVAL ESPAÑOL DE NEUVA IBERIA: Bouligny Plaza, New Iberia. Celebration of the Spanish heritage includes paella and tapas cook-offs, cemetery tours, royalty, children's activities, a running of the bulls, music and dancing. newiberianspanishfestival.com.
SATURDAY, NOV. 19
LOWER COAST WINE AND MUSIC FESTIVAL: English Turn Country Club, New Orleans. Music, grand tastings, and more are part of this celebration of the fruit of the vine. $75 and up. (504) 392-2200. lowercoastwinefestival.com.