Fairs and Festivals

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

FALL 2019

YOUR GUIDE TO FALL FESTIVALS IN TERREBONNE AND LAFOURCHE PARISHES

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2 FALL 2019 | FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

See Everything Happening in Houma at

FALL 2019 | FAIRS AND FESTIVALS 3

Laissez le bon temps rouler

Houma’s Rougarou Festival, whose theme centers on the swamp werewolf of Cajun lore, is a mix of Mardi Gras and Halloween. A highlight is the parade, which stops at the Courthouse Square so zombie dancers can perform a choreographed dance routine to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” The festival is scheduled for Oct. 26 and 27. [houmatoday/ dailycomet] One of the best things about fall in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes is not just the cooler weather but the abundance of fairs and festivals.

Many of them celebrate the people, food and

places who make our part of the world unique: gumbo, the bayous and Cajun culture. We even have a unique take on Halloween — centered on the mythical bayou creature, the rougarou.

This guide in-

cludes a list of all the local festivals we could find through year’s end. If you’d like to add others to our list online, and to the calendar in our weekly Big Fun on the Bayou entertainment guide, email our newsroom at

news@houmatoday.com and include “festival listing” in the subject line.

In the meantime, flip through this guide and put some upcoming festivals on your calendar.

It’s time to let the good times roll.

4 FALL 2019 | FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Shrimp and Petroleum Festival AUG. 29 - AUG. 30, MORGAN CITY

The Shrimp and Petroleum Festival, one of the oldest in the country, hits Morgan City over Labor Day weekend. [File] What: 84th annual Labor Day Weekend celebration with food, live music, children’s activities,

over 100 arts and crafts vendors, art show, parade, fireworks and a blessing of the fleet.

When: 5 p.m. to midnight Aug. 29-30, 9 a.m. to midnight Aug. 31-Sept. 1 and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sept. 2.

Where: 305 Everett St., Morgan City.

Admission: Free to the public.

FALL 2019 | FAIRS AND FESTIVALS 5

TaWaSi Antiques and Vintage Show SEPT. 6 - SEPT. 8, THIBODAUX

The TaWaSi Antiques and Vintage Show is in its 43rd year. [File] What: The 43rd annual antiques show will feature dealers from throughout the South selling vintage and antique items such as estate and costume jewelry, furniture, home dĂŠcor, linens and much more. There will be a

raffle of items donated by various dealers and drawings for door prizes.

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sept. 6-7 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 8.

Where: Thibodaux Civic Center, 310 N. Canal Blvd. in Thibodaux.

Tickets: Unlimited admission tickets, which are $10 and can be used for all three days, may be purchased from any TaWaSi member, through eventbrite. com or at the door.

Children in strollers will be admitted free.

6 FALL 2019 | FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Craftin’ Cajuns SEPT. 14, HOUMA

The Craftin Cajuns craft show fills the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center with crafters and customers twice a year. [File]

What: Fall edition of large craft show, featuring over 200 booths with craft items

and food.

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept 14.

Where: Houma-Terrebonne

Civic Center, 346 Civic Center Blvd., Houma.

Admission: Free to the pub-

lic.

Info: houmaciviccenter.com/ craftshow.

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Art After Dark SEPT. 14, HOUMA

Over 70 artists will display their work in Downtown Houma on Sept.

14. [File] What: The 19th annual event in which over 70 artists will display

their work in the downtown area.

When: 6:309:30 p.m.

Sept. 14.

Where: Downtown Art Gallery, 630 Belanger St.,

Houma.

Cost: Free to the public.

Info: 8512198.

8 FALL 2019 | FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

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The Gala Goes Gatsby SEPT. 19, HOUMA

Formerly known as Ladies Night Out, The Gala Goes Gatsby will raise money for the Mary Bird Perkins TGMC Cancer Center on Sept. 19.

[Submitted] What: Annual fundraiser for the Mary Bird Perkins TGMC Cancer Center, formerly known as Ladies Night Out. Men and women can sip

on libations from the period, dress in their ‘20s best, and mingle in a cocktail party setting, while experiencing mission mo-

ments centered on patients and survivors who will be highlighted throughout the evening.

When: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 19.

Where: Hou-

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ma-Terrebonne Civic Center, Meeting Room Wing, 346 Civic Center Blvd., Houma.

Tickets: $75 at mbptgmc.org/ gala.

2018

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10 FALL 2019 | FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Vandebilt Fall Festival SEPT. 21, HOUMA

The fifth annual Vandebilt Fall Festival raises money for the Terriers’ music and athletic programs, as well as its maintenance fund. [File]

What: Fifth annual Terrier Tailgate fundraiser with food and drinks, silent auction, festival games and a $25,000

raffle for a new car. Half of the funds will go to school improvements and a quarter to both the Vandebilt music and

athletic programs.

When: 6-10 p.m. Sept. 21.

Where: Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, 346 Civic Cen-

ter Blvd., Houma.

Info: Melanie Prentice, VCHS Advancement Director at mprentice@htdiocese.org.

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Terrebonne Comic Con SEPT. 22, HOUMA

The Terrebonne Comic Con invites fans to dress up as their favorite characters on Sept. 22. [File]

What: Annual convention of comic-book enthusiasts of all ages featuring artists, vendors, photo-ops, fun sessions, and plenty of cosplay.

When: 2-5 p.m.

Sept. 22.

Where: Terrebonne Parish Main Library, 151 Library Drive, Houma.

Admission: Free to the public.

Geocoinfest SEPT. 22, HOUMA

What: Geocaching “Mega” event, expected to attract top geocachers from around the country, one of only 50 GeoTours in the world.

When: Sept. 2629.

Where: Based at the Courtyard by Marriott, 142 Library Drive, Houma.

Info: houmatravel.com/geo-tour.

Geocoinfest is a major geocaching event that brings tourists to Houma. [Submitted]

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Cut Off Youth Center Hurricane Festival SEPT. 27 - SEPT. 29, CUT OFF

The Cut Off Youth Center Hurricane Festival comes to the Cut Off Youth Center Sept. 27-29.

What: Celebrating Cajun culture, this festival features delicious food, live

music and carnival rides for all ages. Raffles and auctions with proceeds

going to the Cut Off Youth Center.

When: Sept. 2729.

Where: 205 W. 79th St., Cut Off. Tickets: Free to the public.

Info: 632-7616.

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Downtown Arts Walk SEPT. 27, THIBODAUX

What: Semi-annual display of arts and crafts in Thibodaux. All of the proceeds from the Downtown Arts Walk are donated directly to Thibodaux Main Street and will help keep up the revitalization and promotion of historic downtown Thibodaux.

When: 5-9 p.m.

Sept. 27.

Where: Down-

Thibodaux’s Downtown Arts Walk will take place Sept. 27. [File] town Thibodaux.

Tickets: Free to

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14 FALL 2019 | FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Downtown on the Bayou SEPT. 28 - SEPT. 29, HOUMA

Downtown on the Bayou raises funds for local music programs. [File] What: Musical celebration formerly Downtown Fall Fest,

showcasing local musical talent. Event also includes jam-

b a l a ya /p a s t a laya cook-off.

Proceeds from this event will

be dispersed to local school music programs for the purpose of purchasing and repairing instruments, as well as other learning materials.

When: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sept. 28, noon to 9 p.m.

Sept. 29.

Where: Downtown Houma.

Info: downtownonthebayou.wixsite.com/ downtownfall fest.

La Fete des Vieux Temps OCT. 4 - OCT. 6, RACELAND

What: Called the “Festival of Old Times,” this event features a celebration of music, dancing, Cajun food, and arts and crafts show.

When: Oct. 4-6.

Where: 4484 La. 1, Raceland.

Info: lafetedesvieuxtemps. com.

The Fete des Vieux Temps celebrated Cajun history and culture Oct. 4-6. [File]

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Chauvin Fest

OCT. 5 - OCT. 6, CHAUVIN

Chauvin Fest features fun for the whole family on Oct. 5 and 6. [File]

What: The 10th annual community festival with live music, food and children’s activities.

Sponsored by Terrebonne Advocates for Possibility.

When: 10 a.m.

- 11 p.m. Oct. 5 and 6.

Where: American Legion, 4990 La. 56, Chauvin.

Admission: Free to the public.

Rooftop Roundup OCT. 10, CHAUVIN

What: Fundraiser benefiting The Foundation of TGMC, with a casual atmosphere featuring a delicious meal from Big Mike’s BBQ Smokehouse, a bird’s eye view of downtown Houma and live music by Billy Stark and Band.

When: 5:308:30 p.m. Oct. 10.

Where: Rooftop of the TGMC

Have fun and raise funds on the roof at Rooftop Roundup Oct. 10. [File] parking 8166 W. Houma. event of

garage, Main in In the inclem-

ent weather the event will be held under the covered third floor

of the parking garage.

Tickets: $50 at eventbrite.com.

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Voice of the Wetlands OCT. 11 - OCT. 13, HOUMA

The Voice of the Wetlands festival is one of the biggest music festivals on the bayou. [File]

What: The 16th annual music, food and crafts festival to raise

awareness and money for the fight to save Louisiana’s eroding coast-

al wetlands.

When: Oct. 1113.

Where: The Ponderosa,

5403 W. Park Ave., Houma.

Admission: Free to the public.

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Louisiana Gumbo Festival OCT. 12 - OCT. 14, CHACKBAY

The Louisiana Gumbo Festival celebrates its 48th year in Chackbay Oct. 12-14. [File] What: 48th annual festival featuring Cajun food, live music, amusement rides, parade, auction, demonstrations, and

of course lots of gumbo. Volunteers cook nearly 500 gallons of gumbo during the festival weekend.

Proceeds support the local

Chackbay Volunteer Fire Department.

When: 6 p.m. to midnight Oct. 12, 11 a.m. to midnight Oct. 13, 10:30 a.m. to midnight Oct.

14.

Where: Chackbay Fairgrounds, 345 La. 304, Chackbay.

Admission: Free to the public.

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Best of the Bayou Cookoff OCT. 19, CUT OFF

Kerry Thiboduax will perform as part of the Best of the Bayou Cook-off in Cut Off on Oct. 19. [File] What: Cooking contests, public tastings and live music to

benefit CASA of Lafourche, a program that helps children in

foster care navigate the court system. Teams will be judged

in five categories, Best Fried, Best Grilled, Best Over Pasta, Best Over Rice and Best Dessert. Live music

by Kerry Thibodaux.

When: 4 p.m.

Oct. 19.

Where: Cut Off Youth Center, 205 W. 79th St., Cut Off. Admission: $10 for ages 12 and older, $5 for ages 6-11, 5 and under free.

Info: casaoflafourche.org.

Laurel Valley Fall Festival OCT. 20, THIBODAUX

What: Laurel Valley Plantation will host this semi-annual event, oldest cultural festival in the area, that will feature an arts and crafts show, Cajun lunch, sweets, cultural demon-

strations and exhibits.

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 20.

Where: Laurel Valley Plantation, 595 La. 308, Thibodaux.

Admission: Free to the public.

The Laurel Valley Fall Festival celebrates Louisiana’s history Oct. 20. [File]

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French Food Festival OCT. 25 - OCT. 27, LAROSE

Celebrate Cajun cuisine’s French heritage in Larose Oct. 25-27. [File] What: 46th annual festival with Cajun food, music and dancing.

There will also be a carnival, bonfire, live auction, art show,

Cajun market and petting zoo.

Visitors will get the chance to

compete in contests of all kinds including a Fun Walk/Race, cake-decorating contest and art contest. Major fundraiser for the Larose Civic Center.

When: 5 p.m. to midnight Oct. 25, 11:30 a.m. to midnight Oct. 26, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 27.

Where: 307 E. Fifth St., Larose.

Admission: Free to the public.

Rougarou Fest OCT. 26 - OCT. 27, HOUMA

What: Family-friendly festival celebrates Cajun folklore and benefits Houma’s Wetlands Discovery Center. Food, drinks, live music, costume contest, Halloween parade.

When: 10 a.m.

Oct. 26 and 5 p.m. Oct. 27.

The Rougarou Fest brings lots of spooky fun to downtown Houma Oct. 26 and 27. [File]

Where:

Main St., Houma.

7856

Admission: Free.

Info: 580-7289.

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Southdown Marketplace NOV. 2, HOUMA

Arts and crafts of all kinds can be found at the Southdown Marketplace on Nov. 2. [File]

What: More than 300 vendors sell handmade arts and crafts at one of the area’s

biggest fairs. It benefits Southdown Plantation and the Terrebonne Museum.

When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 2 Where: Southdown Plantation, 1208 Museum Drive,

Houma.

Admission: $5 per person.

Kids 12 and under free.

Info: 851-0154.

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Acadia Music Festival NOV. 2, THIBODAUX

Flo Rida will be the headliner for the 2019 Acadia Music Fest in Thibodaux on Nov. 2. [AP file photo]

What: Fourth annual outdoor music festival with arts displays and food, featuring an eclectic

lineup including Flo Rida, Rehab, Anders Osborne and Bishop Gunn. Proceeds to benefit the

Ben Meyer Foundation.

When: Beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Nov. 2.

Where: Acadia

Plantation Town Center, 110 Rue Angelique, Thibodaux.

Tickets: $35 at BonTemps.com.

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Cajun Fly-In NOV. 2, HOUMA

Get up close and personal with a variety of aircraft at the Cajun Fly-In in Houma on Nov. 2. [File] What: Annual celebration of aviation put on by the Experimental Aircraft Association

Chapter 513 in Houma. Around 100 different aircraft will be on display, with refreshments and

a car show adding to the festivities.

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 2.

Where: Hou-

ma-Terrebonne Airport, 10264 E. Main St., Houma.

Admission: Free to the public.

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Big Boy’s Main Street Cookoff NOV. 8, THIBODAUX

Big Boy’s Main Street Cook-off brings lots of Cajun dishes to downtown Thibodaux on Nov. 8. [File] What: Culinary showcase of Cajun cuisine prepared with fresh ingredients found along the bayou, with over 30 teams cook-

ing up dishes like shrimp and grits, jambalaya boulettes and charbroiled oysters. Live music

by Nonc Nu and Da Wild Matous.

Big Boy’s takes

place each year as the kick-off event of the Thibodeauxville Fall Festival weekend.

When: 4 p.m.

Nov. 8.

W h e r e :

Throughout downtown Thibodaux.

Admission: $10, which includes samples from cook-off participants.

Info: 413-9886.

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Soul Food Festival NOV. 9, GRAY

The Soul Food Fest comes to Gray on Nov. 9. [File]

What: Fourth annual festival includes live music, arts and crafts,

children’s activities, a Soul Stroll and a wide selection of soul food.

When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 9.

Where: Gray Park, 3289 W.

Park Ave., Gray.

Admission: Free to the public. Food prices vary.

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Thibodeauxville Fall Festival NOV. 9, THIBODAUX

There will be fun for the whole family at the Thibodeauxville Fall Festival in Thibodaux on Nov. 9. [File] What: Explore historic downtown Thibodaux at one of the city’s biggest

festivals.

Includes dozens of arts and crafts booths, live music, food

court and a rubber duck race on Bayou Lafourche.

When: 8:30 a.m.

to 5 p.m. Nov. 9.

Where: Downtown Thibodaux.

Info: thibodauxchamber.com.

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Bayou Beer Fest NOV. 9, HOUMA

Sample lots of different beers at the seventh Bayou Beer Fest on Nov. 9.

[File] What: Seventh annual celebration of Louisiana

craft beers.

When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 9.

Where: Southdown Plantation, 1208 Museum

Drive, Houma.

Tickets: $35 at the gate.

FALL 2019 | FAIRS AND FESTIVALS 27

TERREBONNE FINE ARTS GUILD INVITES YOU TO AN

Evening with the Arts

Saturday, September 14, 2019 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Downtown Houma

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Bayou Social Gala NOV. 14, HOUMA

What: Fundraiser for the American Cancer Society of Terrebonne Parish, featuring food, dancing, a live auction, and much more.

When: 6:30 p.m. Nov. 14.

Where: Houma Municipal Auditorium, 880 Verret St., Houma.

The Bayou Social Gala raises funds for the American Cancer Society on Nov. 14. [File] Tickets: $65 at

bayousocialga-

la.com.

Thibodaux Fire Department Fairground Food • Games Activites • Toddler Area LASER TAG • Bungee Jump Rock Wall • Maze Jump Houses Glow in the Dark Slime Station Fire Trucks • Police Cars Fun STEM Activities

FALL 2019 | FAIRS AND FESTIVALS 29

Thibodaux Christmas Parade DEC. 1, THIBODAUX

The Thibodaux Christmas Parade rolls from the Nicholls State University campus to downtown Thibodaux on Dec. 1. [File] What: Annual kickoff to the holiday season put on the the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce, with free

ref res h m e n ts, Christmas music and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

When: 4-5 p.m.

Dec. 1.

Where: Parade route starts at the corner of Audubon and Ardoyne on the Nicholls State University cam-

pus and ends at the Lafourche Parish Courthouse in downtown Thibodaux.

Info: thibodauxchamber.com.

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Houma Christmas Festival DEC. 7, HOUMA

Kick off the holiday season at the Houma Christmas Festival and parade on Dec. 7. [File] What: Festival includes light displays, food, games, crafts and music. Santa and Mrs. Claus meet-

and-greet with the tree lighting in Courthouse Square.

When: Noon to 9 p.m. Dec. 7. Pa-

rade rolls through downtown starting at 5 p.m., tree lighting ceremony starts at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Downtown Houma.

Cost: Free.

Info: houmachristmasfestival. com.

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