Louisiana’s fall festival season is in full swing, and there’s still plenty of time to enjoy food, music, arts and culture across the region before the holidays arrive.  

From long-running community traditions to niche cultural celebrations, residents can expect a mix of live entertainment, family-friendly activities and regional cuisine as communities showcase the best of Louisiana. 

Whether you love zydeco music, crave a plate straight off the pit or want to stock up on handmade gifts before the holidays, there’s a festival for every interest. Many events also highlight fundraisers for schools, churches and nonprofits, bringing families and community members together. 

Here are 10 festivals still ahead on the calendar this fall across Acadiana, with opportunities to dance, dine and discover the region’s heritage before the season winds down. 

10 Louisiana fall festivals you can still catch 

1. Port Barre Cracklin Festival 

Nov. 13‐16, 2025. A festive four‑day event featuring cracklin’ cooking competitions, carnival rides, parades, and live music. Address: 129 Park St., Port Barre, LA 70577 

1. Christmas on the Bayou Festival 

Nov. 7, 2025. A holiday‑themed fest with lights, vendors and seasonal treats. Address: Bryan Street, Cottonport, LA 71327 

1. Bayou Teche Brewing Fall Fest Nov. 15 – Dec. 25. Craft beer, wood-fired pizza and local music set the mood for a relaxing autumn weekend. Address: 1002 North Ln., Arnaudville, LA 70512 

1. Christmas in the Park 

Nov. 30, 2025. Holiday lights and community gatherings to wrap up the fall season. Address: Moncus Park, 2913 Johnston St., Lafayette, LA 70503 

1. Holiday Lights at Baton Rouge General 

Nov. 20‑22, 2025. Multi‑day celebration of lights and holiday activities (still within fall‑to‑holiday transition). Address: 8585 Picardy Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70809 

1. Reindeer Trails  

Nov. 20‑22, 2025. A local holiday‑themed festival with family activities and trails of lights. Address: 629 Spring St., Shreveport, LA 7110 

1. Holiday Light Safari 

Nov. 27‑28, 2025. A night‑time festival of lights, food vendors, and family fun. Address: Alexandria Zoo 3016 Masonic Dr., Alexandria, LA 71301 

1. Logansport Christmas Festival 

Nov. 22, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026. An extended festival, including the tail end of fall and the start of the holiday season. Address: 192-198 Elm St., Logansport, LA 71049 

1. Light Up the Lake Christmas Festival 

Nov. 28, 2025. A one‑night event with fireworks, lights and local vendors; still in the broader fall festival window. Address: 900 Lakeshore Dr., Lake Charles, LA 70601 

1. Noël Acadien au Village 

Dec. 1 to Dec. 23, 2025. An evening market/festival celebrating Acadian heritage and holiday spirit. Address: 200 Greenleaf Dr., Lafayette, LA 70506 

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — A new study from the personal-finance company WalletHub ranks Louisiana among the worst states in the country for job seekers in 2025.

The report places Louisiana 49th overall out of 50 states in WalletHub’s annual Best & Worst States for Jobs ranking.

WalletHub said the national unemployment rate sits at 4.3%, and its labor force participation is at its lowest level in the past couple of years.

To help job seekers find better opportunities, WalletHub compared all 50 states using 34 key indicators of job-market strength and economic vitality. The study looked at factors such as employment growth, job opportunities, median annual income and average commute time.

WalletHub said that states ranking higher tend to have stronger economies, higher wages, and more stable employment conditions.

Louisiana’s rankings in major categories include:

• 40th – Job opportunities.
• 27th – Employment growth.
• 28th – Monthly average starting salary.
• 42nd – Unemployment rate.
• 48th – Median annual income (adjusted for cost of living).
• 47th – Average work week (in hours).
• 33rd – Average commute time.
• 50th – Job security.

Best states to find a job, according to WalletHub

1. Massachusetts.
2. Connecticut.
3. Minnesota.
4. Vermont.
5. New Hampshire.

Latest News

Two young girls were injured after they were thrown from a Ferris wheel at a Louisiana festival Saturday.

The two girls, around the age of 11, fell off the ride at the Harvest Festival in New Roads just before noon Saturday, Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff Rene Thibodeaux said.

Both were taken to the Children’s Hospital in Baton Rouge for their injuries. Though the extend of injuries were not disclosed, they are expected to survive.

After the incident all the rides at the Harvest Festival were temporarily shut down.

The Louisiana State Fire Marshals inspected the rides, and all were reopened except the Ferris wheel, which remains shuttered.

Video of the incident suggests that a mechanical failure in the part holding the children in their seat may be to blame, the sheriff said.

The fire marshals are conducting an investigation into the incident.

The festival, which runs from Friday to Sunday is to celebrate agriculture and community and includes food, live music and rides, according to its website.