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It’s fall festival time in the bayou! Here are some of our favorites taking place around south Louisiana.
Ascension Hot Air
Balloon Festival
Sept. 22-23 – Gonzales
Do you remember that show “Moody’s Point,” where Amanda Bynes’ character’s mom was on a hot air balloon for the whole thing? We promise that won’t happen to you at this great local festival, which features hot air balloon glows, live entertainment, a barbecue competition, a classic car show and more.
ZooLights
Nov. 25-Dec. 30 – BR
Photo courtesy of BREC
If you need a fun event for the whole family, this one may be your ticket. Celebrate the holiday season with more than 50 illuminated display sculptures at the Baton Rouge Zoo.
Deutsches Haus Oktoberfest
Oct. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 – New Orleans
Guten Tag! With this event, you can pretend you’re at the actual Oktoberfest in Germany. Enjoy German food, such as brats, sauerkraut, schnitzel and Bavarian-style pretzels. When you’re done, drink up with about 16 different German beers. Did we mention the dachshund race?

Festivals Acadiens
et Creoles
Oct. 12 -15 – Lafayette
Photo courtesy of Louisiana Office of Tourism
If you’ve ever wanted to truly celebrate Louisiana’s Cajun culture, you may want to check out this four-day event that features a ceremonial “Cutting of the Boudin,” a “Tour Des Atakapas Duathlon” and more.
Rougarou Fest
Oct. 21-22 – Houma
Celebrate Halloween over in Houma with the Rougarou Fest (basically Cajun Halloween). There will be good Louisiana-style food, a costume contest a parade, a “Time Warp” and more. If you really want to get mysterious, you might try to outsmart the Rougarou in the 13 Pennies Scavenger Hunt.