New Alligator Hunting Season and More Acadiana News
Lake Charles
For a riveting distraction during the height of hurricane season, “Should the Waters Take Us” ($30 hardcover), the debut novel by Lake Charles native Stephanie Soileau, is a literary triumph that reaches across 400 years in a sweeping tale of Cajun loss and resilience. Soileau’s dystopian vision unfolds through ancestral dramas surrounding a ruinous oil spill that collides with a devastating hurricane.
Lafayette | New Series
Mark your calendars for “Dry Bones,” a new music and documentary project exploring the deep roots and dynamic branches of Louisiana music, which will premiere in Lafayette at the Acadiana Center for the Arts on October 8 as part of the kickoff to Festivals Acadiens et Créoles. “Dry Bones” will begin airing on October 14, with new episodes released each week through December 9 (drybones.net).
Luling | See Ya Later Alligator
The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission has approved a new recreational alligator hunting season from October 1-31, marking the first in Louisiana’s history. Some of the 2 million alligators wandering through the swamps, rivers and bayous will be landed, cooked and savored during the Luling Alligator Festival (September 24-27), where abundant alligator dishes range from egg rolls to sauce piquante.
Rayne | Historic District Enfin Reconnu!
After decades of preservation efforts, the City of Rayne’s historic district has finally been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Known as the “Frog Capital of the World” and the “City of Murals,” the town of 6,900, founded in 1883, has gained national acclaim for its Frog Festival that attracts visitors with unique amphibian competitions ranging from frog jumping to costumed frog pageants.
AGENDA
August 1 | Sugarland Music & Arts Festival
Celebrating its third year, the Napoleonville festival showcases local creativity with artists, live music, children’s activities and student performances.
August 15 | SWLA’s Hot Sauce Fest
The 2nd annual spicy festival brings over 70 vendors, hot sauce makers and fans together for League of Fire challenges, chugging contests, tastings and spicy food trucks in Sulphur.
August 12-16 | Delcambre Shrimp Festival
The 74th annual five-day family event features a blessing of the shrimp boat fleet, queens pageants, shrimp cook-off, carnival rides, live music by national recording artists, street dances and local shrimp dishes galore.
August 27-30 | Gueydan Duck Festival
Hunters head to Gueydan for the annual duck and goose-calling contests, duck cook-offs, skeet shooting, decoy carving, dog trials, parades, carnival rides, and Cajun music in the “Duck Capital of America.”
September 5 | Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival
Held in Opelousas, the “Zydeco Music Capital of the World,” the annual fest features Creole food and Grammy-winning musicians alongside zydeco headliners performing from noon until the wee hours.
September 12 | Murder Mystery at Residence Plantation
Step back in time for a night of suspense in the grand halls at Residence Plantation. Enjoy an elegant evening with dinner and become part of the interactive mystery to solve the crime with prizes for top detectives.
September 12 | Oldies but Goodies Festival
Classic cars, timeless tunes and nostalgic family entertainment invite visitors to relive the soundtracks of their youth while enjoying a small-town atmosphere in Port Allen.
September 12-13 | Montegut Community Festival
Enjoy a crafts show, music, art booths, local vendors and kids activities in Montegut.
September 19 | Gulf Brew Lafayette
The Gulf South’s largest craft beer festival continues its nearly 20-year tradition with more than 200 craft beer selections. Sample everything from lagers to IPAs with food and live music downtown.
September 24-26 | Tinsel & Treasures
Kick off the holiday season early at Lafayette’s Cajundome with holiday shopping, special events, food and entertainment in support of Junior League of Lafayette’s mission.
September 24-27 | Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival
Celebrate the 83rd annual festival in New Iberia with sugar cookery, horticulture and car shows, photography and art competitions, live bands including Bad Boyz and Swampland Revival, and 3 parades with Queen Sugar and King Sucrose presiding at the Royal grand finale.
September 26 | Louisiana Mosquito Festival
The 2nd annual free community event hosted by the Coulee Croche Firefighters Association honors volunteer firefighters with a jambalaya cook-off and a variety of musical performances.
