Cool Breezes and Cooler Festivals: Fall in the Houma Area
Fall is festive in Houma, Louisiana’s Bayou Country. Weekend after weekend of festival fun is available from September through November. Here is just a preview of what is in store:
Best of the Bayou Festival brings you two days of outstanding music under the oaks of historic downtown Houma. Begin at the Boudin Stage and get a taste of local flavor with bands such as The Cajun Music Preservation Society and Brass-a-holics. Try out the dishes of local restaurants while browsing the work of Louisiana artists and artisans at the vendors showcase. For fans of classic cars, Best of the Bayou offers an open car show that never disappoints. Cap off your evening at the mainstage with national headlining bands and great Cajun company.
Voice of the Wetlands Festival is a gathering with a dual purpose – to provide its guests with a great time and to raise awareness of the disappearing wetlands of coastal Louisiana. Festival organizer and Grammy-nominated blues musician Tab Benoit brings together favorites of jazz, blues, funk, rock & roll and zydeco music for this three-day event. Local artists and artisans are on hand to share their talents and authorities on Louisiana’s vanishing coast are available to discuss current events. The festival venue will place you under moss-draped live oak trees while you enjoy the rhythms of Louisiana culture.
If asked to describe Houma’s Rougarou Fest in one word, it would have to be “unique.” Each October, historic downtown Houma becomes the home of the Rougarou – a character from Cajun folklore. The legend of the rougarou is a part of many francophone cultures, its name being derived from the French loup for “wolf” and garou, roughly meaning “man who transforms into an animal.” In English, it would be most closely described as a werewolf. In the Houma area, the locals hold a festival to pay homage to this creature, who’s legend has been handed down through the generations. The family-friendly festival with a spooky flair celebrates the rich folklore that exists along the bayous of Southeast Louisiana. It is also the primary fundraiser supporting the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center, a nonprofit organization charged with protecting Louisiana’s wetlands. Festival activities include mask making, folklore storytelling, costume contest, and a parade featuring homemade floats, costumed revelers, larger than life wildlife puppets and, of course, the Rougarou himself.”
When the crisp November air hits the Houma area, locals know it is time for Bayou Beer Fest. On the historic grounds of Southdown Plantation, regional craft brewers bring out their best brews for your enjoyment. Local home brewers compete to win the coveted “BrewDat” award. After a few samples, try out some delicious local food and dance to Cajun music as the night rolls in.
And, of course, you can also dive deep into bayou culture at Chauvin Heritage Festival or shop until you drop at Southdown Marketplace….and the list just goes on. For more information on Houma’s Fall Festival Season and traveling in Bayou Country, visit us at www.explorehouma.com.