Everything Going On in Acadiana – August 2025 Edition

August in Acadiana is far more than just the hottest stretch of summer — it’s a vibrant month full of festivals, music, food, and deep cultural traditions that bring the region to life. From the bayous to the prairies, communities across this culturally rich area of South Louisiana come together to celebrate their heritage with events both large and small. Whether you’re a local looking to stay connected or a visitor eager to explore, this guide walks you through everything happening in Acadiana throughout August 2025.

Major Festivals and Cultural Celebrations

The heart of Acadiana beats loudest during its festivals, and August is packed with them.

Delcambre Shrimp Festival

August 13–17 – Delcambre (Iberia/Vermilion Parish border)This beloved coastal tradition honors the Gulf shrimping industry with five days of seafood feasts, carnival rides, fais do-dos (street dances), live Cajun and zydeco music, and a vibrant parade. It’s a highlight of the summer calendar and a perfect blend of culture and fun.

Gueydan Duck Festival

August 23–24 – Gueydan, Vermilion ParishHeld in the “Duck Capital of America,” this festival combines Louisiana’s love for wildlife and music. Events include duck-calling contests, dog demonstrations, hunting gear exhibits, cooking competitions, and high-energy performances under the stars.

Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival

August 30 – Opelousas, St. Landry ParishThis iconic event celebrates Creole culture and zydeco music with some of the biggest names in the genre. Known as the original zydeco festival, it draws thousands each year for a full day of dancing, authentic food, and rhythmic celebration of Louisiana’s musical roots.

River, Bayou, and Faith-Based Events

Tradition and spirituality meet the water in one of the most visually stunning and symbolic events of the summer.

Fête-Dieu du Teche

August 15 – Bayou Teche (St. Landry, St. Martin & Iberia Parishes)This annual 40-mile boat procession takes place along Bayou Teche to honor the Feast of the Assumption. Decorated boats travel from Leonville to St. Martinville, stopping at churches along the way for blessings, music, and public celebration of Acadian culture and community.

National Day of the Acadians

August 15 – St. MartinvilleRecognized across all of Acadiana, this day honors the Acadian people and their journey from exile to Louisiana settlement. Events include music performances, French-language readings, Acadian heritage exhibits, and public tributes at key cultural landmarks.

Ongoing Cultural Gatherings Across Acadiana

Beyond the big-name festivals, Acadiana thrives on weekly events that keep its traditions alive. These gatherings, often held in smaller towns and community centers, are where culture is preserved through casual conversation, local art, and live music.

• French Tables & Heritage Meetups – Language preservation is central to the region’s identity. Weekly French tables in Breaux Bridge, Lafayette, and Arnaudville welcome speakers of all levels to chat over coffee and pastries in Cajun or Creole French.

• Cajun and Creole Jams – From Scott to Eunice to Lafayette’s Vermilionville, these informal music circles invite the public to sing, dance, and play traditional instruments. Regular Friday night jams, especially at the Acadiana Center for the Arts, are crowd favorites.

• Farmers and Art Markets – Local produce, handmade crafts, live music, and chef pop-ups are weekend staples in towns like Arnaudville, Abbeville, St. Martinville, and Lafayette. Moncus Park’s Saturday market is one of the largest and most festive in the state.

  
  

Back-to-School and Family Events

August also marks the transition back to school, and Acadiana’s parishes help families prepare through a variety of supportive and festive events.

• School Supply Giveaways – Community drives take place across Lafayette, Iberia, Evangeline, and Acadia Parishes throughout early August. Free backpacks, supplies, and haircuts are offered at multiple church halls, libraries, and community centers.

• Back-to-School Bash Events – These family-focused fairs include inflatables, face painting, food trucks, and live music to bring kids some final summer fun before the school year begins.

  
  

August 2025 Events At a Glance

Event	Date(s)	Location	Highlights
Delcambre Shrimp Festival	August 13–17	Delcambre	Seafood, rides, parades, fais do-dos
Fête-Dieu du Teche	August 15	Bayou Teche (multi-parish)	Boat procession, music, historical sites
National Day of the Acadians	August 15	St. Martinville	Heritage events, French storytelling, exhibits
Gueydan Duck Festival	August 23–24	Gueydan	Duck-calling, cooking, live Cajun music
SWLA Zydeco Music Festival	August 30	Opelousas	Zydeco artists, food, dancing
Weekly Cajun/Creole Music Jams	All month	Lafayette, Scott, Breaux Bridge, Eunice	Music, dancing, cultural community
Farmers & Artisan Markets	Weekends	Lafayette, Arnaudville, St. Martinville	Food, crafts, music, family fun
Back-to-School Drives	August 1–10	Multiple parishes	Free supplies, school readiness events

Acadiana in August is a testament to the region’s enduring cultural spirit — a place where

every weekend is a chance to reconnect with heritage, music, language, and community. Whether you're swaying to the rhythm of an accordion, sharing stories in French over coffee, or catching beads from a boat parade, you'll find yourself immersed in the authentic soul of South Louisiana.