Everything going on in Acadiana: September 2025 Edition

September in Acadiana is packed with tradition, food, music, and culture from start to finish. The month kicks off with the Shrimp & Petroleum Festival in Morgan City, followed by weekly staples like Downtown Alive!, farmers markets, and Cajun jams. Mid-month brings highlights such as the Mamou Cajun Music Festival, ArtWalk, and a special Clifton Chenier tribute concert. As the season shifts, unique gatherings like the Cigar Box Guitar Festival, Okra, Music & Arts Festival, and Anything Over Rice Cook-Off keep the community buzzing. The month closes strong with two major staples—the Alligator Festival in Luling and the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival in New Iberia—before wrapping up with Downtown Rising in Lafayette. From family fun to cultural celebrations, September offers something for everyone across Acadiana.

September 1 – 5

Shrimp & Petroleum Festival (Aug 27 – Sept 1) — Morgan City this iconic festival revs up the Labor Day weekend, honoring both the shrimping and oil industries with events like a Blessing of the Fleet, seafood cook-offs, live music, and carnival rides—highlighting the spirit of Louisiana’s coast.

September 5 (and every Friday this month)

Downtown Alive! — Parc Sans Souci, Lafayette. Weekly musical evenings light up downtown Lafayette with local bands and pop-up community experiences. It’s a spirited and free celebration of live local talent that keeps Friday nights lively all month long.

September 6–7

Mamou Cajun Music Festival — Mamou (St. Landry Parish). This beloved two-day event showcases fiddles, accordions, and dance contests, with traditional Cajun cuisine in the backdrop. It’s a cultural heartbeat, drawing generations to celebrate the lively pulse of Cajun music and community.

September 13

ArtWalk — Downtown Lafayette. Local galleries and artist studios open their doors for this monthly arts night, featuring exhibits and live performances. It's a cultural stroll that brings Lafayette’s creative scene to life after dark.

September 18

“One Hundred Years of Clifton Chenier” ft. C.J. Chenier — Acadiana Center for the Arts, Lafayette. Celebrate zydeco royalty in this heartfelt tribute featuring Clifton Chenier’s iconic legacy, performed by his son, C.J. It’s a soulful blend of history, music, and community pride.

September 20

Acadiana Cigar Box Guitar Festival — Gator Cove, Lafayette. A creative jamboree where handmade guitars, local artisans, live music, and craft cocktails converge in a relaxed, family-friendly setting—showcasing culture, craftsmanship, and community.

September 21

Okra, Music & Arts Festival — Lafayette. An eclectic blend of fresh okra bites, regional tunes, and local art. This one-day festival is all about celebrating seasonal produce in a colorful, fun-filled environment.

September 25–28

Alligator Festival — Westbank Bridge Park, Luling. Four days packed with live gators, musical performances by headlining and regional bands, carnival rides, craft vendors, and Cajun classics. Hosted by the Rotary Club, this festival supports local scholarships and remains a family staple.

September 26–28

Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival — New Iberia. Deeply rooted in Iberia Parish’s heritage, this harvest celebration includes a "Blessing of the Crop," tractor parades, queen coronation, live French music, 4-H livestock shows, and a bustling street fair—sweet and culturally rich.

September 27

Acadiana Bird Fair & Sale — District Event Center, Lafayette. Bird enthusiasts unite! With pet bird sale booths, supplies, raffles, and exhibitions, this bird-centered event serves both hobbyists and casual visitors alike, boosting avian causes in the process.

Anything Over Rice Cook-Off — Lafayette. Local cooks compete with imaginative creations that go far beyond traditional rice dishes. Creative, tasty, and spirited, this community cook-off showcases culinary innovation with community flavor.

Fall Native Plant Sale — Arnaudville. This green-thumb gathering features native trees, wildflowers, and educational resources. Perfect for conservation-minded shoppers and nature lovers looking to beautify their homes responsibly.

September 28

Downtown Rising — Lafayette. September’s grand finale—this community street festival lights up downtown with live music, dancing, food vendors, and local art. The lively atmosphere makes it an unforgettable close to a month of cultural celebration.