Mark your Calendar: Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival 2025

Jeau Boudreaux
Sep 20
2 min read

The Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival is a long-standing fall tradition in New Iberia, celebrating one of the region’s most important crops — sugar cane. First held in 1937, the festival honors the sugar industry, the families who harvest it, and the Cajun & Creole culture that has grown up around it. After a break during World War II, it returned in 1946, and since then has become one of Acadiana’s annual fall highlights.

When & Where

Dates: September 26–28, 2025 (with some events starting Thursday, September 25)
Location: Historic downtown New Iberia, centered around Bouligny Plaza and other downtown spaces.

What’s on the Schedule

Entertainment Lineup (2025):

Friday, September 26: Cajun Company Band; Wayne Toups; Adam Leger Band
Saturday, September 27: Bad Boyz Band; 5th Avenue Band; Dustin Sonnier; Keith Frank & the Soileau Zydeco Band; Spank the Monkey; plus a New Orleans Tribute set featuring Hot Boy Ronald, Choppa Style, DJ Jubilee, and a surprise guest.
Festival Finale will be hosted by Mike Jamez & DJ Digital from the Hot 107.9 Breakfast Jam on Saturday night.

Other Highlights & Activities:

Hi-Sugar 5K (a fun run) to kick off the festival weekend.
Blessing of the Crop ceremony, recognizing the farmers and the harvest.
Parades, carnival rides, dancing, and family-friendly events like the Coronation Ball and Queen Sugar & King Sucrose pageantry.

Ticket Prices & Admission Details

Fais Do-Dos (per day): $20 — cash only; kids 10 & under are free.
Coronation Pageant: Adults $10; children (12 & under) $5.
Coronation Ball: $50 (advance sales only; 18+ event)
Street Fair Rides: $1.50 per ticket (some rides need multiple tickets).
Parades & General Street Fair Attractions: Free to attend; food and vendors will be priced individually.

Rules & Tips for Attendees

Clear-bag policy will be enforced at fais do-dos; expect metal detector screening. Outside drinks and weapons are prohibited.
Ride tickets are cash only. Make sure to bring cash for the carnival, food vendors, and other smaller purchases.
Some events start earlier (Thursday, Sept 25), so check the schedule to plan which nights you want to go.

Why It Matters

The Sugar Cane Festival isn’t just a good time—it’s a living link to the region’s agricultural heritage. It reminds locals and visitors alike of the importance of sugar cane to Iberia Parish’s economy, history, and identity. More than that, it brings together generations through music, food, dance, and celebration.