Cajun folklore comes to life at this free Louisiana festival

A statue depicting the Rougarou, a creature from Louisiana folklore.

Looking for something to do outside on the Gulf Coast this weekend? Head to Houma, Louisiana, where Rougarou Fest celebrates the shape-shifting monster of Cajun folklore and the bayou culture behind the legend.

What to expect at Rougarou Fest

Rougarou Fest features live music, Cajun food, a costume contest, trick-or-treating, carnival rides and the annual Cajun Critter Pardoning.

On Saturday, the Krewe Ga Rou parade rolls at 7 p.m., followed by pumpkin lighting and fireworks at 9 p.m.

The festival is free to attend, but bring cash for rides and food. Parking is available at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center. A free shuttle connects downtown public parking lots with the festival from 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday, pausing during the parade. There is no Sunday shuttle.

Check the full festival schedule for event times and other details.

More things to do outside this weekend

Traveling somewhere else? Camp & Country has 10 outdoor picks from around the country for Oct. 24–25, including fall hikes, festivals and other seasonal events.

Check out our full guide and interactive map to find something to do outside this weekend.

This report was produced with the assistance of a proprietary tool powered by artificial intelligence and using our own originally reported, written and published content. It was reviewed and edited by our journalists.

Filed under: Explore · Gulf Coast · This Weekend Outside
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