Get your Louisiana swamp scare on: the Rougarou Festival returns

This October, nothing beats a Cajun werewolf in the South Louisiana wetlands—and it's all for a good cause!

Rougarou Fest, named after the legendary Cajun werewolf, returns Oct. 17–19, 2025, and the one-of-a-kind event includues folklore, food, and frightful fun.

The free, family-friendly festival happens at 86 Valhi Blvd., near the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center in Houma, Louisiana, to celebrate Louisiana’s storytelling traditions and the spirit of the wetlands while raising funds for the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center, which works to protect and educate about Louisiana's coast. Recognized as one of USA Today’s Top 10 Costume Parties in the U.S., Rougarou Fest has also been named Louisiana Festival of the Year by the Louisiana Travel Association.

Here's what you'll find...

Live Local Music All Weekend

Dance to the sounds of Louisiana with zydeco, swamp pop, brass bands and Cajun music.

The Krewe Ga Rou Parade

The Saturday night parade lights up the town with spooky floats, glowing costumes, and just the right amount of mischief.

Costume Contests & Family Fun

Show off your best Rougarou look! There’ll be contests for kids, adults, and groups — plus carnival rides, games, and the always-popular Minnow Trap kids zone.

Bayou Bites & Local Delights

Come hungry! Taste your way through the Rougarou Trail with gumbo, fried gator, beignets, jambalaya, po’boys, and all your Louisiana favorites.

Arts, Crafts & Makers Market

Shop handmade goods, local art, and one-of-a-kind finds from regional artisans and check out RouGa-Con.

Nutria Pardoning Ceremony

A Rougarou Fest classic — part comedy, part conservation.

Festival Hours

Friday, Oct. 17: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 18: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 19: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Location:

86 Valhi Blvd., Houma, Louisiana (next to the Civic Center)

Admission:

Free — don't we love that word!

Just 55 miles from New Orleans, Louisiana’s Bayou Country contains over 2500 square miles of mysterious swamps and vast wetlands. Terrebonne Parish offers unique attractions, affordable lodging and delicious dining that’s influenced by our Cajun culture and hospitality. Visit the Houma CVB at www.explorehouma.com, like them at www.facebook.com/ExploreHouma and on Instagram as explorehouma.

Weird, Wacky & Wild South is written by travel writer and Louisiana native Cheré Dastugue Coen who loves a great Louisiana legend.