Writers, painters, musicians, and other creatives have long been drawn to St. Francisville, where a wide variety of annual events provide inspiring weekend fun. Plan your visit around a festival, garden show, or live music event and see why visitors can’t get enough of this arts-centric enclave.
March
Hear a wide variety of live outdoor music in St. Francisville’s beloved Parker Park, situated in the heart of the historic downtown. Bring your instrument and play in one of many jam circles and enjoy a wide variety of food and beverages from local restaurants.
Parker Park
Commerce Street at Burnett Road
St. Francisville, LA 70775
Tour lush, beautifully tended private gardens in full bloom at this spring event hosted by the Feliciana Master Gardeners. All proceeds benefit school gardens, community projects and 4-H scholarships. Visit the St. Francisville Town Hall for tickets and information.
11936 Ferdinand Street
St. Francisville, LA 70775
April
Twice a year, spectators come from miles around to the Angola Prison Rodeo for white-knuckled bull riding, bronco riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, and a variety of events you won’t see anywhere else on the planet, like Convict Poker. Watch four offenders play poker seated at a table with a loose bull—the last seated man wins! Safety protocols are in place, and the event raises funds for inmate welfare.
17544 Tunica Trace
Angola, LA 70712
May
St. Francisville’s newest free festival celebrates the living history of the community. Enjoy food, music, stories, and art while raising funds for historic preservation.
Parker Park
Commerce Street at Burnett Road
St. Francisville, LA 70775
June
A must for fans of Southern literature, the annual Walker Percy Weekend celebrates the life and work of Percy, a noted Southern author who set many of his works in south Louisiana. Enjoy a deep dive at this scholarly, but accessible gathering, which includes talks, great food, and craft beer. Locations vary.
Registration: The Conundrum
11917 Ferdinand Street
St. Francisville, LA 70775
The Day the War Stopped Festival
See a reenactment of the events surrounding a bizarre cease fire between Union and Confederate forces during the Battle of Port Hudson. When U.S. Navy Lt. Commander John E. Hart, a Mason, took his own life. troops asked for a burial at St. Francisville’s historic Grace Episcopal Church. The community, home to Louisiana’s oldest Masonic Lodge, obliged.
11621 Ferdinand Street
St. Francisville, LA 70775
September
Learn all sort of Southern gardening tips, history, and inspiration at this popular gathering on regional horticulture featuring lectures and social events at four gorgeous locations.
Afton Villa Gardens
9346 US 61
St. Francisville, LA 70775
October
Angola Fall Rodeo and Craft Show
Witness all the fun of the spring Angola Rodeo with the addition of a large inmate craft show. Pick up handmade items and watch thrilling events that pit man versus beast. The event raises funds for inmate welfare.
17544 Tunica Trace
Angola, LA 70712
Experience West Feliciana Parish’s famed arts scene at this free festival in the heart of downtown featuring about four dozen artists and makers, along with spoken word performers and a succession of live bands. You’ll instantly feel why this community is known for inspiring creatives.
Parker Park
Commerce Street at Burnett Road
St. Francisville, LA 70775
November
St. Francisville Food & Wine Festival
Enjoy fabulous regional food and drink amid crisp fall weather at this three-day culinary celebration. From a wine tasting event to an expansive tasting featuring more than two dozen regional chefs, expect a weekend of exceptional gastronomy in one beautiful setting after another.
Main event at The Myrtles
7747 US 61
St. Francisville, LA 70775
December
This four-day holiday extravaganza kicks off the Christmas season with much merriment, including the lighting of the community tree, food trucks, a tour of holiday homes, live music, a community fun run, quilt show, breakfast with Santa, a Christmas parade and much more.
Parker Park
Commerce Street at Burnett Road
St. Francisville, LA 70775
You’ve never seen such festive finery as the decorations on display in the annual Winter Tour of Homes. The tour takes visitors through several local residences where holiday décor reaches a pinnacle of unexpected beauty. Part of the community’s Christmas in the Country, the Tour of Homes benefits the West Feliciana Parish Public Library.
Multiple locations
From Jingle Bells to Silent Night, Christmas carols are a holly jolly must. Join other festive revelers in Parker Park and belt out your favorite tunes. Enjoy cocktails as you shop local businesses for last minute gifts.
Parker Park
Commerce Street at Burnett Road
St. Francisville, LA 70775
You’ll feel a modern Mrs. Darcy with 19th Century decorations, warm wassail, and chestnuts by the fire during the annual Jane Austen Christmas. Enjoy period dancing and music at this magical immersive evening event set in the candlelit historic home, Oakley House.
11788 LA 965
St. Francisville, LA 70775
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