The International Rice Festival is one of Louisiana’s oldest and most beloved celebrations. Since 1937, it has honored the rice industry, supporting farmers and promoting the cultural heritage that comes with this essential crop. Whether you’re a fan of food, live music, parades, or hands-on agricultural experiences, this four-day festival offers something for everyone.
With carnival rides, craft shows, food vendors, parades, and musical performances, the festival brings together locals and visitors alike for an unforgettable experience. Below is a day-by-day guide to help you make the most of your time at this year’s festival.
Thursday, October 17
The festival kicks off at 6 PM with a night full of music, carnival fun, and delicious food. Two main music stages—the Supreme Rice Stage and the Cajun Country Rice Stage—will host local bands, providing a lively soundtrack to the first night’s celebrations. Carnival rides and food vendors will be open until 11 PM, offering classic fair food alongside dishes highlighting Louisiana’s rice-based cuisine.
Entertainment
- 6:00PM-7:30PM: Buddy Andrews at Supreme Rice Stage
- 6:00PM-8:00PM: Mais Oui! at Cajun Country Rice Stage
- 8:00PM-9:30PM: 80’S Experience at Supreme Rice Stage
- 8:30PM-10:00PM: TJ Gautreaux at Cajun Country Rice Stage
- 10:00PM-MIDNIGHT: Rusty Metoyer at Supreme Rice Stage
- 10:30PM-MIDNIGHT: Three Thirty Seven at Cajun Country Rice Stage
Friday, October 18
Friday offers a full day of arts, contests, parades, and music! The Levy Park Arts and Crafts Show opens early, giving visitors a chance to browse unique handmade goods and support local artisans. The Children’s Parade in the afternoon adds a festive charm, with floats, bands, and costumed participants filling the streets. The carnival runs all day, giving families plenty of time to enjoy rides and games.
Festival Events
- 9 AM – 4 PM: Outdoor Arts and Crafts Show at Levy Park
- 9:30 AM: Rice & Creole Cookery Contest at LSU AgCenter
- 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM: Carnival is open
- 10:15 AM: Jr. King & Queen Contest at Supreme Rice Stage
- 12:00 PM: International Rice Eating Contest at Supreme Rice Stage
- 1:30 PM: Children’s Parade
Entertainment
- 3:00PM-4:30PM: Swampland Revival at Supreme Rice Stage
- 3:00PM-5:00PM: Chubby Carrier at Cajun Country Rice Stage
- 5:00PM-7:00PM: Dustin Sonnier at Supreme Rice Stage
- 5:30PM-7:30PM: Colby Latiolais at Cajun Country Rice Stage
- 7:30PM-9:30PM: Karen Waldrep at Supreme Rice Stage
- 8:00PM-9:30PM: Geno Delafosse at Cajun Country Rice Stage
- 10:00PM-MIDNIGHT: Wayne Toups at Supreme Rice Stage
- 10:00PM-MIDNIGHT: Louisiana Red at Cajun Country Rice Stage
Saturday, October 19
Saturday is the main event! Start the day with the 5K run, then watch as the 87th International Rice Festival Queen is crowned or catch the action at the Fiddle and Accordion Contest. Midday brings hands-on agricultural demonstrations, including rice threshing, sack sewing, and shock building contests—all offering insight into the traditional methods used by rice farmers.
The highlight of the day is the Grand Parade at 3 PM, featuring floats, bands, local dignitaries, and festival royalty.
Festival Events
- 8:00 AM: 5K Run presented by Northside Christian
- 9 AM – 4 PM: Outdoor Arts and Crafts Show at Levy Park
- 10:00 AM: Fiddle and Accordion Contest at Cajun Country Rice Stage
- 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM: Carnival is open
- 10:15 AM: Queens Contest at Supreme Rice Stage
- 11:00 AM: Frog Derby at Supreme Rice Stage
- 12:30 PM: Rice Threshing Demonstration, Shock Building Contest, Sack Sewing Contest at First Baptist Church
- 3:00 PM: Grand Parade
Entertainment
- 12:30PM-2:00PM: Donny Broussard at Cajun Country Rice Stage
- 5:00PM-6:15PM: Tiffany Pollock at Supreme Rice Stage
- 5:30PM-7:30:PM: Adam Leger at Cajun Country Rice Stage
- 6:30PM-8:00PM: Leif Meche Band at Supreme Rice Stage
- 8:00PM-9:30PM: That 90s Show at Cajun Country Rice Stage
- 8:30PM-10:00PM: Frank Foster at Supreme Rice Stage
- 10:00PM-MIDNIGHT: Jamie Bergeron at Cajun Country Rice Stage
- 10:30PM-MIDNIGHT: Spank The Monkey at Supreme Rice Stage
Sunday, October 20 – Family Fun Day
The festival winds down with Family Fun Day, an alcohol-free celebration perfect for families. Carnival rides and food vendors will be open from noon to 6 PM, offering one last chance to experience the festival before it ends.
Celebrating the Rice Industry and Honoring Its Heroes at the International Rice Festival
At its heart, the International Rice Festival is about honoring the agricultural community that makes rice production possible. From the hardworking farmers and millworkers to young leaders stepping into the industry, this festival highlights the critical role rice plays in Louisiana’s economy and celebrates the individuals behind the scenes.
Throughout the festival, visitors will have the chance to observe unique agricultural events and learn about time-honored traditions used in rice farming. Each year, several key figures are honored for their contributions to the rice industry.
Special Honorees for 2024
Each year, the International Rice Festival honors those whose hard work and dedication have made a significant impact on the industry. For 2024, the festival is proud to recognize:
- Bradley Reed – Festival Honoree. Learn more about Bradley here.
- Troy Fruge – Farmer of the Year. Learn more about Troy here.
- Christian Leonards – Junior Farmer of the Year. Learn more about Christian here.
Agricultural Events
Wednesday, October 16 – Rice Grading Contest
- 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Held at the USDA Federal Inspection Service, Grain Division Office, located on West Highway 90 in Crowley.
Saturday, October 19 – Rice Threshing, Sack Sewing, and Shock Building Contests
- 12:30 PM | First Baptist Church, 4th Street & Avenue G
These demonstrations showcase the traditional practices of rice farming. Rice Festival honorees and royalty will compete in the sack sewing and shock building. Spectators are welcome to attend and get an up-close look at how rice farming has evolved over the years. These events emphasize the manual labor and expertise that go into every step of the process.
Saturday, October 19 – Millworkers of the Year Recognition
- 9:15 AM | Supreme Rice Stage
Millworkers from Supreme Rice and Falcon Rice Mills will be honored for their dedication and hard work. These individuals play a crucial role in processing, packaging, and ensuring the quality of the rice that reaches tables across the globe. Their recognition on stage is a reminder of the collective effort behind every bag of rice.
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