January February

Mardi Gras Parade- Krewe of Dionysos evening parade through the Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District. Hundreds of thousands of colorful beads thrown from dozens of parading floats.

Mardi Gras Magic- Street performers in the downtown area performing magic tricks. Featuring fortune tellers, artists, musicians and dancers.

March

Blooming on the Bricks celebrates the arrival of spring in the Downtown Historic District along the banks of scenic Cane River Lake. Gardening seminars, demonstrations and vendors, entertainment and children’s activities are also included. Contact Main Street (318) 357-3823 or (800) 259-1714

Art Along the Bricks- Artists create and display their works along the brick sidewalk east of Front Street in our beautiful historic town. Vendor infor (318) 352-1626 or (800) 259-1714

April

Jazz/R&B Festival- Held on the banks of scenic Cane River Lake, this festival showcases the best of the region’s rock, rhythm and blues bands.

Rebel State Spring Festival- Home of the Louisiana Country Music Museum and the resting place of the unknown Confederate Soldier. Enjoy Southern cuisine along with folk art, crafts and entertainment. The festival is also the home of the State Harmonica Contest.

American Cemetery Tour- Guided tour of oldest cemetery in the Louisiana Purchase Territory. Interpreters portray some of the more notable characters and legends of historic Natchitoches. Hosted by the Natchitoches Historic Foundation. Contact (800) 259-1714 for tickets and information.

May

Cane River Green Market-Through July: Every Tuesday evening from 4p.m.-8p.m. and Saturday from 9a.m.-1p.m.

June

Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival- This annual event is held on the historic Melrose Plantation, a National Historic Landmark. Tours of the Big House and the African House are available. This event attracts 150 plus juried artists and craftsmen. Sponsored by the APHN. For more information call (800) 259-1714.

Cane River Green Market-Through July: Every Tuesday evening from 4p.m.-8p.m. and Saturday from 9a.m.-1p.m.

July

Cane River Green Market-Through July: Every Tuesday evening from 4p.m.-8p.m. and Saturday from 9a.m.-1p.m.

Celebration on the Cane- Live entertainment, fireworks and other activities throughout the day on Cane River Lake in the Landmark Historic District.

NSU Folk Festival- Held in Prather Coliseum on the Northwestern State University. Hear the sounds of Cajun, Zydeco, Country and Fold musicians as well as sixty master folk artists, exhibitors, craftsmen and artists in attendance.

September

Cane River Zydeco Festival- Held on the banks of Cane River Lake, this festival features zydeco music, Louisiana cuisine, fun, games and poker run. For more information call (800) 259-1714.

Marthaville Good Ole Days- Celebrate this community’s history with a parade, food vendors, arts & crafts, fun and entertainment. Located fifteen miles west of Natchitoches on Highway 6. For more information call (318) 472-6707.

Meat Pie Festival & Triathlon- Celebrate our famous Natchitoches Meat Pie with demonstrations, entertainment, eating contests and more. For more information call (800) 259-1714 or visit www.meatpiefestival.com

Meat Pie Triathlon- Run, swim and bike through the National Historic District. For vendor information or triathlon registration call (800) 264-8991 or www.meatpiefestival.com

October

52nd Annual Natchitoches Pilgrimage, October 14 and 15 featuring a Town Tour, Candlelight Tour and Cane River Country Tour. www.natchitochesfalltour.com

Smokin’ on the Red- Celebrate with the oldest settlement on the Red River in Campti, La.

Witch Way to Main Street- Treats and tricks for children 12 and under along with music, contests and more. 5p.m.-8p.m. For more information call (800) 259-1714.

November

Festival of Lights—Premiere

December

Barge Parade- Decorated barges parade on scenic Cane River Lake. Prizes awarded for best lights and more.

Christmas Festival- Experience the charm of the original French colony in Louisiana during the annual Holiday event. Activities include daylong entertainment, food, arts & craft vendors, parade and a high-energy fireworks display. For more information call (800) 259-1714 or visit www.christmasfestival.com.

Fireworks every Saturday during the month of Decmeber!

Holiday Tour of Homes- Tour of homes decorated for the holidays.

“Fete Hiver”- Winter Celebration- Fort St. Jean Baptist SHS. Celebrate Christmas 18th Century style with historians, re-enactors, and period merchants occupying the fort.