What the International Rice Festival Is
The International Rice Festival in downtown Crowley is billed as the largest and oldest agricultural festival in Louisiana. The 2026 festival was the 89th edition, held October 15-18, 2026, and it is traditionally staged on the third weekend of October on downtown Crowley's Main Street. It celebrates the rice crop with parades, live music on two stages, a carnival, cooking demonstrations and a long weekend of food. Each year the Board of Directors also names honorees to join the Presidential Party; the 2026 honoree was Kane Webb, USA Rice Director of Field Services.
Who It Is For
The festival is a family event. Admission to the grounds and the live music has been free, so anyone can come for the music, the food and the parades. Rides are the main thing that costs money. The festival website carries entry forms and a volunteer sign-up.
2026 Entertainment and Event Schedule
Music ran on the Supreme Rice Sound Stage and the Cajun Country Rice Sound Stage. The family program included a carnival, a Grand Parade, a Children's Parade, a 5K, a car show and a Fiddle and Accordion Contest.
| Day | Supreme Rice Sound Stage | Cajun Country Rice Sound Stage |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, Oct. 15 | Official opening 6:30 p.m.; OG Cola 7:00; Dustin Sonnier 9:00 | Mais Oui! 7:00; Geno Delafose 9:00 |
| Friday, Oct. 16 | Damon Troy 3:00; Kevin Naquin 4:30; Ryne Brashear 6:30; Wayne Toups 8:30; Category 6 10:30 | Phillip Hebert 3:00; Colby Latiolais 5:30; That 90's Show 8:00; Keith Frank 10:00 |
| Saturday, Oct. 17 | Curtis Breaux 5:00; Leif Meche Band 6:30; Easton Corbin 8:30; Gyth Rigdon 10:30 | Robert Jardell 12:30; Grand Parade 3:00-5:00; Adam Leger 5:30; 80's Experience 8:00; Jamie Bergeron 10:00 |
All times are p.m. except where noted, and the last act each night runs until midnight on Friday and Saturday. Sunday, October 18, is the final day of the weekend.
Costs
Gate admission has been free. For carnival rides, the 86th festival priced wristbands at $30 per person per day ($25 on Sunday), with a four-day ride pass at $54 sold in advance until 5 p.m. on opening Thursday. Adults who want alcoholic drinks have needed a $3 wristband from the drink tents. Check the festival for current ride prices before you go.
Contests and Programs
The festival runs a Rice and Creole Cookery Contest, which has been held on the Friday of festival weekend, and a Rice and Gravy Cook-Off held in downtown Crowley ahead of the festival; the most recent one was September 26, 2026. The festival website carries a section of entry forms, a queen and honorees section, and a volunteer sign-up where a volunteer coordinator follows up with applicants.
Where to Go and Who to Call
The festival is centered on downtown Crowley. The festival office is at 303 North Parkerson Avenue, Crowley, LA 70526. Phone: 337-783-3067.
Questions
Do I need a ticket to get in?
No. Entry and the live music have been free; rides require a wristband or tickets.
When is the Grand Parade?
In 2026 it ran Saturday, October 17, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Can I volunteer or enter a contest?
Yes. The festival website has volunteer and entry form sections, and the office can answer questions at 337-783-3067.
Official Links
- International Rice Festival: program, forms, queen and honorees, contact
- International Rice Festival 2026 lineup: day-by-day music and events
- 2026 honoree announcement: USA Rice
- KATC festival preview: carnival and ride pricing
- Explore Louisiana: location and stages
- Crowley Post-Signal: cook-off coverage
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Acadia Parish 4-H Spring Contest Day
Evening contest day covering Journey into Jobs interviews, demonstrations, meat identification and poultry identification, starting at 5 p.m. Held each year; the most recent date was March 16, 2026.
LA | Organizer: Acadia Parish 4-H Official event details - Acadia Parish 4-H Achievement Day
Achievement Day with the Ready to Wear fashion judging and an apron contest showcase, held at Midland High School. Held each year; the most recent date was May 4, 2026.
LA | Organizer: Acadia Parish 4-H Official event details - South Farm Rice Field Day
Rice field day at the LSU AgCenter South Farm in Crowley. Held each year; the most recent date was June 10, 2026.
Crowley, LA | Organizer: LSU AgCenter Official event details - Rice Research Station Field Day
Field day on rice variety and production research held at Rayne. Held each year; the most recent date was June 24, 2026.
- IRF Rice and Gravy Cook-Off
Rice and gravy cook-off staged in downtown Crowley ahead of the International Rice Festival. Held each year; the most recent date was September 26, 2026.
Crowley, LA | Organizer: International Rice Festival Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.