Peaches & Pitmasters: Louisiana’s Summer Festivals Serve Up Sweet and Savory Delights

By The Bayou Insider Staff

As summer heats up, Louisiana's culinary scene comes alive with two beloved festivals that celebrate the state's rich agricultural and cultural heritage. The 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival in Ruston and the St. Landry BBQ Festival in Opelousas are set to offer attendees a feast for the senses, blending traditional flavors with vibrant community festivities.

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🍑 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival – Ruston

📅 Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025
📍 Location: Downtown Ruston, LA
🎟️ Admission: Free
🔗 Website: lapeachfest.com

Celebrating its diamond jubilee, the Louisiana Peach Festival is a testament to Ruston's longstanding tradition of peach cultivation. The festival offers a plethora of activities:

• Live Music: Over 12 hours of performances on the Railroad Park Stage, featuring artists like The Band of Heathens, LA Jay & the Zydeco Backwood Boyz, and more. Louisiana Peach Festival+1Experience Ruston+1

• Curated Market: A showcase of handmade items from local artisans at the Historic Fire Station.Louisiana Peach Festival

• Kids Alley: Interactive art activities and crafts for children at the Sexton Lot.Louisiana Peach Festival

• Peach Culinary Crawl (June 2–7): Local restaurants offer peach-inspired dishes and drinks. Experience Ruston

• Peach Cookery Contest (June 5): A competition featuring peach pies and cobblers at the Ruston Farmers Market.

• Peach Parade (June 6, 6:00 PM): A festive procession through downtown Ruston.

• Peach Rodeo (June 6–7, 8:00 PM): Held at the North Louisiana Expo Center, featuring traditional rodeo events.

• Run for the Peaches 5K (June 7, 7:30 AM): A morning race through Ruston’s scenic routes.

• Antique Car Show (June 7, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM): Featuring classic vehicles on display at the Cadence Bank Parking Lot.Louisiana Peach Festival

For a complete schedule and more details, visit the official festival website.

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🔥 St. Landry BBQ Festival – Opelousas

📅 Dates: June 20–22, 2025
📍 Location: Yambilee Grounds, 1939 W. Landry St., Opelousas, LA
🎟️ Admission: Free
🔗 Website: stlandrybbqfestival.com

The St. Landry BBQ Festival is a three-day celebration of barbecue, music, and community spirit. Attendees can look forward to:

• BBQ Cook-Off (June 22): Teams compete in categories like beef, chicken, pork, and more, offering attendees a chance to sample various barbecue styles.

• Live Music Performances: Featuring headliners such as The Chee-Weez (June 20), Keith Frank (June 21), and Roi “Chip” Anthony (June 22), along with other local artists throughout the weekend. stlandrypg.org

• Family-Friendly Activities: Including carnival rides, arts and crafts vendors, and a variety of food and beverage options.

For the full band lineup and event details, check out the festival's band lineup page.

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🎉 Experience the Flavor of Louisiana

Both festivals offer a unique taste of Louisiana's culinary and cultural heritage. Whether you're in the mood for sweet peaches or savory barbecue, these events provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy local flavors, music, and community spirit.

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📣 Call to Action:

Are you planning to attend the Louisiana Peach Festival or the St. Landry BBQ Fest? Share your favorite festival memories—or peach and BBQ recipes—with The Bayou Insider!
Send your stories to thebayouinsider@proton.me