Craving gumbo? Live music? A celebration of all things Louisiana?

Head to the Chackbay Fairgrounds for the 57th annual Louisiana Gumbo Festival next week on Oct. 10-12.

Since its inception in 1973, Chackbay has been serving up all kinds of Louisiana cuisine—white beans, smoked sausage, jambalaya and just about any other Cajun specialty you may crave.

Given its name, however, the festival’s wide assortment of gumbos is the real treat.

In the 1970s, then-governor Edwin Edwards proclaimed Chackbay the official “Gumbo Capital of Louisiana,” a title that the town surely lives up to. Around 500 gallons of gumbo are served every year during the three-day festival, with a crowd of upwards of 15,000 people eager to get a taste.

Visitors have festivities to look forward to after they fill themselves with gumbo, too. There will be live music from local bands, with a special appearance from American Idol star and Louisiana native John Foster on the festival’s second day. 

Carnival rides for all ages will be available. Advanced armbands are available for purchase on the festival’s website; these armbands allow unlimited access to the carnival throughout the entirety of the festival.

A parade and auction will take place on the final day of the festival.

The parade will feature Gumbo Festival royalty—Queen Kathy Morvant, King Steven Kraemer and Grand Marshal Evan J. Plaisance—as well as government officials and local fire departments. The auction will take place shortly thereafter, with all proceeds benefitting the Chackbay Volunteer Fire Department. 

Even if you are unable to attend, Sunday, Oct. 12 marks National Gumbo Day, a holiday that Louisianans and gumbo fans can enjoy regardless of their location. Still, who wouldn’t want to celebrate at the Louisiana Gumbo Festival?