Celebrate the start of fall on the Cajun Coast at the 91st Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival, September 3rd-7th in Morgan City. This beloved Labor Day weekend tradition brings together live music, Louisiana seafood, family activities, parades, local art, and waterfront traditions, including the Blessing of the Fleet and fireworks over the Atchafalaya River.
A Tradition on the Cajun Coast
For 91 years, the Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival has celebrated the people and industries that helped shape Morgan City and St. Mary Parish. Held September 3rd-7th, the five-day celebration brings the community together around the waterfront with a lineup that combines long-standing traditions, local culture, great food, and entertainment for all ages.
Start the Weekend in Downtown Morgan City
Festival activities begin Thursday, September 3rd, with a 5:15pm ribbon cutting in downtown Morgan City. Carnival rides open from 5pm-10pm, while Artist Guild Unlimited welcomes visitors to its 62nd Annual Show and Sale. On Friday, explore the arts and crafts marketplace, stop by the Cajun Culinary Classic, and enjoy carnival rides before settling in for Music in the Park. Friday’s performers include the Justin Cornett Band and Jamie Bergeron & The Kickin Cajuns.
Make Saturday a Family Day
Saturday, September 5th, offers activities from morning through evening. The 100 Black Men 5K Run/Walk begins at 8am, and children’s activities are scheduled in Lawrence Park from 8am-10:30am. The Children’s Parade begins at 11am, followed by the Children’s Village ribbon cutting at 1pm. Browse the Marketplace Under the Bridge, enjoy the carnival, and stop by the shrimp cookoff at the Morgan City dock on Front Street at 2pm. Gospel in the Park and a full lineup of live performances add even more entertainment.
Experience the Blessing of the Fleet
Sunday, September 6th, features some of the festival’s most meaningful waterfront traditions. Mass in the Park takes place from 8:30am-9:30am, followed by the Blessing of the Fleet and Water Parade at the Front Street Dock from 10am-noon. The street parade begins at 3pm, and fireworks light up the Atchafalaya River at 9pm. Throughout the day, visitors can also enjoy the Rotary Pancake Breakfast, arts and crafts, the Children’s Village, carnival rides, and live music.
Find Art, Food, and Live Music
Festival weekend is a chance to experience the creativity and flavors that make the Cajun Coast special. Artist Guild Unlimited’s Labor Day Art Show and Sale features work by local and national artists, while the marketplace showcases arts and crafts. The Cajun Culinary Classic brings plenty of local flavor, and Music in the Park continues throughout the weekend. On Monday, September 7th, performances include Cliff Hillebran from noon-2pm and South 70 from 2:30pm-4:30pm.
Discover the History Behind the Celebration
The festival also highlights the working-waterfront industries that are central to Morgan City’s story. Diving & ROV Museum tours are listed throughout the festival weekend, offering another way to learn about the offshore work, innovation, and local history connected to the region’s shrimping and petroleum heritage. Check the event listing for daily tour times and the latest festival schedule.
The 91st Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival takes place September 3rd-7th in Morgan City. Whether you come for the Blessing of the Fleet, family-friendly parades, local seafood, the art show, carnival rides, live music, or fireworks along the river, Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to celebrate on the Cajun Coast.
For the complete schedule and event updates, visit CajunCoast.com, and make your reservations now.
