Outdoors

Louisiana dove hunting season opens Saturday, September 5, 2026. North and South zones have different dates. Hunters 18 and older need a license and HIP certification.

Louisiana's recreational alligator hunting lottery opens August 20 and runs through August 30. Up to 5,000 hunters may receive two tags per zone for the October 1–31 season.

LDWF is issuing 42 black bear hunting permits through a lottery for the December 5–20, 2026 hunt. Applications are open through August 28. A $50 non-refundable fee applies.

Three Louisiana beaches ranked among the best in America for etiquette: Holly Beach at No. 100, Rutherford Beach at No. 104, and Grand Isle State Park at No. 105.

Audubon Zoo's Sip + Dip adults-only summer series runs select Fridays through August 28 in New Orleans. Cool Zoo splash pad, Gator Run lazy river, cocktails, and DJs. $55 admission

Scott and Carencro will kick off Acadiana's Independence Day celebrations with live music, family activities, and fireworks this weekend.

Erath's 90th Fourth of July celebration features Wayne Toups, Dustin Sonnier, carnival rides, a parade, water fights, and fireworks.

Big changes are coming to fishing in the Atchafalaya Basin—get ready for a new limit that could change your next trip to the water.

Louisiana's Free Fishing Weekend returns June 6-7, allowing anglers to fish license-free while enjoying family-friendly events and fishing lessons.

Moncus Park's summer lineup includes Sunset Sessions concerts every Thursday in June, a Father's Day pop-up June 21, and National Food Truck Day June 26. All free.

Little Big Town is playing the Youngsville Outdoor Amphitheater on Saturday, September 12. Tickets go on sale Friday, May 29 at 10 a.m. at YoungsvilleSportsComplex.com.

Youngsville's free Red, White & Boom Independence Day celebration returns July 3 at the Sports Complex Amphitheater. Marc Broussard headlines with fireworks to close.

Louisiana's red snapper bag limit is temporarily increased to five fish per person per day for Memorial Day weekend, May 22–25. The 16-inch minimum size limit still applies.

Lafayette Stars & Stripes returns July 4, 2026 at Parc International. Free admission, live music, food trucks, and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. for America's 250th anniversary.

The 2026 Cajun Heartland State Fair runs May 22–31 at the Cajundome in Lafayette with live music every night. Chee Weez headlines May 30. Admission starts at $5.

Rockin' On The Runway returns June 13 at Red Oak Landing in Sunset, La. with an airshow, car show, and live music benefiting St. Mary's Residential Community & Services.

Think you need to leave the state for a beach trip? Here are the best beaches Louisiana has to offer.

A Lafayette angler landed a 12.5-pound bass at Toledo Bend.

Zoosiana in Broussard is hosting its annual EggstravaganZoo Easter event with scavenger hunts, Easter Bunny visits, and family activities.

A national survey ranked the most restorative green spaces in the U.S., with one Lafayette park earning recognition for helping visitors relax and recharge.