Sammy Kershaw Headlines the 2026 Louisiana Cattle Festival in Abbeville This Weekend

ABBEVILLE, La. - The first full weekend of October often marks slightly cooler weather and always signals the return of the Louisiana Cattle Festival in Abbeville.

Louisiana Cattle Festival 2026 Dates and Location

This year's festival will be held from Friday, October 2, through Sunday, October 4, 2026, at the festival grounds in the heart of downtown Abbeville.

READ MORE: Country Stars Who Dated Each Other + How It Ended

Louisiana Cattle Festival, Facebook

As a completely free, non-gated three-day community celebration, this beloved festival honors the state's deep agricultural roots with an unforgettable weekend of authentic Cajun cuisine, live Zydeco and rock music, family contests, and cultural activities.

Full Weekend Schedule of Events

Here is the complete entertainment schedule for the 2026 Louisiana Cattle Festival:

Friday, October 2

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM: Adam Leger
9:00 PM - 10:30 PM: Wayne Toups

Saturday, October 3

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM: The Eighties Experience
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM: Travis Matte & The Kingpins
9:00 PM - 10:30 PM: Sammy Kershaw

Sunday, October 4

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Horace Trahan & The Ossun Express
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: The Nik'l Beer Band

Get our free mobile app

Frazer Harrison, Getty Images for Stagecoach

Cultural Events and Festival Highlights

Besides the music, you can immerse yourself in unique cultural events running throughout the weekend.

• The Grand Parade (Saturday, Oct. 3 at 2:00 PM): A horse-led parade traveling through downtown Abbeville, featuring royalty and complimentary Blue Bell ice cream passed passed out along the route.
• Timed Rib Eating Competition (Saturday, Oct. 3 at 4:00 PM): A high-energy crowd-pleaser held right in front of the main stage to crown the fastest beef-rib eater.
• Cattle Drive & Blessing of the Bovine (Sunday, Oct. 4): The festival wraps up with a striking cattle drive right down Concord Street, concluded by a traditional blessing of the livestock.
• Local Delicacies: Vendor booths fill the area with mouthwatering beef cuts, Cajun specialties, and sweet local treats.

How to Get Festival Updates

Get everything you need to know about the 2026 Louisiana Cattle Festival at www.louisianacattlefestival.org and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.