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​Recurring Tours

Historic District Walking Tours: Wed–Sat at 10:30 AM (Meet at 780 Front St).

 

American Cemetery Tours: Every First Friday at 11:30 AM.   

The cemetery was established early in the 18th century in association with Fort St. Jean Baptiste. Many of Natchitoches’ pioneering families are buried here. The oldest marker dates to the late 1700s, but the cemetery contains inhabitants of the early settlement, including St. Denis and his wife. 

Insider Tip: Can’t make the Friday tour? The cemetery is open daily from dawn to dusk for a peaceful, self-guided stroll through Natchitoches’ living history.

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​​2026 Events, Festivals and Tours​

Insider Tip:  The dates and links are accurate but often the information contained on the Website or Facebook page has not been updated by the event organizer.

January

  • Jan 2: American Cemetery Walking Tour (11:30 AM) — [First Friday] A guided walk through the oldest cemetery in the Louisiana Purchase.

  • Jan 10: 3rd Annual Krewe of Excellence Parade (2:00 PM) — Celebrating heritage with marching bands and colorful floats.

  • Jan 14: Shop St. Denis Monthly Market — Monthly curated shopping event featuring local artisans and makers.

  • Jan 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day — Official community march and commemorative program.

  • Jan 31: Krewe of 9 Parade (12:00 PM) — Postponed until Feb 21, 2026

  • Jan 31: Krewe of Dionysos Grand Ball — A formal gala at the Events Center. Theme: "Around the World."​

February

  • Feb 6: American Cemetery Walking Tour (11:30 AM) — First Friday monthly tour.

  • Feb 7: Mystic Krewe de St. Denis Ball — An elegant social tradition and formal masquerade.

  • Feb 10: Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony will present a concert titled “Music for Chamber Orchestras”  at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall.  Tickets

  • Feb 14: Shop St. Denis Monthly Market — Monthly curated shopping event featuring local artisans and makers

  • Feb 14; Creole Origins: Crafting Creole Traditions 11:00 AM - 1:00PM

  • Feb 15: Mardi Gras "Main Day" — Featuring the Krewe of Wag-uns pet parade and the Krewe of Dionysos Grand Parade (6:00 PM) on its original route over Keyser Bridge.

  • Feb 17: Mardi Gras Day (State Holiday)

  • Feb 19-21 NSU "Dancescapes" - Spring Dance Concert This is a high-energy showcase featuring various styles from contemporary to jazz. It’s a great evening out for guests who want to see the university’s top athletic and artistic talent.  7:30 PM each evening with a 2:00PM performance on Feb 21. AA Fredericks Auditorium 

  • Feb 21: Krewe of 9 Parade (12:00 PM)

  • Feb 28: NSU Jazz Orchestra Concert at Magale Recital hall.

  • Feb 28: Tom Sawyer Day at the Caroline Dormon Nature Preserve - A great volunteer/outdoor activity.

March

  • Mar 6: American Cemetery Walking Tour (11:30 AM).

  • Mar 7: Bloomin’ on the Bricks & Art Along the Bricks (9 AM – 2 PM) — Garden festival with thousands of tulips and an outdoor fine art gallery.

  • Mar: 7: NSU Wind Symphony concert & CAPA Hall of Fame Reception 

  • Mar: 11-14 NSU "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)" 7:30 PM each evening

  • Mar:14-15 NSU "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)" 2:00 PM matinee

  • Mar 14: Reading on the River & 11th Annual Pub Crawl — Literacy fun followed by a popular evening of craft beer and cocktails.

  • Mar 14: Shop St. Denis Monthly Market — Monthly curated shopping event featuring local artisans and makers

  • Mar 20: NSU Flavor of Louisiana - Northwestern State' premier food festival featuring over 50 chefs and local flavors.

  • Mar 24 NSU "Concerto Winners"  This concert will feature NSU's most talented student musicians. Also on the program , Ravel's "Mother Goose Suite" and a new work by Colombian Composer Victoriano Valencia "San Pelayo Fandango"  7:30 PM Magale Recital Hall

April

May

June

July

August

  • Aug 7: American Cemetery Walking Tour (11:30 AM).

  • Aug 8: Shop St. Denis Monthly Market — Monthly curated shopping event featuring local artisans and makers

  • Aug 27: NSU Demon Football Home Opener vs. TBA

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September

October

November

  • Nov 6: American Cemetery Walking Tour (11:30 AM).

  • Nov 14: Shop St. Denis Monthly Market — Monthly curated shopping event featuring local artisans and makers

  • Nov 21: "Turn on the Holidays" — Centennial kickoff - The formal start to the holiday season featuring the lighting of the downtown district, a massive drone show, and fireworks over the water.

  • Nov 26: Thanksgiving Day (Holiday)- 

  • Nov 28: Fleur de Lis Christmas Craft Mall - Hundreds of unique holiday vendors inside the Natchitoches Events Center.

December

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Important Links:  

Get ready for an amazing lineup of events in the historic town of Natchitoches in 2026!

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