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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

  • May 1: American Cemetery Walking Tour (11:30 AM).

  • May 9: Shop St. Denis Monthly Market-Monthly curated shopping event featuring local artisans and makers

  • May 10: Mother's Day

  • May 15–16: 29th Annual Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival — Featuring country superstar Joe Nichols and American Idol's John Foster. A multi-genre music festival on the banks of the Cane River

  • May 25: Memorial Day​​​

June

  • ​​Jun 5: American Cemetery Walking Tour (11:30 AM).

  • Jun 13: Shop St. Denis Monthly Market - Monthly curated shopping event featuring local artisans and makers

  • Jun 19: Juneteenth (Holiday) — Community celebrations honoring freedom and heritage.

  • June 21: Father's Day

  • Jun 27: 4th Annual Zydeco Food Truck Festival (12 PM – Midnight) — High-energy music and regional food trucks.

July

  • Jul 3: Independence Day Observed (Holiday).

  • Jul 4: Celebration on the Cane — Fireworks and live music over Cane River Lake.

  • Jul 11: Shop St. Denis Monthly Market — Monthly curated shopping event featuring local artisans and makers

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

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September

  • Sep 4: American Cemetery Walking Tour (11:30 AM).

  • Sep 4–5: Cane River Zydeco Festival — Labor Day weekend music and motorcycle Poker Run.

  • Sep 7:  Labor Day (Holiday)

  • Sep 12:  Shop St. Denis Monthly Market — Monthly curated shopping event featuring local artisans and makers

  • Sep 18–19: Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival — Eating contests and music celebrating the state pastry.

October

  • Oct 2: American Cemetery Walking Tour (11:30 AM).

  • Oct 2–3: Natchitoches Classic Car Show — 400+ vintage rides on Front Street.

  • Oct 9-10: APHN Fall Tour of Homes: Candlelight Tour (usually 5:00-8:00 PM)

  • Oct 10: APHN Fall Tour of Homes: Town & Country Tour (usually 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM)

  • Oct 10: Shop St. Denis Monthly Market — Monthly curated shopping event featuring local artisans and makers

  • Late Oct: Natchitoches Historic District Cemetery Tour — Night-time walking tour with costumed historical reenactors.

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 with a massive drone and fireworks show.

  • Nov 26: Thanksgiving Day (Holiday).

December

  • Dec 3–5: NSU 38th Annual NSU Christmas Gala — Broadway-caliber holiday show.

  • Dec 4: American Cemetery Walking Tour (11:30 AM).

  • Dec 5: 100th Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival Day — 1 PM Parade, 6 PM Grand Centennial Fireworks.

  • Dec 10: NHF Christmas Tour of Homes (Steel Magnolia Porches)

  • Dec 11: HHF Christmas Tour of Homes (Evening Candlelight Tour)

  • Dec 12: NHF Christmas Tour of Homes (Afternoon Tour)

  • Dec 12: Shop St. Denis Monthly Market — Monthly curated shopping event featuring local artisans and makers

  • Dec 17: NHF Christmas Tour of Homes (Steel Magnolia Porches)

  • Dec 18: NHF Christmas Tour of Homes (Evening Candlelight Tour)

  • Dec 19: NHF Christmas Tour of Homes (Afternoon Tour)

  • Dec 24: Christmas Eve

  • Dec 25 Christmas Day

  • Dec 31: New Years Eve

  • Jan 1, 2027: New Years Day

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

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