Like korma is to India, Gumbo and Louisiana are inseparable with deep cultural ties refined over centuries. This soulful and hearty stew is a flavourful dish that blends local ingredients, spices, and tradition. Nowhere else in the world will you find Louisiana’s signature dish prepared as well or served with as much gusto! Every October and November, food lovers from around the world flock to the state for the vibrant Gumbo festivals that are all about food, music, and inimitable community spirit.

Louisiana Gumbo Festival – Chackbay

Officially known as the “Gumbo Capital of Louisiana” (as declared by the state legislature), the gumbo festival in Chackbay is a 50-year-old tradition held every October. Chackbay’s Gumbo Festival is a grand celebration of Cajun cooking and hospitality where volunteers cook up nearly 500 gallons of gumbo over a weekend. Visitors can also enjoy other regional favourites like jambalaya, packed with meat and spice. True to Cajun culture, the event promises a lively atmosphere of food, live music, dance, and quintessential Louisiana charm.

World Championship Gumbo Cookoff – New Iberia

Watch and be amazed as more than 100 teams of gumbo pros cook up their best pots (from scratch) at the annual World Championship Gumbo Cookoff in October. At this cook-off, everything from the roux (stew) to the rice is prepared on site, meaning attendees are getting the freshest bite with every bowl.

South Louisiana Blackpot Festival & Cookoff – Lafayette

Lafayette brings alive its deep Cajun roots during the Blackpot Festival, held in the culturally rich Vermilionville Historic Village. This is not just about gumbo, there are cook-offs for cracklins, stews, jambalaya, and even desserts, celebrating traditional recipes and rustic cooking techniques. For an unforgettable weekend, you can camp on site to experience live Cajun and folk music experiences, including square dancing and performances from award-winning bands.

Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival – New Orleans

The Tremé Gumbo Festival takes place right outside of the French Quarter in the historic Tremé neighbourhood. Enjoy chicken and sausage gumbo, Creole filé gumbo, seafood gumbo and other Louisiana delicacies while jamming to the sounds of local brass bands. The fest also features a large Arts Market with dozens of local artists showcasing handmade fine art, plus a Kids Area with local artists leading interactive and creative workshops for the kiddos.

Louisiana’s love for gumbo runs deep, and smaller cook-offs pop up all the time. Look out for the Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Gumbo Cook-Off in Crowley, or the Battle of the Gumbo Gladiators in Shreveport, each with its own twist.

Image credit: Louisiana Office of Tourism