The Whole Family Will Love This Unique Festival Near New Orleans

One of the best things about fall in Louisiana is the abundance of festivals. Combine that with a football game and maybe a pot of gumbo, and you’ve got a perfect weekend lined up. This particular festival is great fun for the whole family, and truly one of the most unique festivals in the area. So gather up the kids and head over to the Northshore for some good old-fashioned festival fun.

The Wooden Boat Festival returns to the sleepy little town of Madisonville for its 18th year of maritime celebration October 13-14 this year.

The festival attracts approximately 30,000 visitors each year, from boat enthusiasts to just those looking for some festival fun.

The festival stretches from Water Street to the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum.

Overlooking the beautiful Tchefuncte River, you’ll have an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the many vintage wooden boats that dock on the river for the festival.

One of the highlights of the festival is the Quick ’n’ Dirty Boat Building competition.

Competitors have 14 hours to construct a boat from materials provided to them, and then they compete in a 100-yard race, where many of them meet their fates. It's always fun to watch, so don't miss it!

There will be live music, local food vendors selling delicious cuisine, and local artists featuring their amazing artwork.

Plus, there will be plenty of kid-friendly activities to keep the little ones entertained.

The festival takes place October 13 & 14th, 2018.

Gates open at 10 a.m. and admission is only $10 for adults. Kids 12 and under are free!

For more information about this unique festival, click here. Have you ever been to the Wooden Boat Festival? Let us know in the comments below!