Washington Parish Free Fair 2024 in Louisiana

The Washington Parish Free Fair is a perfect chance to experience classic small-town American entertainment. The fair, held every October in Franklinton, Louisiana, has been running since 1911, attracting enthusiastic crowds from all over the country. Tons of live music performances, midway rides, livestock exhibits, and festival foods are some of the main drawing points of the fair.

Fair Entertainment

The Washington Parish Free Fair is famous for its spectacular rodeo, beautiful flower exhibits, livestock, and agricultural product displays. Kids love the Midway, playground area with various child-friendly activities, and Old McDonald’s Farm, where you can witness all kinds of livestock animals up close. There is also an authentic Historical Pioneer Village of the 1800s, the Mile Branch Settlement, where visitors can meet costumed hosts and get into log cabins with recreated interiors. Don't forget to try authentic Louisiana dishes at the village. Home-cooking-inspired food got so popular that The Washington Parish Free Fair has already published several Mile Branch Settlement Cookbooks with recipes from local cooks.

Music Lineup

The fairgrounds host several stages, each with its own impressive lineup consisting of local musicians and party bands. A mix of country, rock, and R&B swoons every listener at the fair. This year, the artist selection at the main stage includes Eli Young Band, Clay Cormier & The Highway Boys, Konner James & Band, New Orleans Mystics, Phat Hat, Hip Deep, Nola Groove, Petty Betty, Swampland Revival, Cajun Company Band, and others. The Down by the Branch stage will feature other artists from Louisiana and beyond, including Seth Mulder and Midnight Run, The Victory Belles, Ashton Gill, The Baker Family, Tanya Huang, and many others.

Washington Parish Free Fair Parade (October 16, 2024)

One of the main attractions of the​ Washington Parish Free Fair is the Washington Parish Free Fair Parade. The parade marks the start of the fair, beginning at 10 am on its first day. Each year, the event follows a certain theme, with this year's theme being "Small Town, Big Fair." The procession goes from the Franklinton High School, where all the floats are previously staged, continues west to the courthouse and heads to the Washington Parish Fair Grounds, stopping by the Livestock Barn. The entire route is approximately 3 miles (5 km) long.

Fair Rodeo Program

The fair's rodeo arena annually presents one of the best rodeo shows of the season, with cowboys performing exhilarating barrel racing, bull riding, and roping in front of the cheering crowd. The show unfolds on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7 pm and requires tickets to attend. However, there is a special rodeo performance on Wednesday, called Wednesday Night Rodeo Kick-Off, free for visitors with special needs.

Schedule & Hours

The fair operates from noon until 8 pm on Wednesday, from 10 am until 8 pm from Thursday through Saturday, and from noon until 5 pm on Sunday. Midway opens at 10 am Wednesday through Saturday and at 11 am on Sunday. Petting zoo will be open from 4 pm until 5 pm on Wednesday, from 10 am until 11 am, and 4 to 5 pm on Thursday-Saturday, and from 3 pm to 4 pm on Sunday.

Tickets

The fair itself is completely free to attend, but midway carnival rides require tickets to enjoy. The advance price of a 40-ticket sheet costs $25 and increases to $27 during the fair. One ticket costs $1. On Thursday and Saturday, you can purchase an arm band for $25, which can be used until 4 pm on the day of purchase.

Location in Franklinton

The fair takes place in the town of Franklinton, Louisiana, along East Fairgrounds Road and Main Street, where the Washington Parish Fair Association is located. Franklinton is situated approximately 87 miles (140 km) from Baton Rouge and 69 miles (111 km) from New Orleans.