
‘Step away from the modern world’: The Acadiana Renaissance Faire Is Back
The Acadiana Renaissance Faire is up for its fourth year, and this year’s schedule brings additional medieval magic to Evangeline Parish. Since 2022, the faire has offered attendees a whimsical escape from the modern world with its blend of history, fantasy, and Cajun tradition.
This highly-anticipated event is located in Ville Platte, Louisiana, and you can expect no shortage of entertainment as the festival continues to grow. From themed weekends to sights and live music, there’s an activity for everyone included in the jam-packed lineup.
DIG spoke with a few team members from the Acadiana Renaissance Faire to discuss its cultural roots and what new activities patrons can expect in 2025.
”We are honing in on who we are and what sets us apart. We are a playful mix of history and fantasy, highlighted in the creation of our new mascot and logo, Beausoleil the Dragator (alligator with dragon wings). Our Faire (Village) Name, Post Bonhomie, also encompasses our personality – a good-natured gathering place where all are welcomed and respected for their contribution,” said CFO Sarah Sullivan.
Now held on a 100-acre permanent site, the annual event continues to establish itself as one of the most unique Renaissance Faires in the country.

Credit: Acadiana Renaissance Faire
A Truly Unique Experience
What was originally a local celebration of grassroots tradition in Opelousas has become an immersive time portal, inviting you to experience a sprawling 16th-century village.
”Our permanent location allows us to build immersive themed structures and improve infrastructure year after year. We’re proud to offer a unique blend of fantasy and history, reflecting the culture and charm of Acadiana,” said Marketing Director Anne Regan.
This year, attendees can expect the return of some beloved artists, activities, and merchants. According to the team, the faire’s volunteers and cast members create a magical atmosphere.
”Our vendors and performers ARE the Faire. They bring with them unique offerings and talents and personalities,” shared Sullivan.
As the faire grows in popularity each year, its team holds an open casting call to anyone looking to showcase their talents and interests.
“We seek individuals with a passion for storytelling, performance, and creating immersive experiences. The process involves an application and audition, where we assess talent, creativity, and enthusiasm. We love fostering local talent and creating opportunities for performers and artisans to shine,” said Regan.
The Fun Returns With New Events
This season, the fun returns with brand new attractions and sights. If you’re planning on bringing your family, activities such as vendor-led games and an enchanting fairy garden bring magic to all ages. Additionally, patrons can anticipate new Cajun-inspired cuisine, like the Dragator Egg and Cajun Scotch Eggs.
The exciting new additions don’t stop at games and cuisine. The Acadiana Renaissance Faire is introducing a Mad Hatter theme to the Le Goûter Tea, which adds enchanting elements to traditional high tea. Guests can sip on the various teas offered while they enjoy a performance by The Mad Hatter, The Swindler.
“We find that a posh tea is more fun with a touch of the unexpected and unscripted. Also, Joe, of Cousin Joes Cater de Cajun, served us up some delicious smoked turkey legs, Scotch Eggs, and his own creation, the Cajun Egg last year, and we couldn’t get enough. This year, he’s been perfecting his recipe for the Dragator egg, and we can’t wait to try it,” said Sullivan.
Whether you’re returning to the faire or attending for the first time, there is something for everyone. New merchants and action-packed games like spear-throwing allow guests to become part of the story.
“The immersiveness of the activities invite the patrons to really step into the setting we are creating and be an active part of it,” added musician J. Stuart Keller.

Credit: Acadiana Renaissance Faire
Captivating Themed Weekends
Each weekend, new unique, and captivating experiences are added with themed events. Attendees can escape into the fantasies of fairy magic at the Fae Wild Weekend to swashbuckling adventures at Pirate Weekend. For the history buffs, there is a Voyager Weekend and a Celtic Heritage Weekend, which tie the traditional aspects of Renaissance Faires into Louisiana’s heritage.
“As someone who runs a Nordic and Celtic Emporium, I have a special excitement for Voyager (Viking) and Celtic Heritage weekends—they truly get my heart racing,” Regan added.
Many of us are eager to celebrate the Mardi Gras season. This year, the faire has a lively Mardi Gras Weekend event blending its Cajun roots with the Renaissance era.
“The diverse themes ensure there’s something extraordinary for everyone to experience and enjoy,” says Regan.
Celebrate Community With Unforgettable Memories
As the Acadiana Renaissance Faire grows each year, it remains a celebration of community at the heart. For the team, creating unforgettable memories is the most important aspect of the festival.
“It crafts experiences and inspires people to bring something back into their daily lives, be it picking up a new instrument, delving into [a] historical study, taking up historical craftsmanship, telling stories instead of posting them, singing old songs that will live yet another generation, taking up swordsmanship … or maybe even taking up showmanship and being an even more integral part of next season’s faire,” said Keller.
Whether you leave the faire with new friends or the idea to pick up a new hobby, the one-of-a-kind experience will leave lasting memories to take back into daily life.
“We hope every visitor leaves with unforgettable memories and a desire to return,” says Regan.
The Acadiana Renaissance Faire lasts until Feb. 16. Their hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. They are located at 629 Mount Carmel Road, Ville Platte, Louisiana.
Click here to find more exciting events in Louisiana.

Anna Roppolo
Editorial Intern
Anna Roppolo is a student at Louisiana State University pursuing a journalism degree. With a passion for media writing, she enjoys opening discussions and raising awareness about current topics. Throughout her academic career, she has covered stories ranging from Hurricane Helene and news reports in Baton Rouge to live interviews with local musicians.
She currently serves as an Editorial Intern for DIG Magazine.
By Anna Roppolo
February 03, 2025
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