Plaquemines Parish Fair & Orange Festival 2026
The Plaquemines Parish Fair & Orange Festival is celebrating a major milestone this December, marking 80 years of citrus, seafood, and community traditions.
The annual festival returns to Historic Fort Jackson in Buras, LA, from December 4 to 6, 2026, with three days of carnival rides, live music, local food, and family-friendly entertainment.
Founded in 1946, the festival originally began as a celebration of Plaquemines Parish citrus industry. Eight decades later, it continues to bring residents and visitors together to recognize the area's agricultural heritage, coastal culture, and history. Admission to this year's festival is free.
Live Music, Carnival Rides, and Louisiana Food
The festivities begin Friday, December 4, with carnival rides, followed by two full days of live entertainment and activities.
Saturday's musical lineup includes the BC Boyz Band at 11 a.m., Northbound 55 at 2 p.m., and R7R Smokin' Foundation at 6 p.m. On Sunday, Few Blue will perform at 11 a.m., followed by Louisiana Landfall at 2 p.m.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy Louisiana Seafood, citrus-inspired dishes, and local arts and crafts. The festival also features activities for children and opportunities for families to explore the historic grounds of Fort Jackson.
Special Events for the 80th Anniversary
This year's milestone celebration will feature an expanded lineup of competitions, exhibits, and attractions.
One of the highlights is a professional oyster shucking competition on Sunday, December 6, at 1 p.m., featuring National Oyster Shucking Champion Jordan Gallet. The Bayou Jeep Club & Car Show will also take place Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visitors interested in history can explore military reenactments and living history demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday. Reenactors will bring Fort Jackson's past to life through educational talks and demonstrations.
The festival will also introduce special Royal Welcome and Legacy Rooms inside the fort's old guard shack, prisoners' quarters, and museum. These exhibits will highlight the people, families, and traditions that have shaped the festival over its 80-year history.
Additional activities include a 4-H cooking contest, a cornhole tournament, and a children's activity tent. On Saturday, December 5, families can attend the Children's Revue at 10:30 a.m., followed by photos with Santa. The day will also begin with an 8 a.m. fun run benefiting Special Olympics.
Sunday's Children's Talent Expo will showcase young singers, dancers, and cheerleaders. Throughout the weekend, U.S. Marines will also collect new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots.
Eight Decades of Plaquemines Parish Tradition
The Plaquemines Parish Fair & Orange Festival was established in 1946 to promote the local citrus industry, which has long been an important part of the parish's economy and identity.
Over the years, the celebration has continued despite challenges such as devastating freezes, hurricanes, and changing economic conditions. Since returning to Historic Fort Jackson in 2010, the festival has remained a gathering place for generations of residents and visitors.
Schoeny Thomas, president of the Plaquemines Parish Fair & Orange Festival, emphasized the importance of the milestone, describing the event as a celebration of the community's roots and resilience.
This year's anniversary recognizes the citrus growers, fishermen, volunteers, community leaders, and families who have helped preserve the festival's traditions for eight decades.
When and Where to Attend
The 80th annual Plaquemines Parish Fair & Orange Festival will take place December 4 to 6, 2026, at Historic Fort Jackson on Louisiana Highway 23 in Buras, LA.
Friday's festivities will feature carnival rides, while Saturday and Sunday will include live entertainment, food, competitions, exhibits, and family activities. Admission is free, making the festival an accessible way to celebrate the area's history and culture.
For more information and festival updates, visit orangefestival.com.
