This year, tickets for Destrehan Planation’s Fall Festival are $8 for adults and teens, down from $10 at last year’s event. Children 12 and under get in free.
The two-day festival on Nov. 8 and Nov. 9 will also feature new fall décor on the entry gates and the arbor, over 150 art and craft vendors, antiques, a children’s area, live music and food. Guests can shop for fine art, seasonal décor, pottery, clothing, toys, candles, jewelry and woodcrafts.
Tracy Smith, executive director of Destrehan Plantation, said he expects about 7,000 people to visit the plantation’s grounds during the festival.
“I always look forward to our local community coming out and supporting Destrehan Plantation in its continued efforts to preserve our cultural heritage,” Smith said.
The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Visitors can purchase tickets online or with cash on-site. There is free parking on site.
All the money raised goes toward preserving the Destrehan Plantation and its history. Smith said the fundraiser is more important than ever because business had not rebounded to pre-Covid levels.
“This has not affected just us but most major attractions in our region are still struggling to completely bounce back from Covid,” he said.
He said the fundraiser contributes to about 15 percent of the annual budget of the plantation.
“But more than that, Destrehan Plantation is a big part of our local history, and this is a way for residents to experience this,” he said. “So many generations have memories of the fall festival.”
Festivalgoers can experience a guided tour of the home for an additional $15 ticket. Children 12 and under tour for free. Tours are offered every 30 minutes with the first tour of the day beginning at 9:30 a.m. and the last tour of the day beginning at 4 p.m.
The children’s area includes pony rides, face painting, crafts, bungee jump, old timey games and mini golf.
There will be 12 food vendors this year, serving a wide variety, including Filipino food, burgers, homemade sausage and jerky, seafood balls, Mexican street tacos, Cochon de lait, and much more. Beverage options include soda, water, beer, wine and the plantation’s signature Plantation Punch.
The plantation’s Indigo Café, with its outdoor covered patio, is also now open.
Ryan Foret and Foret Tradition, will perform Saturday, Nov. 8 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Peyton Falgoust Band will perform Sunday, Nov. 9 12:30 p.m. to 4: p.m.
