The Natchitoches area prides itself on the many cultural attractions and amenities found in this region. Major festivals are held in Natchitoches each year such as the Natchitoches Jazz R&B Festival, Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival and the world-famous Natchitoches Christmas Festival and Festival of Lights. Unique shopping and dining opportunities await you as well as historic homes, museums, a state historic site and much more. You are sure to find something to do in Natchitoches, whatever your interests are.

For additional information on Natchitoches attractions and events, please contact the Natchitoches Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 259-1714 or www.natchitoches.net.

Festival of Lights / Natchitoches Christmas Festival

Forty nights of spectacular holiday lights from the middle of November until early January. The Festival of Lights began simply in 1926 with outdoor lights to celebrate the Christmas season. More than 80 years later, it draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year who come to witness the nighttime barge parade, marching parades, musical performances, fireworks, food booths, holiday "Tour of Homes" and more.  www.christmasfestival.com/ 

Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival

The Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival is held each year on the second weekend in June on the beautiful grounds     of Melrose Plantation and is considered the oldest arts and crafts show in Louisiana. Each year, more than 100 artisans from throughout the South travel to Melrose Plantation to display their items. www.preservenatchitoches.org/

The Natchitoches / Northwestern Symphony Orchestra

The NSU Symphony Orchestra has been performing for nearly 40 years. Currently it offers four classical concerts annually. It joins with other groups to offer a performance of music, dance, and drama during several performances the week of the Natchitoches Christmas Festival.  There are also children's concerts and a pops concert each fall. www.nsula.edu/nnss/default.html 

Natchitoches / NSU Folklife Festival

This is an event held each July in NSU’s Prather Coliseum. Each year the festival focuses on a different aspect of Louisiana culture with over 40 artists presenting authentic traditional crafts. Sponsored by the Louisiana Folklife Center. www.nsula.edu/folklife/ 

Louisiana Country Music Museum at Rebel State Historic Site

A regular schedule of bluegrass, country, gospel and folk concerts are held throughout the year. The annual Harmonica Contest attracts large audiences. Local musicians as well as country legends have performed here. www.crt.state.la.us/parks/irebel.aspx

Nationally Recognized Heritage Destinations

Natchitoches and Natchitoches Parish proudly boast three important national heritage destinations: 
The Cane River Creole National Historical Park protects 67 historic structures at Magnolia and Oakland Plantations. 

The Park was established in 1994 in order to preserve examples of French and Creole architecture and to interpret the multi-cultural history of the area.  The 116,000 acre Cane River National Heritage Area is known for its spectacular Creole architecture and includes a 30-mile auto route that connects numerous heritage sites The National Heritage Area includes the national park, three state historic sites, the Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District and many other historic sites. www.nps.gov/cari / www.caneriverheritage.org

The Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District encompasses 33 blocks of downtown and includes the renowned Front Street with its unique architecture and numerous historic buildings.