The 73rd Annual Louisiana Peach Festival is set to take place on June 3, 2023, in Downtown Ruston. The festival will run from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and will feature 10+ hours of live music, more than 80 food and art vendors, interactive kids’ activities, peachy treats and eats, and much more.
The Louisiana Peach Festival is a celebration of the local culture, with an emphasis on being “homegrown” with local art, music, and flavors. This year's theme is “Lincoln Parish: The Peachiest Place to be Since 1873” to coincide with Lincoln Parish’s Sesquicentennial celebrations happening throughout the year.
According to Amanda Carrier, president & CEO for the Ruston Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau, "It’s a great year to celebrate all the things that make Ruston & Lincoln Parish special. We’re looking forward to inviting our community and our visitors downtown to experience all the festivities we’ve planned for this year’s event."
The festival is not only a celebration of the local culture but also a significant economic driver for downtown merchants, restaurants, and businesses across the parish. Amy Stegall, Ruston Main Street director, stated that "The Peach Festival is a huge economic driver for our downtown merchants and restaurants, and businesses across the parish."
Admission to the festival and all activities are free from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission after 5 p.m. for the evening music lineup is $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under, and free for children four and under. This year, Kids Alley will be expanded to West Mississippi Avenue with even more activities and entertainment from 9a.m. to 5 p.m.
The festival will feature several events leading up to the main event, including Peach Hunt, Peach Restaurant Roundup, Peach Art Exhibit, Peachy Sidewalk Sales, Peach Concerts at the Dixie, Peach Beard Contest, Ruston Antique Classic Car Show, Ruston Farmers Market, Peach Baby Photo Contest, Queen Dixie Gem Peach and Princess Peach Pageant, and the Peach Rodeo.
Official 2023 Peach Festival merchandise will be available for purchase at the Ruston Visitors Center two weeks before the festival. This year’s merchandise includes t-shirts (12M– 4XL), posters, postcards, and stickers. All festival merchandise will also be available at the festival on June 3.
The Peach Festival is still seeking volunteers. Those interested in volunteering can view the volunteer slots that are still open and sign up at lapeachfest.com/volunteers.
More information on the Louisiana Peach Festival is at www.lapeachfest.com or 318-255-2031.