Louisiana Legends Fest 2026 is October 17, 2026. Louisiana Legends Fest has proven to be a key component of fall activities in northwest Louisiana. Visitors to the festival have increased an average of 39% in each of the first five festivals with the largest concentration of visitors from over 60 miles from downtown Homer. During our February meeting we reviewed new data that identifies more than 6,800 visiting during the day from over 60 miles away. This data does not include places like Shreveport, Ruston, Minden, El Dorado, Magnolia or anyone from Claiborne Parish.

That brings the 2025 visitors above 9,000 visitors on a single day to Claiborne Parish.

Creating a tourism event for Claiborne Parish was one of the key goals of Claiborne Unite Foundation, the non-profit that produces the annual festival. One of the other key goals was to create economic development for Claiborne Parish.

The 2025 Louisiana Legends Fest had the largest marketing budget of any event in Claiborne Parish.

That has been successful in promoting northwest Louisiana businesses to new customers. Louisiana Legend Fest special events including events in Haynesville, Homer, and Lake Claiborne continue to expand this as a parish-wide event.

Creating a fund-raising opportunity for Claiborne Parish organizations was key. Focusing on a regional branded event, it could bring people to purchase items, food, and participate in festival events with the proceeds going directly to the Claiborne Parish organization. Over the five years, estimated total revenue for LLF Charity Partners exceeded $171,800.

As a commitment to reward our volunteers and to build for sustainability, each year 50% of the event operating profits are given back in charity grants to the Chairty Partner based on the volunteer time donated on behalf of that organization. The 2025 LLF Partner grant was $13,500 bringing the five-year total to $56,000. Thanks to the festival activity Claiborne Parish organizations have benefited from over $225,000 of new funds.

The Louisiana Legends Fest is the culmination of great volunteers (170 volunteers in 2025) and outstanding, generous, and dedicated sponsors. This event can only take place if these two components are aligned.

The first planning meeting reviewed the four pages After Action Review which accumulates information from surveys, business, government, and volunteer feedback to review what worked well and should be repeated and even the items that need to be eliminated. This allows the festival to continue to improve efficiency, results, and operations. Several key festival decisions were made during our meeting with most geared to the festival footprint and even though expenses to operate continue to rise, the decision was made to keep the festival with free admission. Committee discussions were directed to explore new ways to offset expenses and to improve the event.

If you are interested in ensuring the Louisiana Legends Fest remains a fixture on the calendar, wish to learn how your organization can participate, have an event proposal for consideration, or possess skills and enthusiasm to contribute to the festivals success, we invite you to attend the planning meeting on March 31, 2026. Your insights and perspectives are highly valued. Notably, over 70% of volunteer hours that establish the point system for grant allocations are accrued during the planning stages. We recognize that fall is a demanding season as many prepare for over 10,000 visitors in October; however, your involvement in shaping the essential plans for the 2026 Louisiana Legends Fest is greatly
encouraged and appreciated.

Visit www.legendsfest.us or email LaLegendsFest@gmail.com