⚜️
The Louisianian header graphic, showing a map of the state overlaid atop a swamp image.

⚜️  Love what you're reading? Forward this edition to a friend or send them to subscribe here.

This Week's Edition
Running with the Bulls, Louisiana Style Every summer, Louisiana proves once again that nobody celebrates quite like we do. From a uniquely New Orleans twist on a famous Spanish tradition to Bastille Day festivities honoring our French heritage, this week is packed with events that could only happen here. Whether you're planning a weekend road trip, discovering a piece of Louisiana history, or simply looking for something fun to do close to home, we've gathered some of the best stories and events happening across the state. Thanks for spending a few minutes with us as we celebrate another great week in Louisiana.
Running with the Bulls
Your Area Code
Louisiana Spotlight
Do You Know?
Business Spotlight
Heritage Video Giveaway
July 7–13, 2026
Running with the Bulls, Louisiana Style

Every summer, Louisiana proves once again that nobody celebrates quite like we do. From a uniquely New Orleans twist on a famous Spanish tradition to Bastille Day festivities honoring our French heritage, this week is packed with events that could only happen here.
Whether you're planning a weekend road trip, discovering a piece of Louisiana history, or simply looking for something fun to do close to home, we've gathered some of the best stories and events happening across the state. Thanks for spending a few minutes with us as we celebrate another great week in Louisiana.
What's Happening in Your Area Code
🎭  New Orleans / Kenner / Metairie - 504
Running of the Bulls
Downtown New Orleans · July 10–12
Thousands of runners dressed in white with red scarves take to the streets while the Big Easy Rollergirls skate behind them as the "bulls." It's one of the most unique summer traditions in Louisiana and supports local charities. Learn more: https://nolabulls.com/events/
Bastille Day Fête
New Orleans · July 10
Celebrate Louisiana's French roots with live music, French food, wine, and entertainment during this annual Bastille Day celebration hosted by the French Alliance of New Orleans. Learn more: https://www.af-neworleans.org/bastille-day-fete/
 
🎉  Baton Rouge Area - 225
Live After Five Summer Concert Series
Downtown Baton Rouge continues its popular live music tradition with local food, drinks, and free entertainment along the Mississippi River. Learn more: https://downtownbr.org/
 
🎶  Lafayette / Acadiana Area - 337
Cajun Music Jam at Vermilionville
Spend an afternoon enjoying authentic Cajun music, local history, and traditional Louisiana culture in one of Acadiana's most beautiful historic settings. Learn more: https://bayouvermiliondistrict.org/vermilionville/
 
🚤  Houma / Thibodaux / Bayou Country - 985
Covington Three Rivers Art Festival Preview Events
Several galleries and downtown businesses are hosting summer art exhibits and special events throughout the week, making it a great time to explore one of Louisiana's most walkable downtowns.Learn more: https://www.visitthenorthshore.com/
 
🌲  Shreveport / North Louisiana - 318
Natchitoches Farmers Market
Fresh produce, homemade goods, Louisiana food vendors, and local artisans come together each weekend in Louisiana's oldest city. Learn more: https://www.natchitoches.com/
Louisiana Spotlight
Why Louisiana Celebrates Bastille Day

When many people hear "Bastille Day," they immediately think of France. But in Louisiana, it's much more than a French holiday—it's a celebration of the culture, language, food, and traditions that helped shape our state.
French settlers left an unmistakable mark on Louisiana, especially in New Orleans and Acadiana. From our architecture and street names to our cuisine and music, their influence is woven into everyday life. Bastille Day has become another opportunity to celebrate that shared heritage.
While France celebrates the storming of the Bastille on July 14, Louisiana celebrates in its own unique way—with great food, live music, and plenty of community gatherings. It's another reminder that Louisiana has always embraced its French roots while creating traditions all its own. Learn more: https://www.af-neworleans.org/
Do You Know the Story Behind One of Louisiana's Greatest Legends?
She was born in New Orleans and grew up singing in church, where her remarkable voice first captured attention. Long before she became known around the world, she was inspiring audiences right here in Louisiana.
Often called the "Queen of Gospel," her powerful performances influenced generations of musicians across every genre. Her music became a source of hope during difficult times and played an important role in the Civil Rights Movement. Even decades later, her recordings continue to inspire listeners around the world, and her Louisiana roots remain one of the proudest parts of her story.
The answer: Mahalia Jackson

Louisiana Classics
Business Spotlight
Lasyone's Meat Pie Restaurant
For generations, visitors have traveled to Natchitoches for one thing before anything else—a famous meat pie. Few places have become as closely tied to that tradition as Lasyone's Meat Pie Restaurant, which has welcomed guests since 1967.
Family-owned and full of Louisiana hospitality, Lasyone's has helped introduce thousands of visitors to one of the state's most iconic foods. Their signature meat pies remain the star of the menu, but you'll also find Southern favorites like crawfish étouffée, red beans and rice, and homemade desserts. Whether you're visiting historic Front Street for the first time or making your annual trip to the Christmas Festival later in the year, Lasyone's remains one of those restaurants that feels uniquely Louisiana.
Learn more: https://www.lasyones.com/

Sponsored · Partner Feature BayouRoots
Your Name. Your Louisiana Story.
Your Last Name Has a Story.
Louisiana Knows It.
 
No matter what your last name is — Thibodaux, Boudreaux, Fontenot, or Smith — we can trace your family's first known connection to Louisiana.
When did they arrive? Which parish? What brought them to the bayou country? BayouRoots pulls from historical Louisiana records to tell the story of your surname in this state.

"I had no idea our family came through the River parishes in the 1840s. This was a revelation."

Launch Offer
$19.99
Reg. $29.99

Use code at checkout:

LAUNCH

Discover Your Louisiana Roots →
A Final Note

Every week, we're reminded that Louisiana's greatest stories aren't just found in history books—they're happening all around us. Whether it's a summer festival, a family-owned restaurant, or a tradition that's been passed down for generations, there's always something new to discover right here at home.

Here's to another week of discovering what makes Louisiana unlike anywhere else.

Michael C.- Louisiana Let's Geaux
Know someone who'd love this?
Forward this edition to a friend or family member or send them straight to
https://thelouisianian.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Share The Louisianian ⚜️
 

Keep Reading