Experience Ruston Blog

Guide to the Louisiana Peach Festival

Celebrate this year’s theme “A Peach in Time” with a wide range of entertainment and activities that everyone is sure to enjoy. Both Friday and Saturday of the festival bring traditional favorites and new activities to experience. Browse our guide below and make your plans to attend the Louisiana Peach Festival, June 21-22 in downtown Ruston!

Festival Extras
June 17-23 – Peach Restaurant Week
Stop by participating restaurants to enjoy specialty peach menu items! Details coming soon.

June 17-21 – Peach Stops Shopping Game
Details coming soon.

Admission
Friday – 12 p.m.-5 p. m. FREE
Friday – 5 p. m.-10:30 p.m. $10
Saturday – 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m. $10
Weekend Pass – $15
Children 11 & Under – FREE
Veterans – FREE
Civic Center area closes at 6 p.m. both days.

Festival Activities
Friday
8 a.m.-5 p.m.  Peach Art Exhibit at Ruston City Hall
Another early option to begin your peachy celebration is by visiting the NCLAC’s Peach Art Exhibit. Browse through the wide selection of pieces all created by local artists. Some pieces for are sale so get their early to claim your favorite!

12 p.m.-6 p.m. – Arts & Crafts Show at the Ruston Civic Center
Stop by the Ruston Civic Center to check out the more art, handmade goods, food vendors, and more provided by Arts and Crafts Show.

12 p.m.-10 p.m. - Chill Garden at Railroad Park
Take a break from the heat in the Chill Garden with an A/C tent with seating for $1 per half hour.

5 p.m.-9 p.m. – Video Gaming Trailer
Take a swing at the National Guard Video Gaming Trailer with open play for all ages in Railroad Park!

8 p.m. – LA Peach Fest Rodeo at the Northeast Louisiana Exhibition Center
Come out and watch talented individuals in this year’s rodeo. Admission is $10, $5 children, ages 3 and under free.

Saturday
8 a.m.-5 p.m.  Peach Art Exhibit at Ruston City Hall
Another early option to begin your peachy celebration is by visiting the NCLAC’s Peach Art Exhibit. Browse through the wide selection of pieces all created by local artists. Some pieces for are sale so get their early to claim your favorite!

8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday – Arts & Crafts Show at the Ruston Civic Center
Stop by the Ruston Civic Center to check out the more art, handmade goods, food vendors, and more provided by Arts and Crafts Show.

8 a.m.-10 p.m. - Chill Garden at Railroad Park
Take a break from the heat in the Chill Garden with an A/C tent with seating for $1 per half hour.

9 a.m. – Louisiana Peach Festival Parade
A classic festival favorite is always the parade! The parade will begin at the Louisiana Tech Thomas Assembly Center. The route continues east on Alabama Avenue, south on Trenton Street, and west on Dan Reneau Drive.

9 a.m.-1 p.m. – Ruston Farmers Market

9 a.m.- 3 p.m. – Antique Car Show in Bancorp South Parking Lot
Browse through these impressive classics located at 300 N. Trenton Street!

11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday – Video Gaming Trailer
Take a swing at the National Guard Video Gaming Trailer with open play for all ages in Railroad Park!

8 p.m. – LA Peach Fest Rodeo at the Northeast Louisiana Exhibition Center
Come out and watch talented individuals in this year’s rodeo. Admission is $10, $5 children, ages 3 and under free.

Kids Activities
Friday
12 p.m.-6 p.m. – Peachy Playzone  
Join the little ones in all the fun! The Peachy Play Zone, located right outside the Ruston Civic Center, includes Party Galaxy bouncers and activities, face painting, yard Jenga, tic-tac-toe, and more!

12 p.m.-11 p.m. – Challange Zone
Another fun option for the kiddos and kids at heart is the Challange Zone located in the Sexton Parking Lot across the street from Railroad Park. This challenge zone will feature a rock wall, bungee jumping, gyro, mechanical bull ride, and more. Please note: Challenge Zone ticket prices are not included festival admission.

Saturday
10 a.m.-6 p.m. – Peachy Playzone  
Join the little ones in all the fun! The Peachy Play Zone, located right outside the Ruston Civic Center, includes Party Galaxy bouncers and activities, face painting, yard Jenga, tic-tac-toe, and more!

8 a.m-11 p.m. – Challange Zone
Another fun option for the kiddos and kids at heart is the Challange Zone located in the Sexton Parking Lot across the street from Railroad Park. This challenge zone will feature a rock wall, bungee jumping, gyro, mechanical bull ride, and more. Please note: Challenge Zone ticket prices are not included festival admission.

12 p.m.-4 p.m. – Hula hooper, stilt walker, and juggler in Sexton Lot

Weekend Music Lineup
The Louisiana Peach Festival has no shortage of live music for the weekend! Come out an enjoy genres ranging from country, Motown to jazz and covers. All events below take place on the Railroad Park stage unless noted. For a full concert schedule of the weekend, visit our site.

Friday
5:30 p.m. – Piano Man Jack
6 p.m. – LA Peachstock Battle of the Bands
Cheer on local and regional bands at the festival's second annual battle of the bands! The downtown stage will be rocking and rolling as bands and musicians compete for the ultimate prize!

Saturday
11 a.m. – Carolina Soul Band (Motown)
2 p.m. – Lawrence Gibbs & the Russ-Town Band at the Dixie Theatre
3 p.m. – Zach O’Neil (Country)
5 p.m. – Briana Calhoun (Country, Pop, Americana, Folk)
7 p.m. – J.A.M. Brass Band (Jazz)
9 p.m. – Bag of Donuts (60’s to Current Covers)
Don’t miss Bag of Donuts and their lively performances and eccentric costumes.

Contents & Tournaments
Friday
8 a.m. – Kid’s Fishing Tournament at Lincoln Parish Park
Kids 12 and under can win prizes and more at the Kids’ Fishing Tournament out at the park. It’s perfect for an early family outing and free of charge!

10 a.m. – Peach Cookery Contest at Presbyterian Church of Ruston Registration required.

3 p.m. – Diaper Derby at the Ruston Farmers Market
If you’re looking for friendly competition, register your child (6-24 months) at 2 p.m. to compete in the Diaper Derby. Winner receives a $50 value prize package!

5:15 p.m. – Peach Eating Contest
Individuals ages 17 and under can compete to win $50 at the Peach Eating Contest in Railroad Park.

6 p.m. – Tennis Tournament at Louisiana Tech University. Registration required.

Saturday
7 a.m. – 5K Run/Dawg Dash at Lincoln Parish Park
Start your morning early with exercise and your furry friend at the 5K Dawg Dash in Lincoln Parish Park! Registration is required for the Dawg Dash and sign-up information can be found here. 

1 p.m. National Guard Madden 17 Competition in Railroad Park

5 p.m. National Guard Call of Duty Competition in Railroad Park

6 p.m. – Tennis Tournament at Louisiana Tech University. Registration required.

6 p.m. – Cobbler Gobbler Eating Contest at Railroad Park

8 p.m. – Nighttime Bass Tournament at Lake D’Arbonne. Registration required.

Info to Know
Merchandise: Festival shirts, hats, and posters are available for sale at the Ruston Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. During the festival, all these can be purchased on sight at Georgia Avenue (beside the Ruston Civic Center) and Park Avenue (across from Railroad Park).

Parking Downtown: All day parking is available throughout downtown Ruston.

Accommodations: Stay the weekend! A complete list of area hotels can be found here. 

More information on these events and activities and more can be found at www.louisianapeachfestival.org. For more information on Ruston & Lincoln Parish and more to do while you’re in town explore www.experienceruston.com!