Staying Organized During Fall Festival Season in Louisiana

Fall is here in Louisiana, time to be outdoors and enjoy some local events!

From the Ponchatoula Antique Trade Days to Madisonville’s Wooden Boat Festival, and Covington’s Three Rivers Art Festival, our weekends fill up fast with music, food, and family fun. As exciting as it all is, it can also feel a little chaotic if you’re not prepared. That’s where a little organization can make all the difference.

Whether you’re loading up for a day trip to Hammond’s Farmers and Artisans Market or planning to spend the weekend hopping between fairs and festivals on the Northshore, here are a few simple ways to stay organized and stress-free. 

1. Plan Your Calendar

Louisiana’s fall weekends book up quickly. Start by adding local events to your family calendar, digital or paper, whichever you use. List the dates, locations, and any admission fees or parking details. This not only keeps everyone on the same page but also helps you avoid overlapping plans (we’ve all done it!).

If you’re local to Tangipahoa or St. Tammany Parish, check out events like:

• Ponchatoula Antique Trade Days 

• Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival 

• Three Rivers Art Festival in Covington 

• Hammond’s Starry Saturday

2. Create a “Festival Kit”

Instead of scrambling to find sunscreen, folding chairs, or bug spray before every outing, create a festival kit. Use a large tote or clear bin that’s easy to grab and go. Include:

• Reusable water bottles

• Ponchos or light jackets (you know Louisiana weather!)

• Sunscreen and hand wipes

• Portable phone charger

• Picnic blanket or foldable chairs

Keep the kit stored near your garage or front closet so you’re always ready for a spontaneous trip to a fair or market.

3. Outfit Prep for the Whole Family

Festival days can start cool and end hot, and sometimes rainy. Lay out comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes the night before. For kids, pack a change of clothes (mud and funnel cakes happen). If you’re hitting multiple events in a weekend, consider prepping outfits in labeled bags for easy mornings.

(Tip: check your laundry and mudroom areas. A quick declutter of shoes, jackets, and bags now will save frustration later.)

4. Organize Your Photos & Memories

Between the live music, crafts, and food trucks, fall events are full of photo-worthy moments. Create a dedicated album on your phone labeled “Fall 2025.” Each time you attend an event, drop your photos in. It keeps your camera roll tidy and makes it easy to relive those memories later.

5. Declutter as You Go

Many local events feature amazing handmade goods and art pieces, which means it’s easy to come home with new treasures. Before you shop, take a few minutes to declutter similar items at home. For example, if you plan to buy new seasonal décor at the Covington Art Festival, consider donating older pieces first. You’ll enjoy your new finds without feeling cluttered.

Final Thoughts

Louisiana’s fall festivals are part of what makes our community so special, the food, the music, the small-town charm. With a little planning and organization, you can soak it all in without the stress.

So go ahead , grab your boots, your tote bag, and your pumpkin-spiced latte. Let’s make this fall season in Hammond, Mandeville, Madisonville, Covington, and Ponchatoula one to remember, and one that feels organized every step of the way.