Louisiana Railroad Days Festival Returns This Weekend in DeQuincy

The Louisiana Railroad Days Festival is back this weekend, and it’s bringing fun for the whole family to downtown DeQuincy. This year marks the 42nd celebration of the festival, which first began in the spring of 1984. The event runs from Thursday, April 10, through Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Railroad Museum Park and promises a weekend full of excitement.

The festival honors DeQuincy’s railroad history, which began when the Kansas City Southern Railroad established the town in 1897. Over the years, the festival has grown into one of the area's most anticipated events. With help from local businesses, churches, clubs, and schools, the festival offers something for everyone and remains free, family-friendly, and alcohol-free.

Visitors can enjoy tasty food from local vendors, browse arts and crafts booths, and experience thrilling carnival rides. The weekend also includes a grand parade, pageants, children’s activities, model train exhibits, and free live entertainment. The DeQuincy Railroad Museum will also be open for visitors who want to learn more about the town’s past and see one-of-a-kind train displays.

2025 Louisiana Railroad Days Festival Schedule

Thursday, April 10, 2025
4:30 PM Festival Opening Ceremony
5:00 PM Vendor Booths & Carnival Rides Open, Model Train
5:15 PM DHS Choir
7:00 PM 2025 LA Railroad Days Pageant
11:00 PM Festival Closes

Friday, April 11, 2025
1:00 PM Festival, Vendor Booths, Carnival Rides Open, Model Train with Music by Deep South Productions
2:00 PM Parade Line-Up
3:00 PM Parade Begins
3:45 PM Introduction of 2025 Festival Royalty, parade Marshall/ DFSL, Club Women of the Year
4:00 PM DHS Band
4:30 PM Children's Events (Sponsored by DFSL and DeQuincy Memorial Hospital)
Scavenger Hunt for 6th-8th Grade
4:30-5:00 PM for PreK-Kindergarten
5:00-5:30 PM for 1st-3rd Grade
5:30-6:00 PM for 4th-5th Grade
6:00 PM Gospel Night Featuring Local Talent:
CrossPoint Community Church Kids, Jimmy Heneagan, Kayli Williams, Brittany Williams & Ashton Smith
Calvary Apostolic Church-Starkss
The Grace Ensemble
7:00-8:15 PM Gospel Night Headliners: Lauren Talley, Amber Eppinette Saunders and Kenna Turner West
11:00 PM Festival Closes

Saturday, April 12, 2025
8:30 AM Run the Rails!/5K Fun Run/ Walk
9:00 AM Festival, Vendor & Carnival Rides Open, Model Train Shows
10:00 AM Old Timers Reunion (Methodist Gym) & Bling our T-Shirt Contest
10:30 AM Recognition of Queens and Visiting Dignitaries
11:00 AM Railroad Idol
12:00 PM-1:00 PM Gumbeaux Gator
2:00-3:30 PM Brad Broussard/ Chute 13
4:00-5:30 PM Joe Harmon & The Harmonics
6:00-7:30 PM Performance by 26 West
8:00-9:30 PM Wayne Toups
11:00 PM Festival Closes

The Louisiana Railroad Days Festival is a great way to celebrate DeQuincy’s heritage while having a blast with friends and family. Make plans to attend and enjoy one of the most beloved events in Southwest Louisiana.