Thibodaux, Louisiana is located in the heart of Cajun country on Bayou Lafourche, less than an hour’s drive from world famous New Orleans. Established in 1801 by Henry Schuyler Thibodaux, our City has a culture all its own; with influences of French and Spanish heritage. Thibodaux is home to a state university, a federal park, plantations, food, music and gatherings like no other. Thibodaux boasts strong community involvement making annual events such as Mardi Gras, Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair and Thibodeauxville possible.

Mardi Gras is a Louisiana cultural event that stems from the belief that celebrations of over indulgence should precede the forty-day fasting period known to Catholics as lent. Thibodaux’s carnival is a time for young and old to get out and "Laissez Les Bon Temp Roulez" Cajun Style with family oriented celebrations, parades and parties. These community gatherings are a great way for tourist and locals alike to get out and celebrate the Mardi Gras season.

Louisiana’s largest all-volunteer fire department sponsors the Thibodaux Fireman’s Fair and Parade during the first weekend in May, which over the years has evolved from a small family event to a large-scale community celebration of over 50,000 people. It is the oldest continuous annual parade dating back to 1858, only skipping three years due to the Civil War. The fair and parade honors and supports these volunteer firemen who are well-trained and proudly devoted to the care of all citizens with a pageant, auction, live music, rides and great food. The fair funds up-to-date fire equipment and continuous fire education and training.

Local festivals abound in Bayou Country. Thibodeauxville Fall Festival is an art, craft, food and music festival held on the downtown streets where local merchants and citizens come together to reminisce and celebrate earlier days. Thibodeauxville is held on the second Saturday of every November, sponsored by the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce. Thousands of visitors attend each year and enjoy good food, good music and a good time as well as to participate in the rubber duck race in Bayou Lafourche.

Located on the banks of Bayou Lafourche, the Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve is Thibodaux’s own Federal Park. Beautifully landscaped grounds surround the lovingly restored Percy Lobdell Building that houses a theatre for the performing arts, a library and a museum of local culture and exhibits. At the Thibodaux Playhouse, located in the park, is where local actors showcase their talents for the community by performing original plays and classics.

What's in a name "Thibodaux" Video

The Lafourche Parish Public Library is housed in the upper level of the Jean Lafitte Center while the lower level is dedicated to the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center where visitors can learn about Thibodaux’s unique culture and heritage. Through exhibits and videos, visitors learn that Indian tribes originally inhabited the area currently called Thibodaux as early as 1686 and made alliances in 1699 with Iberville, who called them river or bayou people. In about 1750, early French and Spanish colonist came from New Orleans and established their settlements along Bayou Lafourche. The bayou became their chief means of commerce and is referred to as the "Longest main street in the world." Transportation, communication and fresh water made early Thibodaux a thriving trade center. Many settlers, after 1755, took refuge with hospitable compatriots of Thibodaux as a result of the expulsion of the Acadians from Nova Scotia and the French refugees of the French revolution. Many names and customs of present Thibodaux residents reflect that of these early Acadian settlers. Their hard-working, fun-loving culture is Thibodaux's major influence.

The flavor of southern Louisiana cooking is savored in Thibodaux’s locally owned restaurants offering delicious seafood and other southern and Cajun favorites. It's southern hospitality at it’s best with popular bayou side restaurants, golf course, 8 recreational parks, 2 major hotel chains, and the City’s Civic Center which is home to music, antiques, basketball, RV hook-ups and other fun events.

Visitors into our beautiful City will feel protected while touring around Thibodaux because of our progressive Police Department.

There is a quality hospital with doctors of every specialty offering excellent "Care With a Personal Touch." Churches of every denomination welcome residents and visitors alike. Clubs and organizations open to participation and membership on the local, national, and international level.

Thibodaux, Louisiana is the city "Where Yesterday Welcomes Tomorrow." Many visitors who come to taste the flavor of Thibodaux with its nearby swamp tours, hunting, fishing and water sports come back to visit or retire in the welcoming Queen City of Bayou Lafourche – Thibodaux, Louisiana. We hope you will, too