flavors of louisiana
Flavors of Louisiana at Capitol Park Museum is a lively celebration of Louisiana’s rich culinary heritage, bringing together local chefs, home cooks, businesses, and community members for an unforgettable day of food, culture, and friendly competition.
Guests will enjoy a wide variety of Louisiana-inspired dishes served over rice, live music, local vendors, and interactive experiences throughout the museum grounds. The highlight of the evening is our Flavors Cook-Off, where professional chefs and amateur cooks compete to create the best Louisiana dishes in several classic categories.
Whether you’re coming to compete, taste, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, Flavors of Louisiana is a delicious way to experience the traditions, flavors, and creativity that make Louisiana cuisine so special.
All proceeds support the Friends of Capitol Park Museum and help expand programs, exhibitions, and educational opportunities at Capitol Park Museum.
event attractions
Cook-Off Competition
The Flavors of Louisiana Cook-Off invites talented cooks from across the region to showcase their skills and Louisiana culinary traditions.
Participants compete in two divisions:
1. Professional Division
- Restaurants, chefs, caterers, and culinary professionals.
2. Amateur Division
- Home cooks, organizations, businesses, and community teams.
Competitors will prepare dishes served over rice in the following categories:
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Gumbo
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Seafood
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Chicken & Sausage
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Red or White Beans (any)
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Louisiana Stews (any)
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Specialty Category: Jambalaya
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A panel of judges and attendees will help determine the winners in each category.
Vendor Marketplace
Flavors of Louisiana will also feature small businesses, artisans, and nonprofit organizations from across the region.
Vendor booths offer:
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Local products
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Specialty foods
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Handmade goods
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Community resources
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Louisiana-inspired merchandise
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This portion of the event creates a festive marketplace atmosphere while highlighting the creativity and talent of our local community.
Creative Booth Contest
To add to the fun, all teams and vendors will be automatically entered into the Creative Booth Contest.
Participants are encouraged to decorate their booth spaces with Louisiana themes, cultural inspiration, or creative culinary displays.
Awards will be presented for booths that stand out for their creativity, presentation, and overall spirit of the event.
Family Experiences
In addition to the cook-off competition and food tastings, guests can enjoy a variety of activities that make the event exciting for visitors of all ages.
Families will find plenty to explore throughout the event, including classic fair-style games, interactive activities, and creative experiences for kids and adults alike.
Activities include:
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Fair-style games and activities
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Face painting
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Photo opportunities with Louisiana-themed backdrops and decorations
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Live Entertainment & Music
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Guests will also have the opportunity to explore Capitol Park Museum during the event with special reduced museum admission of just $5 per person. This is a great chance to experience the museum’s galleries, exhibits, and stories that bring Louisiana’s culture and history to life.
