Celebrate spring in Louisiana’s Legend Country at MayFest, the Louey Award winner for Festival of the Year, returning May 1st–2nd, 2026 at the Vernon Parish Fairgrounds in Leesville. This annual, free event brings together two full days of live music, food, and family-friendly fun, making it one of the most anticipated weekends of the year in Vernon Parish.
Held at 276 HM Stevens Blvd., MayFest features vendors from across Louisiana and surrounding states offering handmade goods and made-from-scratch food. From local shopping to delicious eats, there’s something to enjoy around every corner. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and settle in for a weekend filled with live entertainment, demonstrating artists, children’s activities, and more.
Festivities kick off Friday at 4pm with a full evening of music, followed by a full day of fun on Saturday. Don’t miss the Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast from 7am-10am on Saturday in the arena, along with special ceremonies and activities throughout the day.
Bring your lawn chairs and join us at the fairgrounds for two free days of family fun!
2026 Live Music Lineup
All day: DJ Jim Wise, Big Daddy’s Entertainment
Friday, May 1st – Main Stage
11:30am – Senior Citizens Lunch (Auditorium, music by Louisiana Scramble Band)
4pm – Old Man Band
5:30pm – The Johnson Brothers
7pm – Rosedown Rockers
8:30pm – Donald Ceasar & the Creole Soul Band
Saturday, May 2nd – Main Stage
7am – Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast (Arena)
10am – Opening Ceremony
10:30am – MayFest Pageant Kings & Queens
10:45am – VPPJ MayFest Dedication & WLFF Memorial Stage Dedication
11:30am – Michael Maddox Band
1pm – Stereodrive
2:30pm – Josh Love
4pm – Has Beans
5:30pm – Bad Moon Rising
7pm – Flow Tribe
8:30pm – Craig Wayne Boyd
Saturday, May 2nd – Gospel Stage
11am – The Amazing Rhythm Disciples
12pm – Roy Mosby & The Johnson Temple Choir
1pm – Chuck Marze Gospel Group
2pm – By Faith
3pm – Signed, Sealed & Delivered
4pm – Pleasant Hill Baptist Choir
5pm – Anacoco Pentecostal Church Choir
Explore Fishing in Vernon Parish!
While MayFest is a highlight of your trip, Vernon Parish’s natural beauty adds even more to your experience. With more than five notable bodies of water—Anacoco Lake, Toledo Bend Lake, Vernon Lake, Sabine River, and Toro Bayou—the area offers opportunities for boating, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
Vernon Lake is a favorite for anglers looking to cast a line and unwind. Spend the day fishing, enjoy a peaceful boat ride across the calm waters, or simply take in the scenery. A great access point is Vernon Lake Spillway Park, located on Spillway Rd. in Leesville. Visitors can take advantage of a free boat launch, fishing dock, and scenic spots for picnicking, birding, and swimming.
For those looking to make the most of their time on the water, join the Vernon Lake Fishing Reports Facebook group to stay up to date on conditions and local tips.
Beyond fishing, outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to explore, from horseback riding and golf to birdwatching and more.
So pack your bags and come celebrate MayFest in Vernon Parish, where culture, cuisine, and nature meet for the ultimate getaway. Start planning your MayFest trip now and make the most of your time in Louisiana’s Legend Country.
