October 16–17, 2026 | Natchitoches, Louisiana
Top of the Boot Music Festival 2026
Two Nights of Country Music. One Unforgettable Natchitoches Weekend.
Country music is coming to Festival Field in Natchitoches for the inaugural Top of the Boot Music Festival featuring two evenings of live music, local food trucks, vendors and festival fun.
Come for the music, then make a weekend of it with an NSU football game, historic downtown shopping, local flavors, museums, attractions and fall events throughout Natchitoches. Presented by Northwestern State Athletics, the festival will also benefit NSU student-athletes.
Festival Details
Dates
Friday, October 16 and Saturday, October 17, 2026
Festival Hours
4–11 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Location
Festival Field, 206 Tarlton Drive, behind the NSU Soccer Complex on the Northwestern State University campus
Tickets
Two-day General Admission and VIP passes are available. VIP tickets include access to areas closest to the stage, along with VIP bars and restrooms.
Come for Music.
Stay for Natchitoches.
Top of the Boot is more than a concert. It is the centerpiece of a full fall weekend in Natchitoches. Arrive early, stay overnight and experience everything happening around town before the music begins.
Cheer on the Demons
Northwestern State vs. McNeese
- Saturday, October 17 at Noon
- Turpin Stadium
Start Saturday with one of Northwestern State’s biggest rivalries as the Demons welcome McNeese to Turpin Stadium. The noon kickoff was scheduled to give fans time to enjoy the game and then make their way to Festival Field for the second evening of Top of the Boot.
Single-game football tickets are available through the NSU Athletics Ticket Office, with general admission, chairback and group-ticket options offered.
Historic District and Main Street Happenings
Before the festival gates open, spend time in the Natchitoches Landmark Historic District. Walk the brick-lined streets, shop locally owned boutiques, explore galleries and gift shops, enjoy views of Cane River Lake and stop for a meal along Front Street.
The Historic District offers a variety of locally owned shops and distinctly Southern gifts, clothing, collectibles and specialty items. Visitors can also relax at Beau Jardin, located along the downtown riverbank overlooking Cane River Lake.
Watch this page for merchant specials, pop-up activities and additional weekend programming from Natchitoches Main Street businesses as festival weekend approaches.
Experience the Natchitoches Parish Fair
The Natchitoches Parish Fair will be underway October 11–17, adding even more fall fun to festival weekend. Enjoy carnival rides, live entertainment, fair-food favorites, exhibits and activities for all ages at the Natchitoches Fair Grounds.
More Happening That Weekend
There is always something happening in Natchitoches. Browse the local calendar for community celebrations, live entertainment, family activities, museum programs and special events planned for October 16–18.
Things to Experience
Before the Music Starts
With festival programming beginning in the afternoon, there is plenty of time to explore Natchitoches before heading to Festival Field.
Walk Front Street and the Riverfront
Take a leisurely walk through the Landmark Historic District, browse locally owned shops and enjoy the views along Cane River Lake. Stop at Beau Jardin for gardens, water features and a peaceful riverfront setting.
Meet Louisiana’s Sports Legends
Located on Front Street, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum celebrates the achievements of the state’s greatest athletes while sharing the history and culture of Northwest Louisiana and the Cane River region.
Step Back in Time
Begin your visit at Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site and discover the customs, cultures and stories that shaped early Natchitoches.
Add a Little Family Competition
Challenge your festival crew to 19 holes of themed miniature golf at Buccaneer Bayou at Timber Ridge Adventure Park. The immersive course includes interactive features, special effects and challenges for a variety of ages.
Taste Natchitoches
Make time for a local meal before the show. From famous Natchitoches meat pies and regional Creole dishes to casual restaurants, bakeries, nightlife and locally brewed craft beer, there is something for every festival appetite.
Celebrate Halloween
Stay Close to the Music
Turn Festival Weekend Into a Natchitoches Getaway
After the final encore, settle in and enjoy the hospitality of Natchitoches. Choose from traditional hotels and inns, historic bed-and-breakfasts, Creole cottages, cabins, vacation rentals and RV campgrounds throughout the area.
Choose your accommodations early and give yourself time to experience the music, football, food and historic charm that make Natchitoches worth the trip.