October 9-10, 2026 | Natchitoches, Louisiana
Truvy's Blush & Bashful Weekend:
A Dolly Parton Celebration
Come on over, sugar, and spend the weekend where Steel Magnolias came to life.
Join us in Natchitoches October 9–11 for a three-day celebration of Dolly Parton, Truvy Jones, and the beloved story that put our little corner of Louisiana on the map. From Truvy’s beauty shop to the friendships, laughter, food and Southern charm that made the film unforgettable, we’re bringing a little bit of that magic back home.
So grab your girlfriends, put on something blush and bashful, and come celebrate Dolly and Steel Magnolias the Natchitoches way. After all, you can’t have a proper celebration without a little pink, a lot of laughter, and plenty of good company.
Weekend Lineup
Friday
October 9, 2026
Dolly Bingo
5:30PM
LSHOT
Karaoke
8:30PM
Mama's Blues Room
Saturday
October 10, 2026
Books & Butterflies
8:00AM-12:00PM
Natchitoches Farmer's Market
Truvy's Downtown Traipse
8:00AM-12:00PM
Experience Truvy's Specials Downtown
Truvy's Big Hair Affair
7:00PM
Parkway Cinema 6
Sunday
October 11, 2026
Blush & Bashful Brunch
Flying Heart Brewery
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.
Put Your Feet Up, Sugar
Find your perfect place to stay and make a weekend of it.
Well, honey, you’re going to need a place to rest those dancing feet!
Make yourself right at home in Natchitoches with charming hotels and inns, historic bed-and-breakfasts, Creole cottages, cozy cabins, vacation rentals and RV campgrounds throughout the area.
Book early, bring your girlfriends, and stay awhile. There’s Dolly to celebrate, plenty of Southern charm to soak up, and no reason to rush off before the last bit of blush and bashful has worn off.
More Happening That Weekend
There’s always something going on around here, darlin’! While you’re in town for Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend, take a look around and see what else Natchitoches has up her sleeve.
Browse the local calendar for live entertainment, community celebrations, family fun, museum programs and special events happening October 9-11. Stay awhile, make a weekend of it, and soak up a little extra Natchitoches charm while you’re here.
Got a Little Time Between Events?
Don’t just sit around the beauty shop waiting for the next thing! Use your free time to wander through historic Natchitoches, shop local, enjoy a leisurely meal, or take in a little of the charm that makes this town feel right at home.
Stroll, Shop & Take in the View
Take a leisurely stroll through Natchitoches’ Landmark Historic District, browse locally owned shops along Front Street, and enjoy the scenery along Cane River Lake. For a quieter escape, stop by Beau Jardin to wander through the gardens, admire the water features, and enjoy a peaceful riverfront setting.
Discover Natchitoches History
Step inside the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum on Front Street to explore the stories of Louisiana’s greatest athletes and discover the history, culture and traditions that shaped Northwest Louisiana and the Cane River region.
Step Back in Time
Head to Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site and step into the past. Explore the fort and discover the customs, cultures and stories that helped shape early Natchitoches.
Putt Around at Buccaneer Bayou
Round up your festival crew and make your way to Buccaneer Bayou at Timber Ridge Adventure Park for 19 holes of themed miniature golf. With interactive features, special effects and challenges for all ages, it’s a fun way to fill a little time between events.
Grab a Bite, Sugar
A Natchitoches visit isn’t complete without something good to eat. Grab a famous Natchitoches meat pie, settle in for some Creole cooking, or explore local restaurants, bakeries, nightlife and craft beer spots. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, there’s something to satisfy every festival appetite.
