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15 Free Things to Do in New Iberia

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By Celine Alis

On a budget? Keep that hard earned cash, we got you covered! From enjoying the great outdoors to touring historical main streets, here are 15 free things you can do for fun in New Iberia and Iberia Parish.

 

1. Take a selfie with the Conrad Rice Mill in New Iberia or with the weirdest object you can find at the Konriko Company Store. And don't forget to taste the free rice samples!

Mother and children take a selfie at the Konriko Company Store in New Iberia

 

2. Sample the newest products at the Tabasco Country Store. Tabasco ice cream anyone?

Patrons taste Tabasco ice cream at the Tabasco Country Store in Avery Island

 

3. Enjoy a downtown stroll. Self-guided tour maps for New Iberia's National Register Historic District and James Lee Burke's Iberia are available here and at our local welcome center. And did we mention our historic trilingual markers trail will help you brush up on your French and Spanish skills?

The Sliman Theater on the New Iberia Historic District Walking Tour

 

4. View 240 different bird species at Spanish Lake in New Iberia and Rip’s Rookery on Jefferson Island. This ibis was immortalized by Frank Garacci at Rip's Rookery.

This Cattle Egret and her young were immortalized by Frank Garacci at Rip's Rookery.

 

5. Browse through art galleries year-long and during the spring and fall creative markets in downtown New Iberia.

Free things to do in New Iberia art walk and creative markets

 

6. Take a walk along Bayou Teche at New Iberia City Park and the PJ Allain Waterfront Park and Sculptural Garden.

Boardwalk at the PJ Allain Park in downtown New Iberia

 

7. Visit the Blue Dog at the George Rodrigue Park next to the Bayou Teche Museum. The park pays homage to the late New Iberia artist who created the famous Blue Dog figure.

George Rodrigue Park on Main Street New Iberia

 

8. Enjoy fais-do-do’s at the World Championship Gumbo Cook-Off, El Festival Espanol de Nueva Iberia and the Delcambre Shrimp Festival.

Free things to do in New Iberia crowd dancing to live music

 

9. Catch a parade for Mardi Gras, Magic on Main (Holidays) or the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival.

Free things to do in New Iberia Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival Parade

 

10. Meet your new favorite authors and see the Iberia Performing Arts League make Dave Robicheaux's books come to life at the Books Along the Teche Literary Festival.

Writers booths at the Books Along the Teche Literary Festival on Main Street New Iberia

 

11. Attend Iberia Cultural Resources Association’s concerts in December and February at the St. Peters Catholic Church in New Iberia, and in April and July in New Iberia City Park. Delight in live theatrical vignettes on New Iberia's award-winning Main Street at New Iberia Beneath the Balconies.

The Bunk Johnson Brazz Band leads a second line during New Iberia Beneath the Balconies

 

12. Grab a map and explore the Jeanerette Historic Trail.

The Jeanerette Museum is an early 20th century Victorian home with a pink facade

 

13. Enjoy the Iberia Parish Library's free programs, which include lectures, dance lessons, music, fitness, crafts, cooking and kids activities.

Group of Disney princesses and children at the Iberia Parish Library in New Iberia

 

14. Grab your kayak and explore the national Bayou Teche Water and Paddle Trail, which meanders throughout four of our parishes. Consult our paddling and boating itinerary to get the skinny on all our water activities.

A group of paddlers in their kayaks on Bayou Teche

 

15. Fish 'till you drop at Iberia's 24 lakes and 15 public boat launches, including Bayou Carlin Cove in Delcambre and Vermilion Bay at Cypremort Point.

Family fishing at sunset at Cypremort Point State Park in Louisiana


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Picture of Tabasco Country store on Avery Island