The Books Along the Teche Literary Festival (April 10 – 12) are pleased to present their line-up of author-presenters for the 10th anniversary celebration. As previously announced, Pulitzer Prize–winning writer and NYT best-selling author, Rick Bragg, is the featured Great Southern Writer.
All of the sessions are held in the Sliman Theater, unless otherwise noted and are completely free and open to the public. A 10-minute break will be scheduled between each session. During this time, the presenting author from the previous session will be available for book purchases and signing, when applicable.
Tickets for events found here.
Friday, April 10, 2026:
Guided Museum Tours
When: 9 – 10 a.m. and 10:30-11:30 a.m. (concurrent)
Where: Bayou Teche Museum and Shadows-on-the-Teche
Details: If you are a museum fan, these guided tours are for you. Even if you’ve toured these two New Iberia cultural gems previously, you’ll want to register now as they both feature new exhibits.
Building Perseverance and Community: The Jane and Scott Wolfe Story
When: 12 – 1 p.m.
Where: Sliman Theater (129 E. Main St.)
Details: Join Scott and Jane Wolfe as they share their extraordinary story of perseverance. Against all odds, they built a thriving series of businesses and a culture of service to their community with a focus on literacy. Moderated by Pam Fessler.
Sacred Stories: Uncovering the Louisiana Lineage of Pope Leo XIV
When: 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Where: Sliman Theater (129 E. Main St.)
Details: Discover how Louisiana’s Creole heritage connects to one of the most influential papacies in modern history — moderated by Father Jason Vidrine with Presenters Larry Caillier II – St Landry Parish Archivist, Dr. Jari Honora – Historic New Orleans Collection, and Marcia Gaudet, author of the article, Cultural Catholicism in Cajun-Creole Louisiana.
The Magic of Romance with Juliette Cross
When: 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Where: Sliman Theater (129 E. Main St.)
Details: Discover how Juliette Cross crafts her spellbinding worlds and unforgettable characters in the wildly popular romantasy genre. Moderated by Noelle Judice.
The Story of Carville: Healing, Hope, and Humanity
When: 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Where: Sliman Theater (129 E. Main St.)
Details: This panel tells the human side of Carville’s history via letters, memoirs, and lived experiences that give voice to those once hidden from view. It features author-presenters Claire Manes, Pam Fessler, and Anne Harmon Brett. Moderated by Marcia Gaudet.
Prose & Pours- Happy Hour with the Authors
When: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Where: Shadows-on-the-Teche (317 E. Main St.)
Details: Ticket included with A Novel Evening Ticket Purchase. A first-ever happy hour with the authors under the moss-draped live oak trees will provide a more relaxed atmosphere to converse with festival authors. Marcelle Bienvenu, celebrated chef, will conduct a Cajun cooking demo.
A Novel Evening – The 10th Anniversary Books Along The Teche Literary Festival Celebration
When: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Shadows-on-the-Teche (317 E. Main St.)
Details: Ticket Required — includes Prose and Pours. Following Prose and Pours, guests will experience a delicious dinner prepared by beloved chef, Alex Patout, while listening to the sounds of the Bunk Johnson Brazz Band along the banks of the Bayou Teche.
Saturday, April 11, 2026:
L’Acadian Art Guild Show
When: 8 – 5:30 p.m.
Where: Iberia Parish Public Library, Main Street Branch (445 E. Main St.)
Beignets & Beats, A Cajun Breakfast Jam
When: 8 – 9:45 a.m.
Where: Bambino’s Burgers (114 E. Main St.)
Details: Ticket Required — Guests will begin their day with a little Louisiana magic at Bambino’s restaurant. They will listen and dance to the live music of the Terry Huval Jambalaya Cajun band while enjoying a classic Southern brunch, including cocktails and beignets.
Book Fair
When: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Main Street
Details: Browse books and related items for sale from over two dozen authors and other vendors.
Children’s Book Fair and Activities
When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: The Bazus (210 E. Main St.)
Details: Book readings, musical performances, and other children’s activities are sure to please the little ones at the Bazus, and children’s books will also be available for sale directly from the authors.
Bayou Noir: A Dave Robicheaux Readers Theater
When: 10 – 11 a.m.
Where: Sliman Theater (129 E. Main St.)
Details: Shirley Scarpetta is an award-winning artist, specializing in clay and bronze sculptures and has created the James Lee Burke statue that will be unveiled during the literary festival. Join her presentation where she will discuss the process of crafting the new statue.
Front Row with Rick Bragg – Book Club
When: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Doc Voorhies’ Wing, Bayou Teche Museum
Details: This capacity-limited session is for Rick Bragg’s most loyal fans and offers an opportunity to converse with the author in book club-style.
Creole Trails: Louisiana Black Trail Riders
When: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Sliman Theater (129 E. Main St.)
Details: This presentation illuminates the lives, stories, and enduring spirit of Louisiana’s Black trail riders—a vibrant tradition rarely seen beyond the trails. Presented by Jeremiah Ariaz, Louisiana Trail Riders.
Voices of Jazz: A One-Woman Showcase
When: 1 – 2 p.m.
Where: Sliman Theater (129 E. Main St.)
Details: Gale Whiting’s evocative solo stage work illuminates the lives, artistry, and enduring legacies of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington, and Sarah Vaughan. Moderated by Breighlynn Polk.
Swamp Sounds: Echoes of Music and Dance Traditions in Louisiana
When: 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Where: Sliman Theater (129 E. Main St.)
Details: This presentation celebrates the music, stories, and enduring spirit of Louisiana’s swamp pop and dance halls, tracing the rhythms, memories, and communities that have shaped generations of culture. Moderated by Yvette Landry with presenters Shane K. Bernard, Herman Fuselier, and Philip Gould.
Great Southern Writer Symposium featuring Rick Bragg
When: 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Where: Sliman Theater (129 E. Main St.)
Details: Rick Bragg, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and acclaimed author, joins moderator Jan Risher to illuminate the heart, history, and craft of Southern storytelling.
Swamp Sounds: A Swamp Pop Revival
When: 5:30 – 9 p.m.
Where: Bouligny Plaza (102 W. Main St.)
Details: Ticket Required — This concert is headlined by the Grammy-nominated Revelers, who will include a selection of songs in French that honor Louisiana’s rich Francophone heritage. It also includes Cajun dance lessons led by Britlyn Delahoussaye and a dance competition. Prizes will be awarded. Food trucks will be available as will an assortment of drinks for purchase.
Sunday, April 12, 2026:
L’Acadian Art Guild Show
When: 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Where: Iberia Parish Public Library – Main Street Branch (445 E. Main St.)
Symphony Sunday in the Park
When: 3 – 5 p.m.
Where: New Iberia City Park (300 Parkview Dr.)
Details: The Books Along the Teche Literary Festival weekend culminates with Symphony Sunday in the Park, as the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra presents a free concert beneath the oak trees of City Park. Groups decorate their picnic setups for a chance to win a painting by a local artist.
Tickets for events found here.
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If you enjoyed, read:
- 2026 Great Southern Writer Announced!
- Books Along the Teche Literary Festival’s Flash Writing Contest
