Fall brings a fresh lineup of festivals, family activities and community traditions to Vernon Parish. At the heart of the season is the West Louisiana Forestry Festival, a five-day celebration and one of the parish’s most anticipated annual traditions. From exploring local history and celebrating the region’s forestry heritage to derby races and a day on the golf course, there are plenty of reasons to plan a trip to Louisiana’s Legend Country this season.
Celebrate a Vernon Parish Tradition at the West Louisiana Forestry Festival
The West Louisiana Forestry Festival returns to the Vernon Parish Fairgrounds from Wednesday, October 7th through Sunday, October 11th. This longstanding celebration brings five days of fall fun to Leesville with carnival rides and shows by Midwest Rides Carnival Company.
The festival’s packed schedule also includes the West Louisiana Forestry Festival Queen Pageant and Junior King and Queen Pageant, 4-H Horse Show and Livestock Show, 4-H Woodsman Skills Contest, Vernon Parish Senior Citizens Day and the Leesville Lions Club Rodeo. Visitors can also browse exhibits and vendors while enjoying food served by eight local service organizations. With something for nearly every age and interest, it is one of Vernon Parish’s biggest fall traditions and the perfect centerpiece for an October getaway.
https://vernonparish.org/event/west-louisiana-forestry-festival-3
Discover Your Family’s Story
Learn how to uncover and document your family history during the Free Genealogy Workshop on Saturday, October 3rd from 9am-3pm at the Vernon Parish Library in Leesville. This hands-on workshop will cover building a family tree, evaluating historical sources, resolving conflicting information and using DNA results responsibly.
https://vernonparish.org/event/free-genealogy-workshop
Tee Off in the 2026 City Championship
Golfers can spend Saturday, October 17th on the green during the 2026 City Championship at Leesville Municipal Golf Course. Registration begins at 8am, followed by tee time at 9am. The entry fee is $75 per person, with men’s open, senior, super senior and women’s divisions available.
https://vernonparish.org/event/2026-city-championship-at-leesville-municipal-golf-course
Watch the Races at Leesville Derby Daze
Historic Downtown Leesville will be rolling with excitement during Leesville Derby Daze on Saturday, October 17th. This family-friendly event returns with its popular Soapbox Derby, Classic Car Show, food trucks, live music, pageant queens and plenty of downtown fun.
New this year is the Derby Daze Pinewood Derby. Participants can build, paint and personalize a miniature racer before testing it on the track. The Pinewood Derby racer fee is $5, while admission to the event is free.
https://vernonparish.org/event/leesville-derby-daze
Make Time for a Local Leesville Favorite
No fall road trip is complete without a great local meal. While visiting Leesville, stop by Fatboy and Skinny’s, a hometown burger spot housed inside a restored 1939 gas station at 303 South 5th Street. Guests can choose between the third-pound Skinny or two-thirds-pound Fatboy and then customize their burger with more than 28 toppings. Cajun fries, seasonal alligator sausage toppings and hand-dipped milkshakes add even more local character to the menu.
The restaurant has served the Leesville and Fort Polk communities since 2001 and recently earned statewide attention from Only In Your State.
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/louisiana/fatboy-and-skinnys-leesville-la
Plan Your Fall Visit to Vernon Parish
Whether you come to trace your family roots, enjoy a beloved festival, cheer on the racers or simply grab a burger at a local landmark, fall offers something memorable around every corner of Vernon Parish. Make plans to visit Louisiana’s Legend Country and discover the community traditions, outdoor recreation and local places that make the season special.