Bayou Teche Black Bear Festival

We invite you to the Twentieth Annual Bayou Teche Black Bear Festival, Saturday April 13th, 2024 in beautiful downtown Franklin. Franklin, located in the heart of St. Mary Parish along the banks of the Bayou Teche, is noted for its beautiful antebellum homes, quaint bed and breakfasts, and majestic live oaks. The city is surrounded by expansive cypress tupelo swamps, the unique and expansive Atchafalaya Basin, and in the heart of the nation's "energy coast," where the infrastructure for the production and transport of much of the oil and gas that is distributed to the rest of the United States can be found. The area has a rich natural heritage, with a bountiful list of species readily available for the wildlife fancier. Among those is the Louisiana black bear (Ursus americanus luteolus ).

Music and Entertainment Schedule

Come pass a good time with music performed by Hand of Time, Blazin Cane, J.B. Saxx, Johnny Chauvin and The Mojo Band, and Dj Fab! It's sure to be a fun time in beautiful Franklin, LA!

11:00am-1:00pm: 5 O'Clock Shadows in Pocket Park

2:00pm-4:00pm: Hand of Time

5:00pm-7:00pm: Blazin Cane

8:00pm-11:00pm: Johnny Chauvin and the Mojo Band

Featuring J.B. Sax

Intermission Music by DJ Fab

Activities:

BEARS: Bayouland Emergency Amateur Radio Service
The BEARS special event station will be held under the Parc Sur la Teche pavilion along the Bayou Teche.

Kayak and Canoe Adventures
TOURS by STEVEN is providing two experiences for the Bayou Teche Black Bear Festival!
The first is a 10 mile guided kayak tour through the Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge.
The second is a Kayak Race that will be held along Teche Drive.

Corn Hole Tournament
Bayou Teche Boards LLC will be hosting a Corn Hole Tournament on Teche Drive at The Bayou Teche Black Bear Festival!
Time 1:00 pm

Feeding Grounds (Commercial Food)
Location: Teche Drive, Franklin, Louisiana
Time: Saturday 10 am - 11:00 pm

Bear-y Patch Education Pavilion
Location: Blevins Building garage, 600 Main Street, Franklin, across from the courthouse.
Time: 10:00 am- 5:00 pm

Teddy Bear Mobile - Acadiana!Teddy Bear Mobile- Acadiana
Make sure you bring your kids to enjoy all the fun. They are sure to love the Teddy Bear Mobile - Acadiana!
Choose your animal then fill them with fluff in this adorable mobile!
A bear keepsake from The Bayou Teche Black Bear Festival will be so special for your kids or grandkids!

Running of the Bears 5K Run/Walk

Hosted by: Teche Action Clinic
Sponsored by: Bayou Bend Fitness Center

Start Time: 8:00am (Runners and walkers)
Location:Courthouse Square Downtown Franklin

$20.00 Pre-registration fee by April 28th (includes t-shirt)
$25.00 Day of event (t-shirt is not guaranteed)
$5.00 School Teams (Per student / No T-shirt)
$15.00 No t-shirt entry
Day of Event Registration beginning at 7:00am

Click Here 5K Registration Form

HouseBoats Welcomed!
Do you have a houseboat? Remember that houseboats are always welcomed at the Bayou Teche Black Bear Festival!
Make sure you have a prime spot to enjoy all the festivities on April 13th.
Docking locations will be along the bayou side.