Rayne Frog Festival
“Hop” on down to the Frog Capital of the World.
At a Glance
- Known For: Frog Capital of the World, Cajun Prairie culture, Cajun music heritage, unique “Wrong Way” cemetery
- Top Things to Do: See Rayne frog statues, visit St. Joseph’s Cemetery, explore downtown Rayne, enjoy Cajun dining
- Major Events: Rayne Frog Festival, Roberts Cove Germanfest, KBON Music Festival
Top Things to Do in Rayne
Rayne, part of a vast expanse of South Louisiana called the Cajun Prairie, has been home to some of Cajun music’s earliest stars — though it is best known as the Frog Capital of the World.
Throughout Rayne, you’ll find concrete frog figures outside businesses and public buildings, from local restaurants and grocery stores to churches and schools. Each participating organization paints and dresses the statues, giving them names and outfits that reflect their business or personality. Some frogs are dressed as gardeners, chefs and even judges.
Ever heard of “Wrong Way Cemetery”? Located in Rayne, St. Joseph’s Cemetery is believed to be the only Christian cemetery in the country where the graves face north to south, rather than the typical south to north. While the exact reason for this placement is lost to history, the unusual orientation landed the cemetery in Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Places to Stay
Craving a luxurious getaway? Stay at the charming Maison D’Memoire Bed & Breakfast Cottages. Each cottage — over 100 years old — has been meticulously restored and updated with modern comforts and conveniences. Book a seasonal package for the ultimate staycation.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly stay, choose the Best Western Rayne Inn, featuring thoughtful amenities and a complimentary hot breakfast.
Food & Drink
Chef Roy’s Frog City Cafe specializes in Cajun cuisine with a “toad”-ally delicious twist. Start with pepper jelly oysters or house-made crab cakes, then dive into a frog leg platter — four marinated, well-seasoned frog legs battered and fried to perfection. At Hawk’s Crawfish Restaurant, try the purged crawfish, which offer a cleaner taste and quality, earning them the title of World’s Best Boiled Crawfish. Cajun Claws Seafood Boilers also serves fresh seafood, from fried crab claws and crawfish nachos to boiled shrimp, dungeness crabs and crawfish, of course!
Events & Festivals in Rayne
In May, Rayne hosts the “hop”piest celebration in Louisiana: the Rayne Frog Festival. This event delights visitors with frog racing and jumping competitions, plus live music, dancing, frog cookoffs and a Grand Parade.
In fall, head to Roberts Cove for the annual Germanfest. This small community proudly celebrates its rich German heritage with live entertainment, authentic German cuisine, German beer on tap, folklore demonstrations and kids activities. Back in Rayne, KBON 101.1 hosts an annual music festival, featuring all-day live music from local bands. Grab a camping spot to groove all weekend long.
Travel Tips & Resources
It's easy to navigate Rayne. Catch a flight to Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT), then rent a car or take a rideshare. Rayne is also a short drive from Jackson, Mississippi (3 hours), Pensacola, Florida (5 hours), and San Antonio, Texas (6 hours).
Search Things to Do, Restaurants & Places to Stay
Filter Results:
No listings currently match the selected parameters. Please try a different set of values.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Rayne?
Some of the best things to do in Rayne, Louisiana, include spotting the city’s famous frog statues, visiting St. Joseph’s “Wrong Way” Cemetery and exploring local Cajun culture and cuisine. Visitors can also enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants and experience small-town charm in the Cajun Prairie.
What is Rayne known for?
Rayne is known as the “Frog Capital of the World”, famous for its frog-themed statues, festivals, and local cuisine. The city is also recognized for its Cajun heritage, music history and unique attractions like St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
What is the best time of year to visit Rayne?
While there really isn’t a bad time of year to visit Rayne, we’d say the best time is spring and fall, perfect for festivals and outdoor activities. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are generally mild and less crowded.
What is the weather like in Rayne?
Rayne typically enjoys hot, humid summers and short, cold winters. Expect average highs of 91° F in July and August, with lows dipping to 40° F in January. Pack layers for winter, and sunscreen and a hat for summer.
Where can I get more travel information about Rayne?
For official travel information about Rayne, Louisiana, visit Acadia Tourism, the city’s official destination marketing organization. The site provides visitor guides, maps, transportation details, hotel and lodging information, event calendars and planning resources to help travelers make the most of their visit. Travelers can also find statewide trip ideas, itineraries and regional guides on ExploreLouisiana.com, Louisiana’s official tourism website.
