NEW IBERIA, La. --- The Books Along the Teche Literary Festival (April 5 - 7, 2024) is proud to announce the return of their classic tours, revamped favorites, and even a few new offerings.

Dave Haunts & Jaunts Mystery Bus Tour:

On Fri., April 5, come and enjoy this wonderful tour with many places made famous through the likes of Dave Robicheaux and Clete Purcel. This time with a new spin to it, so imagine feeling like you were part of the novel as it is acted out in front of you. 

Check in at 11:30 a.m. at the door of Dave’s favorite lunch spot, Victor’s Cafeteria (109 West Main St.), to collect your wristband for your included meal.

Following will be a luxury bus tour where you will visit the Teche Motel, Cane River Pecan Company, historical New Iberia sites, and more of Dave Robicheaux’s favorite spots. The tour will end at the Iberia Parish Library for an art guild exhibit and reception before returning you to Bouligny Plaza to continue your festival fun.

Tickets are $75. Online ticket purchases are highly recommended as bus seats are limited, and there is no guarantee of same-day ticket availability.

Kayak Tour:

Come “Float your Boat” at the fun and educational kayak tour of the Bayou Teche at 2 p.m. on Sat., April 6. If you’ve never adventured with Tours by Steven, you are in for a real treat. 

The tour is $59 and includes kayaks rental, lifejackets and paddles. Space is limited. To book this tour, contact Tours by Steven at (504) 442-4220 or book online.

Take a guided walking tour of New Iberia’s National Register Historic District locations made famous in James Lee Burke’s Dave Robicheaux book series and films on Sat., April 6.

Check-in in front of Victor’s Cafeteria (109 West Main St.) before visiting the Bayou Teche Museum, Books Along the Teche and more. Tour will be led by Tours by Steven. Due to traffic noise and space, this tour will be limited to the first 18 participants. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online.

The TECHE Project will sponsor guided tours of Bayou Teche on party barges from the boat launch at New Iberia City Park (325 Marie St.) on Sun. April 7.

Tours are at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. A local guide will narrate Teche Area history and detail local efforts to preserve and maintain the bayou, while highlighting points of interest along the way. The tour returns to City Park. Seating is limited and online reservations are recommended. Tickets are $30.

In the event of inclement weather, alternate entertainment will be offered at Shadows Visitor Center (320 E. Main St.). No refunds will be offered.

Live Oak Bike Tour:

On Sun., April 7, take a bike ride down Main Street New Iberia with local arborist Jim Foret, who will enlighten you about the gorgeous oak trees that grace our city, along one of the most beautiful Main Streets in the country.

The free tour begins at the Shadows-on-the-Teche Visitor Center (320 E. Main St.) at 9 a.m. Must provide your own bike.

About the Festival:

With a focus on Great Southern Writers, the Books Along the Teche Literary Festival highlights Iberia Parish authors and others who write about the unique culture of Louisiana. Events include cooking demonstrations, workshops on writing, book fair, academic symposiums, receptions, poetry, music, live oak walk, children's activities, readers theater and more. Participants can learn Cajun dancing or tour the areas described in the Dave Robicheaux novels.

The festival is presented by New Iberia Main Street Program and the Iberia Preservation Alliance (a coalition of Iberia Cultural Resources Association, Bayou Teche Museum and Shadows-on-the-Teche).

To purchase individual tickets or all inclusive passes, visit BonTempsTix.com.

For festival information, e-mail techefest@gmail.com or call (337) 519-9233.

Visit BooksAlongTheTecheLiteraryFestival.com or their Facebook, and sign up for festival updates on IberiaTravel.com (select Dave Robicheaux news). For travel information, visit IberiaTravel.com.