The town of Florien is preparing to step back into the Wild West as the 46th Annual Sabine Freestate Festival returns November 6–8, 2026, bringing three days of history, heritage, entertainment and family-friendly activities to the community.
This year’s festival promises a packed weekend of activities, including Old West shootouts, live music, historical demonstrations, a parade, car show, barbecue competition, games and entertainment for all ages.
With the theme of celebrating history, heritage and community, the annual festival will highlight the traditions of the Sabine Freestate while providing plenty of opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy a weekend of fun.
Friday, November 6 – Veterans Recognition and Festival Kickoff
The festivities will begin Friday morning with a Veterans Breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by Education Day and a Veterans Program at 9 a.m. The program will feature a guest speaker from the American Warrior Initiative.
Wild West entertainment will begin at noon with a performance by Bad Bob the Bone Butcher, who will return for additional appearances throughout the weekend.
Friday afternoon and evening activities include a No Man’s Land BBQ head cooks meeting at 5:30 p.m. at the Train Depot, followed by the first scheduled shootout at 6 p.m.
At 7 p.m., visitors can enjoy Freestate Bingo at the Florien High School old gym, along with a Block Party Dance.
Festival grounds will close at 11 p.m.
Saturday, November 7 – Parade, Car Show, BBQ Competition and Live Music
Saturday will feature a full day of activities beginning at 10 a.m. with Bad Bob the Bone Butcher.
The annual Sabine Freestate Festival Parade will roll through Florien at 11 a.m., followed by the announcement of festival royalty, a performance by the Sabine Rifles Camp, a Toledo Cruisers Car Show and another Wild West shootout.
The fifth annual Ben E. Peterson Memorial Trail Ride will also be part of Saturday’s festivities.
Afternoon activities include The Wonderdog Show at 1 p.m., Studio B Dance Company at 1:30 p.m. at the Florien High School Auditorium, and a Skeet Shoot Tournament at 1:45 p.m.
Car Show Awards will be presented at 2 p.m., followed by additional performances from Bad Bob the Bone Butcher and The Wonderdog Show.
At 3:30 p.m., visitors can enjoy an acoustic jam session with the Stewart family before another shootout at 4:30 p.m.
The No Man’s Land BBQ Champions will be announced at 5 p.m., recognizing competitors in the festival’s barbecue championship.
Evening entertainment will include Calf Dummy Roping at 5:30 p.m., Mutton Bustin’ at 6:15 p.m., a performance by the Shane Pons Band at 7 p.m. and Cypress Royale at 9 p.m.
Festival grounds will close at 11 p.m.
Activities for the Whole Family
Throughout Saturday, visitors can enjoy a variety of additional attractions, including roller car rides, laser tag, championship minnow racing, putt-putt golf, historical demonstrations, chuckwagon activities and mechanical bull rides.
The festival’s signature Wild West shootouts will take place throughout the weekend, bringing a taste of frontier-style entertainment to the celebration.
Sunday, November 8 – Gospel Music and Community Worship
The final day of the festival will begin with gospel singing at 10:30 a.m., followed by a community church service at 11 a.m.
Another Wild West shootout is scheduled for 5 p.m., with a movie night planned for 6 p.m. The movie selection will be announced.
Celebrating Florien’s Heritage
For 46 years, the Sabine Freestate Festival has served as a celebration of the region’s unique history and traditions, bringing together families, friends and visitors for a weekend of community fellowship.
The festival’s historical theme pays tribute to the area’s connection to the legendary Sabine Free State, also known as No Man’s Land, while offering entertainment that combines education, history and recreation.
With activities ranging from barbecue and live music to Old West reenactments and family games, organizers are preparing a celebration designed to appeal to visitors of all ages.
Residents throughout Sabine Parish and surrounding communities are encouraged to mark their calendars and make plans to attend the 46th Annual Sabine Freestate Festival in Florien, November 6–8.
The weekend promises a lively celebration of small-town traditions, local history and community pride.