Is registration required to attend the Indigeaux Pumpkin Patch event?

Yes, registration is free but required to attend the event on October 18 at Whitney Plantation.

Are guided tours included in the event?

Guided and self-guided tours are available for purchase separately, with free admission for St. John & St. James parish residents.

Is the event family-friendly?

Absolutely, the event includes arts and crafts, face painting, music, and storytelling designed for all ages.

Is parking available at Whitney Plantation?

Yes, the plantation offers parking for visitors attending events and tours.

Will food be available on-site?

Yes, food trucks will be present offering a variety of local foods and refreshments for purchase.

Are pets allowed at the event?

Pets are generally not permitted to preserve the integrity of the site and for visitor safety.

Experience Heritage and Fall Magic at Whitney Plantation’s Indigeaux Pumpkin Patch

Located in Edgard, Louisiana, the Whitney Plantation stands apart as a poignant cultural landmark nestled along the Mississippi River. This October, it hosts the inaugural Art, Body & Soul: Indigeaux Pumpkin Patch, an immersive fall event celebrating heritage, community, and the powerful legacy of indigo cultivation by enslaved Africans. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on October 18, visitors will step into a uniquely vibrant experience where history, art, and nature converge.

The Whitney Plantation itself offers visitors an intimate glimpse into the life and history of enslaved people, making it an essential stop in the landscape of American history. This event honors the 18th-century tradition of indigo farming, a crop that enslaved Africans expertly cultivated, weaving resilience and artistry into the fabric of Louisiana’s past. The event takes inspiration from Indigeaux: Yes, Spirit. I’ll go…, a captivating exhibition by artist and cultural architect Iya Oriade Queen Leia Lewis, highlighted through colorful textiles and storytelling that reclaim this history with integrity and creativity.

Visitors to the pumpkin patch can anticipate a lively collection of engaging activities: the Indigeaux Pumpkin Patch & Painting Garden invites families to create and explore together, while arts and crafts, face painting, and compelling storytelling round out the day’s interactive experiences. The schedule includes live music and dance performances that echo the cultural rhythms of the region. Food trucks and a vendor marketplace offer a taste of local flavors and crafts, enriching the festive atmosphere.

Significant community-driven talks await visitors, including Indigo TRUE (Teaching Resilience and Understanding Empathy) led by Queen Leia Lewis, a book session with Malana Joseph Mitchell, author of The Adventures of Mum Mum and Me, and a poignant community discussion about childhood grief and loss by Dr. Nyoki Cosey-Brown. The event also features Whitney Plantation’s Heritage Guardian Award presentation, honoring notable contributors to preserving this critical history.

Although the event is free with registration, visitors can also explore additional guided and self-guided tours available for purchase, providing deeper historical context and connection. The Whitney Plantation’s location and its careful preservation of this heritage make it a standout destination for those seeking reflection and education entwined with engaging fall festivities.

Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or a family looking for meaningful experiences, the Indigeaux Pumpkin Patch offers a rare combination of cultural depth and seasonal joy right in the heart of Louisiana’s plantation country.

About Whitney Plantation

Whitney Plantation, located in Edgard, Louisiana along the Mississippi River, is a museum and historic site dedicated to the history and memory of enslaved people. The site offers guided tours that present first-person narratives, artifacts, restored slave cabins, and interpretive exhibits that focus on the lives of the enslaved rather than the plantation owners. Tours are led by trained guides and include outdoor pathways and significant structures such as the Antioch Baptist Church. Advance reservations are recommended for guided visits to secure a place and plan group logistics.

Whitney Plantation hosts group tours for parties of 21 to 50 guests, with outdoor tours lasting more than 90 minutes and proceeding rain or shine. The plantation also programs special events that connect art, culture, and history, including the Art, Body and Soul: Indigeaux Pumpkin Patch event on October 18, free with registration, which highlights indigo cultivation and textile storytelling. Public ceremonies such as the Ancestral Blessing Ceremony provide moments of remembrance, prayer, and drumming; the next scheduled blessing is on February 28, 2026.

Interpretation at Whitney Plantation centers on historical accuracy, material culture, and community engagement. The site's focus on preserving artifacts, curated narratives, and educational programming supports scholarly research and public history education. Visitors are encouraged to make reservations and to prepare for outdoor walking conditions when planning a visit. Accessibility information, ticketing details, and updated event schedules are available through the plantation's official channels; visitors should consult those resources before traveling. Advance planning enhances the educational experience greatly always.