Bosco’s Specialty Meats on the outskirts of Opelousas along Highway 190 on the way to the town of Port Barre, serves boudin, cracklins, and daily plate lunches. You can also stock up on your favorite meats from their freezer section including alligator sausage, buffalo chicken bites, jalapeño cheese bombers, stuffed crabs, and loaded baked potatoes.
Arpeggios Lounge & Event Center is located in downtown Opelousas, Louisiana in a historic venue known to local residents as “The Mainstreet Bar.” In 2004, the building was restored and many of the original fixtures were salvaged. Today, it is a popular destination for live zydeco, jazz, and brass bands on Sunday nights.
Arpeggios Lounge & Event Center also offers Creole cuisine and seafood dishes for lunch with brunch options available throughout the day.
This venue is an excellent choice for large groups looking for a private space with a funky French Quarter feel. The restaurant can accommodate up to 100 guests for special events. Parking is available across the street and along the curb.
This 1,500 lb. steel statue displays Amédé Ardoin, legendary musician who laid the foundation for zydeco and Cajun music as we know it today, standing atop his most prized possession, his accordion. In his right hand, he holds out a bronze lemon that references Ardoin’s practice of carrying the sour fruit in his pocket to soothe his singing voice. The statue was carved by Russell Whiting, a self-taught, award-winning artist in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. He began his career making small wooden figurines, which has evolved into the special technique that he now employs carving steel to form regal figures.
This memorial statue commemorates the Bringing Amédé Home event, a symbolic gesture that brought over 500 music fans, locals, and Ardoin family members to see Amédé home from his burial in an unmarked grave at the Central Louisiana Hospital. You can read more about the event in our blog Bringing Amédé Home – About the Amédé Ardoin Commemorative.
The statue is located in the Zydeco Capital of the World, Opelousas, Louisiana right outside the St. Landry Parish Visitor Information Center.
Ici on parle français. French is spoken here.
With Opelousas being the birthplace of zydeco, this mural, Robert Baxter’s Zydeco Capital of the World, remembers the pioneers and award winners of that unique and inspiring genre of music.
Located on the north side of Opelousas City Hall, built in the late 1930s and originally Abdalla’s Furniture Store, this mural is right in the middle of downtown.
Hear soulful songbirds, jazz, brass, and blues at this funky, French-quarter style music venue. Arpeggio’s Lounge is located in downtown Opelousas, and hosts a variety of musically talented bands and vocal artists on the 1st Sunday of every month. Some of the crowd favorites include JB Jaax & The Band, The Mike Foster Project, and Quiana Lynell, all of which are returning musicians. For $20.00 a ticket you can enjoy an unforgettable music experience in an intimate setting with hors-d’oeuvre made by Chef Katrina Poullard.
Arpeggios Lounge is also open for lunch Monday through Friday and serves Creole-style dishes. Those looking for group dining options or a special event venue can also be accommodated at Arpeggios.
The best way to taste Louisiana on the go is at a place like EVD Express. Located in Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino, a gaming and entertainment facility in Opelousas, EVD Express allows you to grab traditional American cuisine or Cajun-style dishes like blackened chicken sandwiches and gumbo.
You can learn more about the dining options at Evangeline Downs, here.
Neketta Guillory, the owner of Art Box Studio, is a native of St. Landry Parish and has been an art instructor for over a decade in Opelousas, Louisiana. Her style is vibrant and bold with a blend of influences from her mentor, John T. Scott, a New Orleans-based artist, and her time spent in West Africa. Her work can be viewed and purchased in the gallery next door or you can take lessons from Neketta herself in the studio.
The Art Box offers a wide variety of top-notch services, such as open studio times, poetry readings, music events, private arts and crafts lessons, and a selection of other hands-on learning experiences for adults and children. Check the calendar for lessons or book for a private party. The studio can take groups of up to 16.
Days Inn & Suites of Opelousas offers a comfortable, well-lit space for meetings and events. The private room can be set up conference style for workshops, but it is also convenient for bridal or baby showers. The hotel is conveniently located off of Interstate 49, near area attractions and restaurants.
This venue can accommodate up to 50 guests. For booking information, contact Sam Jariwala at the hotel.
In 1934, the Delta Grand opened its doors as a movie theatre and since then has been a source of joy and entertainment for locals and visitors alike. These days, the Historic Delta Grand Theatre has been newly renovated with a stunning interior and serves as a multipurpose art center. Its history, character, and architectural detail make it a superb venue for weddings, meetings, private parties, and other celebrations.
The theater is located in historic downtown Opelousas. The facility can accommodate up to 500 guests, utilizing the floor and balcony. Amenities include a large stage, a kitchenette, a bar, and a dressing area. For booking information contact, Lloyd Mitchell, at St. Landry Parish Government.
There’s nothing more exciting than a private event at the races. In the clubhouse at Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino, you can give your guests access to a live race and private dining experience, all at the same time. Catering is available for the clubhouse and the racino’s other venues, including the Event Center. The Evangeline Downs Event Center is a wide open space, perfect for social gatherings, meetings, concerts, conferences, seminars, weddings, receptions and more.
The center can accommodate 600 guests seated and 1200 standing. In the clubhouse, there’s room for 300 people, 150 seated. Amenities include a stage (event center), a dressing area, and on-site catering. Evangeline Downs offers the finest banquet services in Acadiana, and their highly trained and dedicated staff will dazzle you and exceed your expectations.
Evangeline Downs is a racetrack and casino in Opelousas, Louisiana. The facility also offers dining and accommodations. For booking information, visit EvangelineDowns.com.
