Original Southwest LA Zydeco Music Festival
Opelousas is the Zydeco Music Capital of the World and home to one of the biggest zydeco music celebrations, the Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival. In 1981, there was a real fear that Creole and zydeco music was dying out. To combat this, a group of concerned citizens organized the Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival. Today, the event features the best performers in zydeco. Swamp-pop, swing, R&B, and southern soul enjoyers will also have a great time. It's the perfect event to dance to your favorite zydeco musicians.
On Friday, enjoy the Zydeco Festival's Kick-off Dance taking place at Evangeline Downs at 9pm. Jeffery Broussard & the Zydeco Cowboys and Mike Broussard & Nu Edition Zydeco will be performing. Tickets are $25.
The main event is at the Yambilee Building with music starting at 12pm featuring:
- Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band (Grammy Winner)
- Nathan Williams & the Zydeco Cha-Chas
- LeRoy Thomas & the Zydeco Road Runners
- Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie (Grammy Nominee)
- C.J. Chenier & the Red-Hot Louisiana Band (Grammy Nominee)
- Rockin' Dopsie & the Zydeco Twisters
- Rusty Metoyer & Zydeco Krush (Closing out the festival!)
The Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival is usually held the Saturday before Labor Day in Opelousas.
Gates open at 11am, but the music starts at 12pm. Admission is $25 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under. No coolers allowed. RV Parking is $10/day (no electricity). No glass containers. No BBQ pits. No open flame burners.
Hourly Schedule
Friday
- 9pm
- Live Music
- Kick-Off Dance taking place at Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino
Saturday
- Big Zydeco Parade
- Zydeco Breakfast
- at the Courthouse Square
- 12pm
- Music Starts
