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.
The festival takes place on September 5, at the Yambilee Festival Grounds with multiple activities leading up to that date. This year the festival will honor Sid Williams, proprietor of the legendary zydeco club El Sido’s. The Original Festival has presented an “Unbroken” Legacy of Zydeco as the Keepers of the Culture and the Tellers of the Story. In 2026, the Zydeco Festival features a stellar lineup with Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band, Rusty Metoyer and Zydeco Krush, Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie, Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas, C. J. Chenier & the Red-Hot Louisiana Band, Leroy Thomas and the Zydeco Roadrunners and Mike Broussard and Nu’Edition.
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.
