10 Mar 2025

Culture, Cuiture et Chansons

2025-03-10T13:39:01-05:00

The National Park Service and Louisiana Folk Roots, with support in part by St. Martin Parish Tourism, will host a day of French language learning activities on March 24th to kick off the 2025 Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Week at the Prairie Acadian Culture Center in Eunice. This event is open and FREE to the public and will be accessible to all French speaking levels.

It will be an immersive experience incorporating the French language with activities such as making traditional Creole dishes with Rebecca Henry, a well-known Creole culture bearer and native French speaker. Participants will also have the opportunity to play, sing, and learn songs in French from the talented Renée Reed.

We are excited to partner with the Prairie Acadian Culture Center and NPS for this event as they re-open their facilities in Eunice after a few years of being shuttered for improvements. What better way to kick off a week of Cajun and Creole culture, music, and language sharing at Balfa Camp than right down the road at Lakeview Park in Eunice!

Registration is required, limited spots available.

Culture, Cuiture et Chansons2025-03-10T13:39:01-05:00
24 Feb 2025

Singer Songwriter Night

2025-02-24T12:54:30-06:00

On Wednesday, March 5th at 7:30pm, NUNU Art & Culture Collective in Arnaudville, you can enjoy a night of music with Dana Cooper, Dustin Dale Gaspard, and Reece Sullivan.

Over his 50+ year career, Dana Cooper has recorded over 30 albums and continues to tour actively. His last release, “The Ghost of Tucumcari” featured guest artists Lyle Lovett, Hayes Carll, Susan Gibson,and others. Dustin Dale Gaspard’s songwriting speaks to the soul of rural roots listeners and alternative folk lovers alike, while delivering an intimate insight into the Cajun native’s groove felt mysticism.

Originally from Arkansas, Reece Sullivan now lives in Lafayette and plays the surrounding states regularly. Over the course of the years, Sullivan has reinvented himself musically many times: piano to guitar, classical to art rock, art rock to folk, flat picking to finger-picking, solely songwriting to performing.

Admission is $25. You can purchase tickets here.

Singer Songwriter Night2025-02-24T12:54:30-06:00
3 Oct 2024

Ask an Archivist Day

2024-10-03T12:54:30-05:00

Learn about interesting artifacts from deep inside the vaults of the Opelousas Museum. With a focus on local history and culture, the Opelousas Museum has kept exhibits and artifacts in its current location since the 90s, but the stories it tells stretch all across time. From pre-history to early settlers and the impact of slavery, to free people of color and the Civil War, and even local legends like Rodney Milburn, there is plenty to learn about here.

Refreshments will be provided.

Ask an Archivist Day2024-10-03T12:54:30-05:00
26 Aug 2024

Caleb Elliott and Jordan Allen Dean at NUNU

2024-08-26T12:45:11-05:00

Natchitoches native Caleb Elliott spent many years creating and performing around Lafayette before moving on to the Muscle Shoals music scene. Most recently Elliott performed at the Acadiana Center for the Arts with Nashville recording artists the Secret Sisters. He returns to the area on Wednesday September 25 to open the fall season at the intimate listening room at NUNU Art & Culture Collective in Arnaudville. With him will be Muscle Shoals performing artist Jordan Allen Dean.

Tickets are $20: events.humanitix.com/nunu92524 

Caleb Elliott and Jordan Allen Dean at NUNU2024-08-26T12:45:11-05:00
19 Aug 2024

Boo! Bash at NUNU

2024-08-19T12:56:46-05:00

On Saturday, October 26 from 7pm-11pm help the NUNU Arts and Culture Collective in Arnaudville cool off with their “Cool the Culture Campaign.” NUNU, a vibrant, all-volunteer-powered non-profit organization celebrating a banner year of rich experiences, aims to raise $50,000 by June 1, 2025, to install long needed air-conditioning and insulation to preserve art, artists, and patrons in these sultry climes.

At the Boo! Bash Fundraiser, Bonsoir Catin with Christine Balfa & Friends (followed by DJ Shane Guidry) will be performing. You can also enjoy food, drinks, costume contest, auctions, and dancing for a worthy cause

Arts and culture supporters: you are invited to join NUNU in this effort anytime by visiting our online donation page: https://givebutter.com/ZiIenp.

Thanks to the unwavering support of its community and volunteers, NUNU has hosted a remarkable range of events in the last year: French / Kreyol, Film Screenings, Musical Delights, Art Exhibitions, Cultural Gatherings, Art Education, Artists-in-Residence, Visiting Artists, Campus Enhancements.

For an interview regarding the Boo! Bash or the history of NUNU, please contact Gene Paquette at gene@powellschicago.com.

Boo! Bash at NUNU2024-08-19T12:56:46-05:00
14 Aug 2024

Opelousas Downtown Market

2024-10-15T15:40:20-05:00

On October 19th from 9am-4pm, Black Pot Bookshop in downtown Opelousas hosts their market on the corner of Vine and S. Market Street in the St Landry Bank Lot. This free market will have handmade crafts, tasty treats, and even some kid-friendly fun with face painting and ice cream. Play Halloween games and win even more candy and prizes!

Opelousas Downtown Market2024-10-15T15:40:20-05:00
16 Jul 2024

Haitian Art Reception

2024-07-16T16:47:21-05:00

On Saturday, August 24th from 1pm-4pm at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Center in Opelousas, Louisiana, attend a reception celebrating the largest exhibit of Haitian art in Louisiana. The exhibit, which has been on display at the center throughout the summer, was specially selected from the collection of Glenn Stokes. His treasure-trove of works was accumulated over the course of 30 years alongside his wife, Yvonne Stokes, and has been exhibited across the Southern U.S. and even Venice, Italy.

At this reception, you’ll hear from Stokes as he explains his selections and elaborates on the extensive history between Louisiana and Haiti.

This event is free to attend and refreshments will be provided.

Haitian Art Reception2024-07-16T16:47:21-05:00
5 Jul 2024

Marche d’Ete

2024-07-05T16:00:34-05:00

The NUNU Arts & Culture Collective invites you to celebrate summer with a vibrant evening of art and community! Their exhibition, “Marche d’ete” (Summer Market), will take place on Friday, July 12th, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Also see the current exhibit of work by photographer Ken Broussard.

Immerse Yourself in Summer:

“Marche d’ete” Exhibition: experience works by local and regional artists inspired by the beauty and bounty of the Louisiana summer.
Hors d’Oeuvres and Refreshments: Enjoy delicious light bites and refreshing drinks as you explore the exhibition and mingle with fellow art enthusiasts.
A Celebration of Literacy and Culture:

“Louisiana Dreams” Book Signing: Meet author Rebecka Bihm Lester and get your copy of “Louisiana Dreams” signed! This delightful children’s book captures the essence of Louisiana life, making it a perfect addition to any bookshelf.
Reading “en francais”: Join Ashlee Wilson for a special reading of “Louisiana Dreams” in French (en francais).
About “Louisiana Dreams”:

“Louisiana Dreams” is a charming children’s book illustrated by Virginia Geotting and translated by Valerie Broussard Boston. It celebrates the unique culture, landscapes, and traditions that make Louisiana a truly special place. Note attached PDF.

This event is a wonderful opportunity to experience the vibrant energy of the NUNU Arts & Culture Collective. It’s a free event, perfect for families and individuals seeking a taste of local art, literature, and community spirit. Spread the word and join us for an unforgettable summer evening!

NUNU Arts and Culture Collective is a non-profit, all-volunteer exhibit and performance space dedicated to promoting the diverse visual, literary, and musical culture of Southwest Louisiana. It is open to the public 10am-2pm Wednesday-Sunday, as well as by appointment and for special events. nunucollective.org

Marche d’Ete2024-07-05T16:00:34-05:00
8 May 2024

St. Charles College Estate Sale

2024-05-08T13:44:23-05:00

Founded in 1837, St. Charles College in Grand Coteau, Louisiana is the site of the first Jesuit College in the South. For the first time ever from June 12 – June 15, there will be a sale indoors throughout the historic building.

Explore the grounds and shop for furniture items like old desks, iron twin beds, armoires, chifferobes, cabinets, Lincoln rockers, chairs, lamps, and tables. You can also find religious art like paintings, prints, and statues. Other items to be sold include old books, trunks, robes, religious costumes, everyday items, hospital beds, wheelchairs, coffee tables, maps, and much more.

Times and Discounts

Wednesday, June 12 | Noon – 4:00 full price
Thursday, June 13 | 9:00 am – 4:00 -25%
Friday, June 14 | 9:00 am – 4:00 -50 %
Saturday, June 15 | 9:00 am – 4:00 -60% and haggling

This estate sale is handled by Petite Rouge Estate Liquidators with 18 years of experience. More photos will be added weekly to their listing with estatesales.net under the name PETITE ROUGE ESTATE LIQUIDATORS.

No pre-sales, no previews, no pre-prices. Parking will be in the College parking lots as well as along the roadways.

St. Charles College Estate Sale2024-05-08T13:44:23-05:00
7 May 2024

“Mavis: One Simple Sentence” Documentary Screening

2024-05-07T11:52:49-05:00

Produced by Bill Rodman and Flo Ulmer-Rodman of The Bill Rodman Production Shoppe, a new documentary, “Mavis: One Simple Sentence,” tells the inspiring story of Mavis Arnaud Fruge, the woman who ignited a cultural revolution to save Louisiana French. At this screening on Saturday, May 26, 6pm at the NUNU Art & Culture Collective in Arnaudville, refreshments will be served.

“Mavis: One Simple Sentence” delves into Fruge’s extraordinary journey. At a time when most lives slow down, Fruge dedicates two decades to a tireless quest. Her “French Tables” bring communities together, fostering pride in their heritage and language.

Fruge’s efforts don’t stop at conversation. Fruge’s herculean efforts spark a “cultural economy” phenomenon, attracting global attention.

Now in her eighties, Fruge remains a towering figure. Knighted twice by the French government, an honor typically reserved for national heroes, she continues her mission. Her dream – establishing St. Luc’s, the first-ever Louisiana French immersion school in the U.S. – would revolutionize language education.

“Mavis: One Simple Sentence” is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to make a difference.

Please contact Gene Paquette (gene@powellschicago.com) if you would like to schedule an interview with the producers or NUNU staff.

“Mavis: One Simple Sentence” Documentary Screening2024-05-07T11:52:49-05:00

St. Landry Parish Visitor Center
Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm

337.948.8004
978 Kennerson Road (I-49 exit 23)
P.O. Box 1415 • Opelousas, LA 70570

Visitor Guide (En)
Visitor Guide (Fr)

Privacy Policy  |  Copyright St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission  |  Fraud Report
Go to Top