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
13 Sep 2024

Creole Culture Day

2024-09-13T16:25:38-05:00

The 3rd Annual Creole Culture Day will take place on October 5th, 2024, at Town Hall Park in Grand Coteau, Louisiana. This event is a celebration of Louisiana’s Creole heritage, with a special focus on the French language that remains integral to the Creole identity. Best of all, this community event is completely free, offering everyone a chance to participate and enjoy the festivities.

Start the day with a traditional hog butchering and cooking event, featuring French demonstrations on preparing staple Creole foods like cracklins and boudin. The food from the Boucherie will be served for free to attendees. Although the Boucherie starts at 6 AM, the main Creole Culture Day activities kick off at 10 AM.

Throughout the day enjoy Creole French Bingo, a genealogy section helping attendees to trace their heritage, food trucks and food vendors, as well as performances by DJ Dr. Boogie Live, Zydeco Roux, and David Sylvester.

Creole Culture Day is vital for preserving and promoting the heritage of Creoles of Color, particularly through the French language. The event fosters community, education, and the continuation of traditions that are essential to maintaining Creole identity.

Creole Culture Day2024-09-13T16:25:38-05:00
5 Sep 2024

Holy Family Church Bazaar

2024-09-05T11:30:24-05:00

Enjoy food, fun, and games at the Holy Family Church Bazaar in Lawtell. Games include an obstacle course, dunking booth, miniature train rides, duck pond game, and a baseball toss game.

Food booths include BBQ pork and chicken, pies, ice cream, funnel fries, boudin, pecan candy, and more!

Live Music performances start at 2pm and last till 9pm. See Mike Broussard & Nu Edition Zydeco, Cory Broussard, Jeffery Broussard & the Zydeco Cowboys, Dickie Du & DA Zydeco Crew, Lil Pookie & the Zydeco Sensations, Lil Jeff, and Lil Wayne & the Same Ol’ Two Step play live.

Holy Family Church Bazaar2024-09-05T11:30:24-05:00
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
26 Aug 2024

Where the Buffalo Roamed

2024-08-26T12:29:06-05:00

Yes, there were bison in Louisiana! Come out to Atelier de la Nature in Arnaudville on September 21 from 10am-1p2m about bison and their importance to the Indigenous Atakapa-Ishak People who have lived here from time immemorial. Learn about the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and the local environment from an Indigenous perspective with Jeffery U. Darensbourg, followed by a bison chili cooking demo and tasting with our very own Aurore Ballengée.

This event is free but registration is required at https://bit.ly/Prarie-Buffalo_24.

Jeffery U. Darensbourg grew up in Itta Homma (of which “Baton Rouge” is a translation) and currently resides in Bulbancha, the only name he uses to refer to what others call “New Orleans.” He works with words, crafting essays, poetry, academic articles, and public talks intertwining traditional academic research with autoethnography and memoir. He is a Louisiana Creole and an enrolled member of the Atakapa-Ishak Nation of Indians. He holds a Ph.D. in cognitive science.

Where the Buffalo Roamed2024-08-26T12:29:06-05:00
14 Aug 2024

Dulcimer Potluck Jam

2024-08-14T12:49:30-05:00

The Yambilee Pickers, a group of dulcimer players who meet every Wednesday morning at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Center just outside of Opelousas, Louisiana to jam, are hosting a big potluck and jam on Saturday, August 31st. Starting at 9am, dulcimer players from around the state and beyond will meet to jam out with other music lovers. They’ll break at 12pm to eat, everyone is invited to bring their own dish, and then they’ll continue playing till 3pm.

It’s the perfect opportunity to hear great music, meet new people, and enjoy the picturesque atmosphere of the St. Landry Parish Visitor Center.

Dulcimer Potluck Jam2024-08-14T12:49:30-05:00
12 Aug 2024

Spirits of Main Street – Washington

2024-08-12T16:53:19-05:00

Investigate the 300-year-old steamboat town of Washington, Louisiana on September 1st with Louisiana Spirits, the largest ghosthunting organization in Louisiana. Team up with the pros as they investigate the newly renovated Hotel Klaus circa 1870, Schmitt Hotel circa 1820, and Wolff Hall circa 1840.

Contact mlee@laspirits.com for pricing.

Spirits of Main Street – Washington2024-08-12T16:53:19-05:00
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
1 Jul 2024

Slim’s Y-Ki-Ki Zydeco Music Fundraiser Event

2024-07-18T13:06:00-05:00

The Clifton Chenier Centennial Committee presents this live music event on Tuesday, July 23 at Arpeggios Lounge & Event Center in Opelousas, Louisiana. This fundraising event is part of ongoing efforts to restore the famous Louisiana dancehall, Slim’s Yi-Ki-Ki.

The event features live performances by local zydeco musicians Big Nate, C.J. Chenier, Rockin’ Dopsie Jr., Anthony Dopsie, Lil Jeff Boutte, Corey Ledet, and R.J. Smoove.

Doors open at 5:30pm and music starts at 6pm.

Slim's YKIYKI fundraiser poster
Slim’s Y-Ki-Ki Zydeco Music Fundraiser Event2024-07-18T13:06:00-05:00
28 May 2024

Juré Workshop

2024-05-28T16:49:35-05:00

Juré, an a cappella type of singing with rhythmic hand claps, is considered to be a forerunner to zydeco music. This Saturday at 1 pm here at the St. Landry Parish Visitor enter, the Broussard Sisters will conduct a juré workshop. These four sisters, Sandra Broussard Davis, Virginia Ballard, Tavian Seraile, and Vivian Edwards were mentored by their aunt, Cecilia Broussard, perform juré and help to preserve this traditional music.

Red beans and rice will be served after.

Juré Workshop2024-05-28T16:49:35-05:00

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)

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