26 Jan 2024

Lil’ Nate L’Argent Chicken Run Dance

2024-01-26T13:01:11-06:00

Lil’ Nate & the Zydeco Big Timers return to Opelousas, Louisiana to revitalize the traditional L’Argent event with this chicken run dance at the Yambilee. Taking place on the Saturday after Mardi Gras on February 17th from 9pm til the early morning hours of the next day, this event allows you to recapture that Mardi Gras feeling.

On-site there will be a food truck as well as a photo booth so you can eat delicious food while you capture the moment with friends and loved ones. With a cash bar, you can party all night long.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased early here.

Lil’ Nate L’Argent Chicken Run Dance2024-01-26T13:01:11-06:00
8 Dec 2023

Acadiana Junior High & High School Rodeo

2025-03-28T10:57:03-05:00

The Acadiana Junior High and High School Rodeo is a celebration of rodeo tradition, youth talent, and the vibrant culture of St. Landry Parish. They are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of rodeo champions and providing an unforgettable experience for the community. The even returns to the Yambilee Ag Arena in Opelousas, Louisiana from April 11-13.

The return of this rodeo signifies the growth of rodeo among our younger generation of cowboys and cowgirls. 

This event will highlight the recent improvements at the St. Landry Ag Arena and St. Landry’s recent title of “Equine Capital of Louisiana.” This spring, we are proud to host over 300 families who will gather to participate in and witness the excitement of the rodeo.

The Acadiana Junior High and High School Rodeo promises a showcase of exceptional talent from junior high and high school students from across the state. Get ready for some tough competition and thrilling performances in a variety of rodeo events, including:

  • Barrel Racing
  • Pole Bending
  • Calf Roping
  • Breakaway Roping
  • Team Roping
  • Bull Riding
  • Saddle Bronc Riding
  • Bareback Riding
  • Goat Tying

There’s a $10 Entry Fee, but kids 5 and under get in free. Weekend passes are $15.

Acadiana Junior High & High School Rodeo2025-03-28T10:57:03-05:00
8 Nov 2023

Lâche Pas Boucherie Grand Coteau

2024-10-16T11:15:18-05:00

Head out for an unforgettable weekend of fun and feasting at the Lâche Pas Boucherie in Grand Coteau.

Get ready to indulge in 3 days of mouthwatering Cajun cuisine and experience the vibrant culture of Louisiana. The weekend will be filled with genuine Louisiana cultural experiences including preparing and sharing of meals, live music, food demonstrations, and much more. The event will take place at Buzzard’s Prairie, the Grand Coteau Boucherie site, where you’ll be greeted with warm hospitality and a lively atmosphere. Camping is optional and recommended.

Bring your friends and family to enjoy incredible music by Holiday Playgirls, Amis du Teche, Horace Trahan, and The Revelers while you dance and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of our region.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to savor authentic Cajun flavors and create lasting memories. See you there!

Lâche Pas Boucherie Grand Coteau2024-10-16T11:15:18-05:00
27 Oct 2023

Robert Cline Jr. & Ted Russel Kamp at NUNU

2023-10-27T15:10:03-05:00

NUNU Arts and Culture Collective in Arnaudville and Singleton Pure Music’s Listening Room are hosting musicians Robert Cline Jr. and Grammy-winning bass player Ted Russell Kamp. From 6pm-10pm on Sunday, November 12th, you can get ready for a night filled with soulful tunes, heartfelt lyrics, and toe-tapping rhythms.

Entrance fee is $20.

Robert Cline Jr. & Ted Russel Kamp at NUNU2023-10-27T15:10:03-05:00
18 Sep 2023

Coco Tribe of Canneci Tinne at the Opelousas Museum

2023-09-21T14:59:48-05:00

November is National American Indian Heritage Month. On Saturday, November 4, Chief Cougar Goodbear and members of the Coco Tribe of Canneci Tinne will hold a social from 10 a.m. to noon at the Opelousas Museum & Interpretive Center. Tribe members will discuss the history and culture of their heritage; then visitors are invited to participate in drumming and singing. Precious tribal artifacts will be on display such as a traditional rattle, drum, war club, beaded satchel, and turtle pouch.

Coco Tribe Of Canneci Tinne was formed by the descendants of the Coco Tribe. The group inhabited the Prairie Maronne and Bayou Tortue area of St. Martin Parish and Lafayette Parish, living on the border of the two parishes which was called Attakapas in the 1800s. They are a Tribe of Lipan Apache Indians called Canneci (Kansi/Kaneechee) which means Tall Sticks/Poles in a row standing or Red Mud; Tinne means People. The Coco Tribe of Canneci Tinne, Inc. has persevered and is resilient in its culture, language, and traditions.

Coco Tribe of Canneci Tinne at the Opelousas Museum2023-09-21T14:59:48-05:00
6 Sep 2023

Battle in the Boot: Cupid vs Roi “Chip” Anthony

2023-10-11T13:48:45-05:00

It’s a Battle in the Boot with the King of Swingout Soul, Roi Anthony, versus the Linedance King, Cupid, for one night at Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino in Opelousas. Doors open at 5pm with showtime at 7pm. There will be special guests invited on stage, so you won’t want to miss this!

Tickets are $25 and you can purchase them here.

Battle in the Boot: Cupid vs Roi “Chip” Anthony2023-10-11T13:48:45-05:00
5 Sep 2023

Acadiana Fibershed Meeting

2023-09-22T16:26:12-05:00

Acadiana Fibershed and Acadian Brown Cotton invite growers, artisans, and textile lovers of all kinds to meet on Saturday, October 7 from 1pm–5pm at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Center located just outside of Opelousas at 1-49, Exit 23.

This nonprofit group is comprised of farmers, fashion activists, and makers developing regional regenerative fiber systems that rebuild the soil and are paving the way for a new textile economy.

This event is open for the public to attend and see demonstrations and exhibits featuring cotton, wool, angora, hemp, roselle, and natural dye plants.

DEMONSTRATIONS

Weaving       Suzanne Chaillot Breaux

Spinning      Darcy Fabre

Mending      Meagan Phipps

Botanical     Eliza Wapner

Dying            Rebecca Baker

Crochet        Emma Guidry

VENDORS

Jan Williams                                   Homegrown/made soap          

Ultima’s Nest                                  Botanical dyed clothing, vintage jewelry

Eliza Wapner                                  Botanical dyed clothing

Suzanne Chaillot Breaux              Fiber art, handwoven scarves and runners

Jennie Lallande                             Roselle Hibiscus products

Joan Musemeche                         Acadian Brown Cotton towels, napkins

Acadian Brown Cotton               Posters, pins, yarn, roving, DVD ABC documentary film

PRESENTERS

Sharon Gordon                              Donnan Acadiana Fibershed

Devin Wright                                 Farm Bill Sproutnola

Jennie Lallande                             Regenerative Agriculture

Jordon Masters                             Micro mill video

Samii Kennedy-Benson               USDA Grant for feminine hygiene products

Ph.d Southern University

Darcy Fabre                                    Weaving ABC video clip

Meagan Phipps                              Mending

Eliza Wapner                                 Using  natural dyes

Rebecca Baker                               Growing and using natural dyes

Clementine Cooper                      New programs at Sacred Heart Academy

Randon Dufrene                           Small farmers recruitment

Suzanne Chaillot Breaux           Fundraiser and Auction

Acadiana Fibershed Meeting2023-09-22T16:26:12-05:00
18 Aug 2023

Louisiana Boil Meat Festival

2023-09-25T14:45:40-05:00

Get ready for the Louisiana Boil Meat Festival taking place on Saturday, October 21st this fall at the Yambilee AG Arena in Opelousas. It’s your chance to taste delicious boiled meat dishes enhanced with Louisiana Cajun and Creole spices. There’s more to do at this festival than just eat. Shop vendors and dance to zydeco music in the place where the iconic genre was born. If your dance moves make the cut, you could even win a trophy for best zydeco solo dancer or couple.

Live music performers include Marcellus the Singer, Cam’Ron Ballou & Darker Shades of Zydeco, Koray Broussard & Z-Unit Zydeco, Leon Chavis & the Zydeco Flames, and Lil’ Nathan & the Zydeco Big Timers. You’ll also hear beats from DJ Byron and DJ Sypho.

Talented chefs and vendors will be serving up a variety of mouthwatering dishes, including crawfish, shrimp, crab, and more. For those who want to compete, the entry fee is $250. The food will be judged on cleanliness, presentation, time, unique flavors, most liked, 10/10 rating review, and professionalism. 1st prize is $1000, 2nd prize is $500, and 3rd prize is $250. For vendor and contest information call 985-662-1053.

Not only will the top 3 cook-off winners get a trophy, but the best-dressed cowboy and cowgirl and the furthest traveled.

Gates open at 11am, but it’s recommended that you get there early. Tickets are $30 at the gate, but kids 12 & under get in free. You can get your tickets early here.

Stay for the weekend at the Holiday Inn Express in Opelousas for a special rate. See other accommodations here.

Louisiana Boil Meat Festival2023-09-25T14:45:40-05:00
16 Jun 2023

Tribute to Clifton Chenier

2025-05-30T12:00:20-05:00

On Saturday, June 28, St. Landry Parish Tourism pays tribute to Clifton Chenier through a jam led by Grammy winner Chubby Carrier and zydeco veteran Lil Jeff Boutte set for 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Center, I-49 exit 23, in Opelousas. The free-to-attend tribute happens in addition to the monthly Zydeco Capital Jam earlier in the month.

 The special tribute jam falls a few days after Clifton Chenier Day, which the state legislature declared in 2021. Chenier, the “King of Zydeco” who won a Grammy in 1983 and earned a Lifetime Achievement Award, was born June 25, 1925 near Opelousas.

Since 2021, the Clifton Chenier Centennial Committee has worked to celebrate 2025, the 100th anniversary of Chenier’s birth. The committee secured Clifton Chenier Day proclamations in Opelousas, St. Landry Parish and throughout Louisiana. The declarations remain in effect for the next two years.

Carrier, a Grammy winner in 2011, counts Chenier as an important influence in a career that has taken him from coast to coast and beyond. A piano accordionist like Chenier, Boutte recently released “I Ain’t Done Yet,” his first album in more than a decade.

Tribute to Clifton Chenier2025-05-30T12:00:20-05:00
2 May 2023

Music at the Depot

2024-04-01T11:00:49-05:00

The Prairie Acadian Cultural Center, an arm of the Jean Lafitte National Park Service, hosts Music at the Museum, a live music series taking place at the Eunice Depot Museum. Dance to live Cajun music with Eunice’s charming museum filled with exhibits and artifacts depicting the lifestyles of early settlers as a backdrop.

On April 13 from 1pm-2pm, Moi, Toi et Lui will perform live.

This is a free event sponsored by the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center.

Music at the Depot2024-04-01T11:00:49-05:00

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)

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