12 Jan 2023

Zydeco Dance Lessons

2026-10-02T09:19:53-05:00

Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Opelousas is hosting free zydeco dance lessons led by the Zydeco Ballers dance group. All you need is one hour with an instructor to learn a few moves, then you’re ready for live concerts at local festivals or zydeco dance halls.

Zydeco is a genre of music that became popular in the 80’s by legendary Louisiana artists such as Clifton Chenier and Terrance Simien, both natives of St. Landry Parish. Opelousas, Louisiana is the Zydeco Music Capital of the World and is widely known for its famous dance halls, clubs, and zydeco trail rides.

Zydeco Dance Lessons2026-10-02T09:19:53-05:00
5 Jan 2023

Life Drawing at NUNU

2023-10-03T14:06:58-05:00

NUNU’s Arts & Culture Collective in Arnaudville is the go-to destination for creatives in the area. They have plenty of workshops and cultural tables throughout the month. Every Tuesday, they offer Life Drawing Sessions from 6pm-8:30pm where you can study the anatomy of the human form from live models, a subject that has inspired artists for millennia.

NUNU members get to use the space for free, but non-members are required to pay a $10 facility usage fee. Members and Non-members must pay a $10 fee directly to the model.

Life Drawing at NUNU2023-10-03T14:06:58-05:00
29 Dec 2022

Martinique Mask-Making Workshop

2023-01-25T16:24:00-06:00

From February 10-13 at NUNU Arts and Culture Collective in Arnaudville, Louisiana, you can attend a Martinique-style mask-making workshop. Jean-Luc Toussaint and Vanessa Guy are your guides as they compare and contrast practices found around the world including styles from Martinique and Acadiana.

Students will learn the beginning skills of modeling, constructing, and painting and will be encouraged to create masks that celebrate their true identity so that participants can say, “this, is who I am.”

Students will have access to sewing machines, a laser cutter, a 3D printer, and more. Finally, the workshop will be peppered with French and Creole languages.

NUNU Members will pay $150 + tax and processing fees while non-members will be billed an additional $300 on the day of arrival or provided with an opportunity to become a NUNU member.

You can find more event and ticket information here.

Martinique Mask-Making Workshop2023-01-25T16:24:00-06:00
22 Dec 2022

Dewey Balfa Cajun & Creole Heritage Week

2025-10-31T15:17:43-05:00

The 24th Dewey Balfa Cajun & Creole Heritage Week will take place April 13-17, in Eunice, Louisiana at Lakeview Park & Beach with a Louisiana French Immersion experience at the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center that Monday.  Highlights include top-notch Louisiana-style entertainment, education, and hospitality with public and enrollment-based activities.  The schedule, Camp registration, and lodging information are found at LAfolkroots.org.

WHY BALFA WEEK?

Balfa Week classes are immersive, multi-day lessons and workshops that have you studying face-to-face with master musicians, cooks, and craftspeople in a nature-based setting. Spontaneous jams, lakeside campfires, new friends from around the world.

Schedule a one-to-one lesson with Louisiana master musicians to conquer a tune that’s stuck in your head. Discuss the creative process with Louisiana folk craft artisans. Learn some tricks for Louisiana cooking during sessions with regional chefs. Imagine yourself peeling and eating a pile of crawfish. Wander into the nightly barn dances with friends to test out moves you practiced in dance class.

Housing options are available. Bring your RV, rent or share a deluxe cabin, pitch a tent, or stay at a local B&B or hotel. Visit Evangeline Parish Tourism and St. Landry Parish Tourism for more ideas.

Tuition rates range from a Full-Time 5-day rate to a Daily rate.

Friends of Folk Roots membership discounts are offered on Registrations.

Play. Dance Eat. Repeat. That’s Balfa Week! Get details at: balfaweek@gmail.com 

Dewey Balfa Cajun & Creole Heritage Week2025-10-31T15:17:43-05:00
1 Nov 2022

Drawn to Grow Exhibit Reception

2022-11-01T10:36:23-05:00

Join us at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Center at Exit 23 right off of I-49 to view Kelli Foret Richard’s most recent work, Drawn to Grow. This exhibit of 57 illustrations is a statement on the 57 years left of farming the region has until it reaches desertification. The exhibit is both emphasizes the importance of agriculture to Louisiana and a call to action for better farming practices. Hear from the artist herself at the reception on Saturday, November 5 from 1pm-4pm at the visitor center right outside of Opelousas.

Drawn to Grow Exhibit Reception2022-11-01T10:36:23-05:00
31 Oct 2022

Indigenous Cultural Heritage Table

2022-10-31T16:28:30-05:00

Clovis “Joe” Billiot, Biloxi-Chitimacha Tribal Member, and his wife Debra Cooper Billiot, host an Indigenous Cultural Heritage Table at NUNU Arts and Culture Collective from noon to 2pm on January 28 in Arnaudville.

The Billiot’s intent is to develop this table as a means to share, inform and connect with other indigenous peoples and share that knowledge with all people.

The Indigenous Cultural Heritage Table is part of the DICI initiative.

Indigenous Cultural Heritage Table2022-10-31T16:28:30-05:00
28 Sep 2022

Lighting of the Nativity

2026-09-09T11:11:58-05:00

The holiday season is upon us, and Opelousas Main Street presents a cherished tradition that has been lighting up downtown for over seven decades. On Saturday, the heart of downtown Opelousas, Louisiana will come alive with festive cheer at the Lighting of the Nativity on the Courthouse Square.

The event is scheduled from 5pm to 9pm with the official unveiling of the historic nativity scene to take place at dusk. A variety of activities are planned for the event which is presented by Opelousas Main Street, Inc. Santa will be onsite for holiday photos and there will also be train rides, a vendor market set up along Court Street featuring specialty items, art and food. 

The day is also Small Business Saturday, a day to enjoy a delicious lunch and shop for unique gifts, while supporting local small businesses and artists in the area.

This year marks the 72nd anniversary of the historic Nativity Scene. The nativity scene at the St. Landry Parish Courthouse Square began in the 1940s. In 1953, a special building was made for the nativity. On Sun., Dec. 6, 1953, the nativity scene on the St. Landry Parish Courthouse Square was unveiled at a special ceremony where Mabel Cools was recognized for soliciting donations used to purchase the nativity figures. Sidney Sandoz was recognized as chairman of the building committee. Robert Dejean served as Master of Ceremonies. After the unveiling, the downtown Christmas lights were turned on. (Source: Daily World, 1953).

Lighting of the Village, Opelousas
Lighting of the Village, Opelousas
Lighting of the Village, Opelousas
Lighting of the Nativity2026-09-09T11:11:58-05:00
19 Sep 2022

Fête de Saint-Luc

2022-09-19T16:48:53-05:00

Celebrate at Saint-Luc French Immersion School in Arnaudville, Louisiana. This former hospital turned educational and cultural organization that seeks to revive and sustain the French language tradition in Louisiana. They are hosting a celebration and learning experience on October 9th from 1:30pm to 6pm with great food, music, and plenty of art vendors and craftsmen.

There will be a ton to eat and drink including plate lunches from Pepper’s homestyle catering, croissants, cookies, and pastries from Paradiso Cake, fruit and veggie drinks from Jolly Moon, and sandwiches from Bib Belly Sandwiches.

Enjoy informational demos and vendors including spinning arts, cotton products, art displays, basketweaving, chair caning, writing, and more. There will even be live music by La Patente, a traditional band out of New Brunswick, Canada, and the Potluck Band.

Fête de Saint-Luc2022-09-19T16:48:53-05:00
14 Sep 2022

Sauce Picante Cook-Off

2023-09-19T16:29:50-05:00

The Sauce Picante Cook-Off taking place at Lakeview Park & Beach in Eunice is an annual cooking event that you won’t want to miss. Sauce Picante is a traditional Creole and Cajun dish that includes a spicy sauce typically with a tomato base all over rice. At this event, area chefs will compete with their best renditions of this iconic dish. Samples will be available for guests to taste and vote on. Cameron Fontenot & the Rhythm Aces will play from 2pm-4pm and Dustin Sonnier & the Wanted is performing in the evening at 8pm.

It’s $15 to enter a dish and $10 for guests to get a wristband and sample all the tasty food.

Sauce Picante Cook-Off2023-09-19T16:29:50-05:00
26 Aug 2022

Live Quarter Horse Racing

2026-09-21T15:11:00-05:00

It’s quarter horse racing season at Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino. If you’re looking for something exciting to do in Opelousas, Louisiana, you’ve got to see a live race. The American Quarter Horse is a small breed known for its agility and ability to sprint short distances. You can bet on your favorite horse or just sit back and enjoy this fast-paced competition every Wednesday through Saturday during the season, except on Thanksgiving Eve and Day.

Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino is the first entertainment complex in America designed to combine horse racing and casino gaming. The state-of-the-art facility has over 1,300 slot machines, 117 hotel rooms, and dining options offering Cajun and Creole cuisine. The casino is located off of Interstate 49 in Opelousas, only 20 minutes north of Lafayette, LA.

Live Quarter Horse Racing2026-09-21T15:11:00-05:00

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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