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
24 May 2023

Red, White, and Boom

2026-01-09T13:12:34-06:00

It’s a Red, White, and Boom Fourth of July celebration taking place in Opelousas, Louisiana.

What’s Independence Day without fireworks? The breathtaking fireworks display will light up the sky starting at 9 PM, creating a truly memorable experience for everyone in attendance.

This family-friendly event has something for everyone, from great music to delicious food and a fantastic atmosphere. Bring your loved ones, grab your lawn chairs, and get ready for a night of celebration and patriotism.

Don’t miss out on this incredible 4th of July event. Mark your calendars, invite your friends and neighbors, and come join us for an unforgettable evening under the stars.

$5 parking fee and food & drink will be available to purchase. Gates open at 6pm. 

Red, White, and Boom2026-01-09T13:12:34-06:00
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
6 Apr 2023

Southern Soul JAM’boree

2023-09-25T16:35:41-05:00

Head to the Yambilee Building in Opelousas, Louisiana on April 22nd for a live music experience you won’t want to miss. The Southern Soul JAM’boree will feature both zydeco and soul artists. J. Paul Jr. & the Zydeco Nubreedz, the PC Band, Audi-Yo, Lysa, JJ Callier, and Mz. Suga will all perform live with sounds by DJ Jay Dog. The event will also have a cash bar.

Doors open at 7pm but the show starts at 8pm. Tickets are on pre-sale for $40, but will be $50 at the door. You can purchase them on Eventbrite here, at Anytime Home Furniture in Opelousas, or at Lumberjack’s Soul Food in Lafayette.

For more information call Big Myke at 337-486-8700.

Southern Soul JAM’boree2023-09-25T16:35:41-05:00
6 Feb 2023

Lundi Gras Live at Toby’s

2023-07-21T12:19:19-05:00

The Imperial St. Landry Mardi Gras Association presents Lundi Gras Live at Toby’s Downtown located in the Beau’s Garage building in Downtown Opelousas. Kylie Frey, a local musician with national acclaim who records out of Nashville, will perform at the restaurant and bar on the Monday before Mardi Gras. This Lundi Gras celebration kicks off the season’s festivities for the City of Opelousas.

This event is open to people of all ages. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids.

Lundi Gras at Toby's
Lundi Gras Live at Toby’s2023-07-21T12:19:19-05:00
12 Jan 2023

Zydeco Dance Lessons

2024-02-06T13:31:34-06:00

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 Lessons2024-02-06T13:31:34-06:00
20 Dec 2022

New Year’s Eve Zydeco Dance

2022-12-20T15:05:45-06:00

Step Rideau & the Zydeco Outlaws return to Lebeau, Louisiana for a New Year’s Eve Zydeco Dance. You can catch him and DJ Lil Jack at the Immaculate Conception Hall where the Lebeau Zydeco Festival takes place in the summer.

Be there on December 31 starting at 8pm and party until the new year. Tickets are $15, but you can reserve a table by calling Donald at 337-625-0505

New Year’s Eve Zydeco Dance2022-12-20T15:05:45-06:00
16 Dec 2022

Enjoy the Music Pre New Year’s Eve Party

2023-01-19T13:16:06-06:00

The “Enjoy the Music” Pre-New year’s Eve Party is an epic concert taking place in Opelousas, Louisiana on December 30th at 8pm that continues into the next day ending at 1am. Enjoy live bands, singers, and more at the Charming Event Center located at 515 W. Martin Luther King Dr. in Opelousas. Featuring performances by artists, music producers, and radio personalities, McKayovee, Jamster Ev, Je, LTN-Ant & LTN Teezy, and NWojak with more artists performing on the day.

Presale tickets are $15 for general admission and $20 for VIP. At the door, tickets will be $20 for general admission and $30 for VIP.

Enjoy the Music Pre New Year’s Eve Party2023-01-19T13:16:06-06:00
30 Nov 2022

Country and Western Night

2022-12-29T10:41:01-06:00

Jason Williams and Clint Robin perform for Country and Western Night at Musique’s Southern Cuisine Bar & Grill in Opelousas. From 6pm-9pm, you can enjoy good music while you eat delicious food. Musique’s is famous for its shrimp fried rice, but they also have tasty burgers, fried fish, and more comfort food than you can eat.

Country and Western Night2022-12-29T10:41:01-06:00

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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