28 Sep 2022

Lighting of the Nativity

2025-08-06T09:25:50-05:00

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 3 to 6 p.m. 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, live music entertainment from Our Lady Queen of Angels Choir and a special youth jam session hosted by Louisiana Folk Roots Kids Camp alumni and friends. Nearby families can meet The Grinch inside Sophisticated Look La' Bellevue on Bellevue Street.

November 29th 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 71st 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 Nativity2025-08-06T09:25:50-05:00
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
19 Aug 2022

Swamp Pop Review

2022-08-19T15:20:44-05:00

On Sunday, September 4 at the Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino in Opelousas, swing and sway into Labor Day with the music of Willie Tee, Bert Miller, Lynn August, T.K. Hulin, Charlene Howard, Jivin' Gene, and the Cypress Band. Doors open at 5pm but the music starts at 6pm.

Tickets are $15 and will be available at the door on the day of the show.

Swamp Pop Review2022-08-19T15:20:44-05:00
16 Aug 2022

Le Grand Hoorah

2025-08-07T10:14:01-05:00

Le Grand Hoorah returns to Lakeview Park in  Eunice, Louisiana the last weekend in September. The lineup of bands features some of the hottest acts from around the region. Enjoy Cajun cuisine, including a boucherie, plus French language experiences, dancing, special events, outdoor fun, and optional camping.

"Our festival is about creating and fostering relationships focused on preserving the music, food, language and folk arts of the people of Acadiana," explained Gilbert "Winky" Aucoin, President of the event's nonprofit.

The music schedule includes a kickoff party Friday at 8pm with live music. Then on Saturday, music kicks off at 1pm and continues till 8:45 pm. The Hoorah also hosts an authentic Cajun jam 11am – 12:30pm.

Aside from the boucherie and food booths, Saturday's special events include Opening Ceremonies at noon, French immersion student performances and a French Invocation by Father Jason Vidrine. Attendees can also return Sunday morning for a Catholic French Mass at 9:30 am with Father Kenan Brown.

Le Grand Hoorah is known for preserving and supporting its region's roots. As part of the nonprofit's mission to support musical and cultural organizations, proceeds each year are in part donated to various organizations including ACA's (Acadiana Center for the Arts) Courtney Granger Memorial Award, the Christopher Stafford Memorial Foundation Fund, and Love of People this year.

Learn more at LeGrandHoorah.com. Tickets will be available August 28th on the website, or at the door. Campsite spaces can be reserved now via Lakeview Park at LVPark.com.

Le Grand Hoorah2025-08-07T10:14:01-05:00
2 Aug 2022

Ever More Nest with Bret Vidrine at NUNU’s

2023-01-19T13:19:10-06:00

Ever More Nest is the Americana music project of Kelcy Mae Wilburn, a New Orleans-based musician and writer, bandleader, queer woman, Pisces, and modern-day transcendentalist. Ever More Nest tours the US, playing festivals such as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Milwaukee's Summerfest in addition to venues and listening rooms ranging from quaint bar rooms to the John F. Kennedy Center. Prior to embodying alt-country outfit Ever More Nest, Kelcy Mae released three earlier folk/rock albums.

Kelcy will be performing at NUNU's Art & Culture Collective in Arnaudville on August 18th at 7:30pm. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here.

Ever More Nest with Bret Vidrine at NUNU’s2023-01-19T13:19:10-06:00
1 Aug 2022

The Gospel According To Jones

2023-02-23T14:24:17-06:00

Freddie Pate was raised on music, from his Grandma bringing home bands from the nightclubs she frequented, to his first performances at 7 and 8 all around Los Angeles. He's learned from Al Bruno and played opening acts for George Jones and with Merle Haggard, Conway Twitty, Willie Nelson, Hank Jr., and pretty much every other major name in country music in the last five decades. He's been voted TCMA Guitarist of the Year, Louisiana Guitar Legend, and received numerous CFMA awards as guitar player and producer.

Pate will be starring in "The Gospel According to Jones, A Tribute," on August 6 at 6 p.m. This is a one-night-only tribute at the Delta Grand Theater in Opelousas. It's going to be all of your favorite George Jones hits filled with the stories behind the songs, behind the scenes, and behind the greatest country singer of all time, George Jones! Freddie has shared the stage with George and with all the country music greats so he brings these songs and stories to life with personal experience.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door. You can find them here. Call (337)-305-3145 for more information.

The Gospel According To Jones2023-02-23T14:24:17-06:00
21 Jun 2022

Fireworks on the River

2025-06-27T09:57:24-05:00

Celebrate the fourth of July in Krotz Springs, Louisiana. This small town is nestled along the banks of the Atchafalaya River and is considered a sportsman's paradise for hunters, hikers, fishermen, and birders. The town has a huge 4th of July celebration each year with a fireworks show supervised by the Volunteer Fire Department. Bring the whole family and find a cozy spot at dusk for this beautiful display in Nall Park. You can enjoy hot dogs, watermelons, and live music. Guests are welcome to bring ice chests, lawn chairs, and picnic blankets.

Fireworks on the River2025-06-27T09:57:24-05:00
20 Jun 2022

Fall into Downtown

2024-09-23T13:21:09-05:00

Fall into downtown Eunice this October for an evening of live music and fun. Discover all the services and businesses that make up the fabric of this musical city's downtown with plenty of food and craft vendors as well as a bourbon and  wine tasting at 5pm and themed ride through the streets of downtown.

Music begins at 4:30pm. Holly O, Th Eighties Experience, The Coteau Grove Project, and Parish County Line are performing

Fall into Downtown2024-09-23T13:21:09-05:00

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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