18 Apr 2022

Lebeau Mardi Gras Festival

2025-01-17T15:30:24-06:00

Mardi Gras in Lebeau is a lot like other rural celebrations across St. Landry Parish with a few distinguishing qualities. At 1pm, the parade starts marching down Hwy 10 with a procession of cars, trucks, and floats. You know you’re in Lebeau when horses, 4-wheelers, side by sides, golf carts, and more festive vehicles and equines pass by as well.

What sets Lebeau’s Mardi Gras run apart from other courirs is the inclusion of a greased pig chase with their chicken run. It’s not a real Lebeau celebration without zydeco musicians to dance along to. Check out Rusty Metoyer performing at the Lebeau Immaculate Conception Church from 4pm – 7pm after the parade.

Entry fee for cars, 4-wheelers, side by sides, trucks, and horse riders is $20. Groups are $25. Floats, trucks, and trailers are $30.

For more information, call Geneva Lemon at 337-945-4238 or Mayor Irving at 337-351-3902.

Lebeau Mardi Gras, Lebeau, Louisiana
Lebeau Mardi Gras, Lebeau, Louisiana
Lebeau Mardi Gras, Lebeau, Louisiana
Lebeau Mardi Gras Festival2025-01-17T15:30:24-06:00
11 Apr 2022

Opelousas Creole Easter

2022-04-22T12:48:18-05:00

Come out to Opelousas, Louisiana for the Opelousas Creole Easter Blackpot Cook-Off. This event is taking place at the Life Community Complex, formerly the Indian Hills Country Club. With a mini-trail ride, zydeco dance, and Easter egg hunt for the kids, this event is sure to be a ton of fun. Gates open at 8am, but the ride leaves at noon. No 4-wheelers are allowed. At 4pm, you’ll be able to hear RJ & Kreole Smoove live.

Admission is $10, but kids get in free. If you’d like to try your hand and participate in the cook-off, entry is $20.

For vendor information, contact RJ at 337-443-5538.

Opelousas Creole Easter2022-04-22T12:48:18-05:00
25 Mar 2022

Live at Bayou Teche Brewing

2024-02-22T14:41:15-06:00

Every Saturday in Arnaudville, Louisiana, you can catch live music at Bayou Teche Brewing. Cajun and zydeco musicians gather along LA-31 where the wood-fire pizza is plenty and the craft beer flows freely. Check out their new cocktails while you play at the arcade or just vibe to great musicians.

Bayou Teche Brewing is an eco-friendly microbrewery in Arnaudville, Louisiana. The brewmaster uses locally grown ingredients and crafts ales that complement the cuisine of the region, Cajun and Creole food. Bayou Teche Brewing is open for tours in French and English, seven days a week and also offers samples in the taproom!

Live at Bayou Teche Brewing2024-02-22T14:41:15-06:00
9 Mar 2022

Live Music at Lakeview

2024-06-06T10:30:59-05:00

Lakeview Park & Beach in Eunice throws amazing parties. From their Lundi Gras Boucherie to their Saturday night Old Fashioned Fais Do-Do barn dances, it is a haven for live music lovers. Their rustic barn is the perfect setting for foot-stompin’, two-steppin’ Cajun, zydeco, and country dancing. Acadiana’s best performers are known to frequent the barn stage, including Grammy-nominated band, Bonsoir Catin. Come out and pass a good time with the locals. During the summer months you can enjoy live music on the beach.

There is a $10 admission fee for all guests of Lakeview. Campers receive complimentary tickets with their RV site/Cottage. Happy Hour begins 1 hour before the band starts.

Check out their website to see who’s playing.

2016 Louey Tourism Award Winner for Campground/RV Park of the Year.

The Barn at Lakeview Park & Beach in Eunice, Louisiana
The Barn at Lakeview Park & Beach in Eunice, Louisiana
The Barn at Lakeview Park & Beach in Eunice, Louisiana
Live Music at Lakeview2024-06-06T10:30:59-05:00
4 Mar 2022

Zydeco Capital Jam

2024-06-05T12:23:36-05:00

Zydeco Capital Jam is a monthly jam session for zydeco musicians and fans. The jam takes place on the second Saturday of every month at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Center, just north of Opelousas.

This is the first jam of its kind in nearly a decade. It recalls the tradition from when zydeco legend Roy Carrier would jam with other great musicians at the Offshore Lounge in Lawtell. Where better to revive the tradition of zydeco music jams than in the Zydeco Music Capital of the World – Opelousas, Louisiana.

Bring your favorite instrument and jam or sit back and appreciate the music. Every month, our executive director, Herman Fuselier, invites zydeco musicians to lead the jam. They can range from world-famous names to hidden gems from the parish. These jam sessions are your opportunity to hear your favorite songs, play with friends, and experience the Gumbo For Your Soul that is zydeco music.

The Zydeco Capital Jam is open to musicians of all skill levels. Seating is available for zydeco fans to sit and tap their toes.

Zydeco Capital Jam in Opelousas, Louisiana
Zydeco Capital Jam in Opelousas, Louisiana
Zydeco Capital Jam in Opelousas, Louisiana
Zydeco Capital Jam in Opelousas, Louisiana
Zydeco Capital Jam in Opelousas, Louisiana
Zydeco Capital Jam in Opelousas, Louisiana
Zydeco Capital Jam2024-06-05T12:23:36-05:00
4 Mar 2022

Lebeau Zydeco Festival

2024-07-19T14:46:02-05:00

It’s all zydeco music, all day long at the Lebeau Zydeco Festival. From the place that gave us zydeco hits like, “Don’t Mess With My Toot Toot” comes an annual celebration of the genre and its roots in the Creole community. Located on the grounds of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lebeau, Louisiana, this festival was made for the fans. It features the most popular zydeco music bands in South Louisiana. Bring a dancing partner, maybe a lawn chair, and an appetite. The festival is famous for its pork backbone dinners.

No BBQ pits, ATVs, glass containers, or ice chests/coolers allowed. This festival is held annually on the first Saturday of July.

Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for kids.

Get your festival shirt by contacting Sherrie at 337-257-9457.

Lebeau Zydeco Festival
Lebeau Zydeco Festival
Lebeau Zydeco Festival
Lebeau Zydeco Festival2024-07-19T14:46:02-05:00
4 Mar 2022

Original Southwest LA Zydeco Music Festival

2024-12-11T15:11:47-06:00

Opelousas is the Zydeco Music Capital of the World and home to one of the biggest zydeco music celebrations, the Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival. In 1981, there was a real fear that Creole and zydeco music was dying out. To combat this, a group of concerned citizens organized the Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival. Today, the event features the best performers in zydeco. Swamp-pop, swing, R&B, and southern soul enjoyers will also have a great time. It’s the perfect event to dance to your favorite zydeco musicians.

On Friday, enjoy the Zydeco Festival’s Kick-off Dance taking place at Evangeline Downs at 9pm. 

The main event is at the Yambilee Building with music starting at 12pm. Stay tuned to see who’s playing.

The Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival is usually held the Saturday before Labor Day in Opelousas.

Gates open at 11am, but the music starts at 12pm. Admission is $25 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under. No coolers allowed. RV Parking is $10/day (no electricity). No glass containers. No BBQ pits. No open flame burners.

Annual Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival in Opelousas, Louisiana
Annual Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival in Opelousas, Louisiana
Annual Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival in Opelousas, Louisiana
Original Southwest LA Zydeco Music Festival2024-12-11T15:11:47-06:00
4 Mar 2022

Port Barre Cracklin Festival

2024-11-20T10:43:38-06:00

There’s only one thing Louisiana loves more than boudin, and that’s cracklins! A cracklin is pork rind’s bigger, better, and tastier sibling. This popular, southern snack is made by deep-frying chunks of pork in its own rendered oil…twice. While you can find cracklins in almost every local grocery or gas station stop in St. Landry Parish, there’s one place you have to go to get them fresh.

The Port Barre Lions Club is thrilled to announce the 39th Annual Cracklin Festival, set to take place on the second weekend in November at Veterans Memorial Park in Port Barre, Louisiana. This beloved community event celebrates the rich Cajun heritage of Acadiana and offers a weekend filled with family-friendly activities, local cuisine, and live entertainment.

The Cracklin Festival is not only a showcase of Louisiana’s iconic culinary tradition—cracklins—but also serves as a vital fundraiser for the Port Barre Lions Club, supporting various charitable initiatives in the community.

Port Barre Lions Club warmly invites families from across the region to come together for a weekend filled with fun, delicious food, and lively festivities at the 38th Annual Cracklin Festival. Join us as we celebrate Cajun culture and community spirit with events and activities for all ages.

Festival Highlights Include:

Live Music & Entertainment – Featuring popular local and regional acts, offering a lively mix of Cajun, Zydeco, and country music to keep the crowd dancing all weekend long.

Cracklin Cook-Off – A fierce competition where teams battle to create the best cracklins, showcasing different methods and flavors unique to the Cajun culinary tradition.  We have two categories, pork and chicken cracklins and we have two divisions, amateur and professional.  We are giving awards for the best decorated booths as well.

Food & Craft Vendors – Enjoy local delicacies beyond cracklins, including gumbo, jambalaya, and boudin, while browsing handcrafted goods from talented artisans.

Cracklin Festival Pageant – Featuring contestants from across the region, celebrating the spirit of Acadiana and honoring the young women of the community.  Official Crowning will be held at the festival grounds for the new 2024 Miss, Teen and Ms. Cracklin.

Parade – Who doesn’t like a good hometown parade? Every year our Cracklin Festival Parade rolls down Saizan Ave with our Festival King and Queen, visiting festival royalty, local school and community groups, even a few campaigning politicians every now and then. Come join us for all of fun!  Anyone interested can sign up online under “Festival Events”.

Cornhole Tournament – We are proud to introduce a new event this year, our first annual Cracklin Cornhole Tournament on Thursday during Family Night at Veterans Memorial Park.  Those interested can sign up on our website.

Supporting the Community:

The Cracklin Festival is a major fundraising effort for the Port Barre Lions Club, with proceeds supporting numerous local projects, scholarships, and charitable causes throughout the year. With a commitment to service, the Lions Club also runs various outreach programs focused on vision health and disaster relief for the local community.

About the Port Barre Lions Club:

Founded with a mission to serve, the Port Barre Lions Club has a long-standing history of community involvement and outreach. The Cracklin Festival is just one of many ways the Lions Club brings people together to celebrate local culture while giving back.

Join Us at the Cracklin Festival:

The Port Barre Lions Club invites everyone to join the celebration and experience the unique charm of the Cracklin Festival. Mark your calendars and bring your family and friends to enjoy the best of Cajun culture and cuisine. For more information, please visit our website or follow us on social media for updates.

Contact:

Port Barre Lions Club

Email: cracklinfest@yahoo.com   

Phone: 337-692-3311

Website:  https://cracklinfest.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/portbarrelions

Please note:  For safety purposes and to ensure everyone has a fun and safe experience, we will be enforcing a Clear Bag Policy this year. Clear bags must be no larger than 12″x6″x12″. Small clutch bags are allowed (no larger than 4.5″x6.5″). Diaper bags are permitted with an accompanying infant, but they will be subject to search. No backpacks, purses, or other opaque bags will be allowed.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation! Let’s make this year’s festival a memorable and safe event for all.

Port Barre Cracklin Festival in Louisiana
Cracklin Festival in Port Barre, Louisiana
Cracklin Festival in Port Barre, Louisiana
Cracklin Festival in Port Barre, Louisiana
Cracklin Festival in Port Barre, Louisiana
Cracklin Festival in Port Barre, Louisiana
Port Barre Cracklin Festival2024-11-20T10:43:38-06:00
4 Mar 2022

Holy Ghost Creole Festival

2024-11-20T11:40:46-06:00

Experience Creole culture at the Holy Ghost Creole Festival in Opelousas, Louisiana. Every year, the festival takes place on the first full weekend of November and kicks off on Friday morning with finger-lickin’ fried catfish. That night, experience gospel hymns featuring several choir groups from Holy Ghost Catholic Church.

Saturday, the festival grounds open early with live music and more Creole food to sample including their famous backbone stew and barbeque pork steak. Dinner tickets may be purchased at the Church Parish Office until the day of the event, or you may purchase tickets on the grounds. That morning, participate in the 5k run or 1-mile fun walk to prepare for a day of amazing food. Pies, boudin, cracklins, and other great local foods will be sold each day of the festival. All-day long, hear zydeco music bands under the music tent, but be sure to take a break to seek out the festival’s famous sweet dough pies. Holy Ghost volunteers spend hours preparing and baking this local treat because they are just too tempting to pass up.

Sunday, join the locals in celebrating their Creole heritage at the Creole Festival Parade. The route runs from Landry Street all the way to Union Street. Feel free to bring lawn chairs or a blanket to enjoy the parade.

Click here for nearby accommodations.

Holy Ghost Creole Festival in Opelousas, Louisiana
Holy Ghost Creole Festival in Opelousas, Louisiana
Holy Ghost Creole Festival in Opelousas, Louisiana
Holy Ghost Creole Festival in Opelousas, Louisiana
Holy Ghost Creole Festival Sweet Dough Pies in Opelousas, Louisiana
Holy Ghost Creole Festival in Opelousas, Louisiana
Holy Ghost Creole Festival2024-11-20T11:40:46-06:00
23 Jan 2019

Zydeco Capital Jam debuts in St. Landry Parish

2025-02-26T16:14:10-06:00

Monthly event restores tradition in Zydeco Capital of the World

Zydeco Capital Jam, a monthly jam session for zydeco musicians and fans, kicks off from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 9 at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Center at I-49 exit 23, just north of Opelousas. Corey Ledet, a Grammy-nominated accordionist who has served as a teacher in UL Lafayette’s Traditional Music Program, will lead the jam.

Herman Fuselier, new executive director of the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission, said the event is the region’s first zydeco jam session in nearly a decade.

“Cajun music jam sessions are held throughout St. Landry Parish and Acadiana,” said Fuselier. “But nowhere is there a jam session for zydeco music.

“The Zydeco Capital Jam would bring back a tradition we haven’t had since zydeco legend Roy Carrier died in 2010. Many great musicians came out of the Thursday night jams that Roy had at the Offshore Lounge in Lawtell.

“There’s no better place to revive the jams than the official Zydeco Music Capital of the World – Opelousas.”

Fuselier added the jam gives visitors and locals something to do after Saturday morning music events, such as the zydeco breakfasts in the area, and dances later that evening. The zydeco jam, set for the second Saturday of each month, would complement Jammin’ on the Bayou, a Cajun/country jam on the third Saturdays at the Visitor Center.

Zydeco Capital Jam debuts in St. Landry Parish2025-02-26T16:14:10-06:00

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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