The Treasures of Opelousas, a group of concerned citizens, feared that Zydeco and Creole music were dying; in response, they organized the first festival. With the guidance and sponsorship from the Southern Development Foundation, the first Zydeco Festival in 1982 was started in a bean field in Plaisance, Louisiana on the outskirts of Opelousas.

Schedule of Events:

August 30, 2024

Kickoff Dance

We will get this party started the night before at Evangeline Downs at 9 p.m. with the explosive Mike Broussard and Nu’ Edition, and Leon Chavis and the Zydeco Flames. Also featuring DJ Carl T with Down South Radio. Located at 2235 Creswell Lane Extension, Opelousas, LA 70570

August 31, 2024

Zydeco Parade

At Landry and Wallior Street, the Zydeco Parade The Zydeco parade lines up at 8:30 a.m. with scores of zydeco fans, businesses, social clubs, dance groups, trail riders. The colorful group rolls out at 10 a.m., passing by the Zydeco Breakfast Court House Square on Landry Street, as they head towards the Zydeco Festival Grounds.

Zydeco Breakfast

Join us for the annual Zydeco Breakfast in downtown Opelousas. From 9-11 am, under the oak trees on the Courthouse Square, you can listen to the foot tapping music, (TBA). Sponsored by City of Opelousas Tourism, Melanie LeBeouf. Local downtown eateries will feature an assortment of breakfast items for sale. Opelousas Tourism, with support from Opelousas Main Street, Inc., the City of Opelousas, and St. Landry Parish Government, hosts the free event each year to get people excited about the Labor Day festival music and activities, as well as to bring awareness of the downtown district.

The Original Southwest Zydeco Festival

This year’s celebration takes place on the Yambilee Festival Grounds beginning at 12 noon and winding down in the wee hours of the night. Gather your friends and family for a full day and night of music, traditional Creole food by vendors and food trucks, and arts and crafts. Enjoy the Best of Creole Culture and Music. Bring your lawn chairs and plan to stay for all events, "I promise you will have a BON TON."

Plan your family reunions, gather your social groups for a good time with your favorite bands: Grammy Winner Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band, LeRoy Thomas and Zydeco Road Runners, Grammy Nominee Geno Delafose and French Rockin Boogie along with another Grammy Nominee C. J. Chenier and the Red-Hot Louisiana Band, Then we turn the night over to NUZO Zydeco, Jeremy Fruge and The Zydeco Hot Boyz, Rusty Metoyer and Zydeco Krush and Special Guest, "The Legend Chris Ardoin and NuStep Zydeco." All on the main stage Yambilee Festival Grounds, 1939 W. Landry St. Opelousas, LA 70570. www, zydeco.org or Facebook swlazydecofestival

Date: August 30 - August 31, 2024

Location: Yambilee Festival Grounds,

1939 W Landry Street,

Opelousas, LA,

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