• All roads lead to Opelousas, its Zydeco Country

    Celebrate the oldest Zydeco Festival in the Zydeco Capital of the World, Opelousas, Louisiana.

    Taking you to the heart and roots of where Zydeco music originated.

  • 35th Annual
    The Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival

    Tout le Chemn Menn a’ Opelousas -- all roads lead to Opelousas!

    Once again it is Zydeco Season, a time to celebrate and experience Creole culture, zydeco music and the land. Make your plans to come to The Original in the Zydeco Capital of the World, Opelousas, and the Annual The Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival where it all began.

    Celebrating our 35th Annual the event showcases the best in zydeco music, featuring seven leading musical artists. This year, the festival pays tribute to Our Ambassador and Feature Artist “ Grammy Winner” Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band; Others are Lil Nate and Zydeco Big Timers; Jamie Bergeron, Nathan Williams & Zydeco Cha Cha’s and many others.

    The event takes place on Labor Day weekend, Saturday, September 1 & 2, 2017 at Zydeco / Yambilee Festival Grounds off Highway 190, (1939 W. Landry, Opelousas). We start the day at 8:30A.M. To 12:00 O’clock Midnight—or until we’re done! Come enjoy the Black Pot Cook Off, Big Zydeco Parade, arts and crafts and great food—and bring the whole family! The Zydeco Festival is also a wonderful place to have a family reunion.

    If you want to start your day early—Big Zydeco Parade passes through Downtown Opelousas, to the Zydeco Breakfast at the Courthouse Square featuring, Corey Arceneaux and the Zydeco Hot Peppers from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Then all roads lead to Yambilee Festival Grounds (1939 W. Landry Street where you’ll be warmed up for the SWLA Zydeco Music Festival! More information at cityofopelousas.com.

    Festival rules, no ice chests, no glass containers, no BBQ pits, and no open flame burners are allowed. For more information: (337)290-6048, www.zydeco.org or LouisianaTravel.com. This event is sponsored by Southern Development Foundation, Lafayette Convention & Visitors Center and Evangeline Downs Casino in Opelousas.

    Admission: Gate tickets $15, 12 years and under $5,

    Se Peyi de Zydeco—it’s Zydeco Country!