Schedule of Events

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10, 2023: PRE-PARTY

Join us for a pre-party – Media Day-at the Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center. With refreshments, music and celebration, “Big Opening of 2023 Zydeco Season.” The event takes place from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Opelousas Museum, 315 N Main St, Opelousas, LA 70570.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2023: KICKOFF DANCE

We will get this party started the night before at Evangeline Downs at 9 p.m. with the explosive L’Argent man himself, “Lil Nate & The Zydeco Big Timers”. 2235 Creswell Lane Extension, Opelousas, LA 70570

Lil Nate on September 1, 2023 at Evangeline Downs.
Tickets $25 at the door.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2023: ZYDECO PARADE

At Landry and Wallior Street, the Zydeco parade 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.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2023: 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 good time.” 

Plan your family reunions, gather your social groups for a good time with your favorite bands: Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band, Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie and Nathan Williams & the Zydeco Cha Cha’s, Jeremy Fruge & The Zydeco Hot Boyz, Rusty Metoyer & Zydeco Krush and Special Guest, “The Legend Chris Ardoin & NuStep Zydeco.” All on the main stage Yambilee Festival Grounds, 1939 W. Landry St. Opelousas, LA 70570. www, zydeco.org