This weekend, Downtown Houma will be transformed into a Louisiana music and culinary epicenter as the inaugural Best of the Bayou festival kicks off with two days of food, crafts and free live music. Spanning over a quarter mile across the historic downtown district, the festival will feature two stages and more than 20 acts highlighting regional artists of the Bayou, Acadiana and New Orleans.

Bonerama are among the headliners at this weekend's first Best of the Bayou fest. Photo: Elsa Hahne.

Beginning on Saturday with the Louisiana French band Isle Derniere, the weekend will feature some of Louisiana’s top performers and groups, including sets from Marc Broussard, Cowboy Mouth and Bonerama.

Festivalgoers will also have the opportunity to sample food from some of the area’s top eateries, as well as peruse a marketplace area filled with indigenous crafts and local art. Hailing from Lafayette, the nationally-acclaimed group GIVERS will close out the weekend on Sunday night with their infectious blend of upbeat indie rock.

Stretching from Lafayette to Barrow Street in downtown Houma, Best of the Bayou happens September 29-30, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

For a full list of scheduled performances as well as directions to and from the event, head here.