At the end of August, Opelousas, LA, the proclaimed zydeco capital of the world, will host the 37th Annual Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival. Since the first festival was held in 1982, the SW Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival is the oldest zydeco festival in history. Created as a way to preserve zydeco music and the “La La” (Creole French for “house party”) tradition, this festival reminds attendees of the rich cultural heritage from which zydeco was derived.

This year’s lineup features seven leading artists that will pay tribute to traditional zydeco music, including Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie, Lil Nate and Zydeco Big Timers, Nathan Williams and Zydeco Cha Chas, Step Rideau and the Zydeco Outlaws, Leroy Thomas and the Zydeco Roadrunners and Corey Ledet.

The festival takes place over Labor Day weekend, starting with a kick-off dance at Evangeline Downs on Friday, Aug. 30 at 9 p.m. The kick-off dance will feature Jeremy and the Zydeco Hot Boyz. On Saturday, Aug. 31, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 a.m., the festival will continue at the Yambilee Festival Ground, at 1939 W. Landry St. in Opelousas. To start the festivities on Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., the big zydeco parade will pass through Downtown Opelousas, ending at the Courthouse Square, where Mike Broussard and Nu Edition will play during the zydeco breakfast event. 

Along with the non-stop zydeco music, the festival will also include creole food, arts and crafts, a dance contest and an accordion contest. Festival rules prohibit the use of ice chests, glass containers, BBQ pits and open flame burners. Admission is $15 for adults and $5 for kids aged 12 and under.

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