Festivals Acadiens is Getting Even Bigger Thanks to Smithsonian Donation

LAFAYETTE, La. - If you thought Festivals Acadiens et Creoles couldn't get much bigger, we've got some pretty exciting news.

One of Acadiana's biggest celebrations of Cajun and Creole culture is expanding in 2026, and a major partnership with the Smithsonian is helping make it happen.

With the usual impressive lineup of fantastic Cajun and zydeco musicians, food, cultural events, and plenty of dancing, there's something new waiting for festivalgoers this year.

Get our free mobile app

Festivals Acadiens Is Getting A Smithsonian Boost

Festivals Acadiens et Creoles has been selected to participate in the Smithsonian's "Of the People: The Smithsonian Festival of Festivals" program.

READ MORE: Find Out What Your Zydeco Band Name Would Be

As part of this program, Festivals Acadiens has received $100,000 in grant funding, which is helping organizers expand the event's music and cultural programming.

What The Smithsonian says about Festivals Acadiens via festival.si.edu -

Festivals Acadiens et Créoles has its roots in the cultural revival movements of the 1970s, uniting three gatherings founded to celebrate the music, foodways, and craft traditions of South Louisiana’s Cajun and Creole communities. More than fifty years later, the festival has grown into one of the largest free public events in Louisiana, expanding to include a symposium, a road race, and a wide range of cultural programming.

The Smithsonian program is taking place across the country during 2026 as part of America's 250th anniversary, working with festivals that feature the traditions, music, food and cultural history of communities around the country. Festivals Acadiens is one of the participating events.

Say Hello To Scène '76

One of the most noticeable additions this year will be Scène '76, the festival's new sixth stage.

The stage is designed to explore the connections between Cajun and zydeco music and some of the other musical traditions that have influenced South Louisiana over the years.

READ MORE: 33 Signs Your Louisiana Home Is Pure Cajun and Creole at Heart

The event brings thousands of people together at Girard Park for several days of music, dancing, food and Louisiana culture without charging admission to get through the gate.

That's a pretty good deal for a weekend of Cajun and zydeco music.

This year's festival is set for October 8-11 at Girard Park in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Read more at theadvertiser.com.