Louisiana Zydeco Festival Reveals 2026 Music Lineup

OPELOUSAS, La. - If you love Zydeco music, dancing, incredible food, and celebrating Creole culture, it's time to mark your calendar.

The 44th Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Festival has officially revealed its 2026 lineup, and it's bringing together some of the biggest names in zydeco for a full day of music and celebration in Opelousas, Louisiana.

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A Louisiana Tradition Returns This September

The Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the Yambilee Festival Grounds in Opelousas.

While the festival itself lasts one amazing day, the celebration actually begins weeks earlier with special events leading up to Labor Day weekend, giving everyone plenty of chances to experience Louisiana Creole culture.

2026 Zydeco Festival Lineup

This year's festival will feature an impressive lineup of legendary zydeco performers, including:

Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band
Rusty Metoyer and Zydeco Krush
Geno Delafose and French Rockin' Boogie
Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas
C.J. Chenier & the Red-Hot Louisiana Band
Leroy Thomas and the Zydeco Roadrunners
Mike Broussard and Nu'Edition

2009 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Presented By Shell - Day 4 — Getty Images

Honoring A Louisiana Zydeco Legend

This year's festival will also recognize Sid Williams, longtime owner of the legendary El Sido's dance hall in Opelousas.

For decades, El Sido's has been considered one of the most iconic venues in zydeco music, helping countless artists and keeping Louisiana's Creole music scene alive.

From KATC -

This year the festival will honor Sid Williams, proprietor of the legendary zydeco club El Sido’s. The Original Festival has presented an 'Unbroken' Legacy of Zydeco as the Keepers of the Culture and the Tellers of the Story.

When Does Zydeco Season Begin?

The celebration actually kicks off with a Zydeco Season Pre-Party on August 6 at the Opelousas Museum before leading into the main festival on September 5.

Whether you're a lifelong zydeco fan or someone looking to experience one of Louisiana's most authentic cultural festivals for the first time, Opelousas will once again become the center of Louisiana music over Labor Day weekend.

You can learn more at zydeco.org.

The Most Snake-Infested Lakes in Louisiana You Should Know About

Louisiana is known for our fantastic waterways, from swamps and bayous to scenic lakes that are perfect for fishing and boating. But with all of this natural beauty comes an abundance of wildlife, including snakes. In fact, Louisiana has over 50 different snake species, many of which thrive around freshwater lakes, marshes, and coastal habitats.

Where are snakes most commonly found across the Pelican State? Here’s an updated guide to the most snake-infested lakes in Louisiana.

Gallery Credit: Michael Dot Scott