The Zydeco Festival and Other Events Happening this Labor Day Weekend: August 31 through September 4

ZydecoPhoto byM Henderson

[Updated]

Labor Day weekend is a great time to head out to a festival.

Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival - Opelousas - September 2

1939 W Landry Street

It's time to put on your dancing shoes as the 41st Annual Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Festival happens this weekend at the Yambilee Festival grounds in Opelousas.

Gates open at 11:00 PM for a full afternoon and evening of music, traditional Creole food, and arts & crafts. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, but no coolers or BBQ pits are allowed.

This year's lineup includes:

• Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band
• Chris Ardoin & NuStep Zydeco
• Geno Delafosse & French Rockin' Boogie
• Nathan Williams and the Zydeco Cha Cha's
• Rusty Metoyer & Zydeco Crush
• Jeremy Fruge & the Zydeco Hot Boyz

Admission is $25 for adults; $5 for children 12 and under.

Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival - Morgan City - August 31, September 1, 2, 3, 4

715 Second Street

Honoring the two industries responsible for building the area, the Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival is the oldest chartered festival in the state. In its 88th year, the festival opens on Thursday night with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5:15. Festival events include a blessing of the fleet, live music, children's activities, an outdoor mass, a gospel stage, arts & crafts, a carnival, an art show, a car show, a street parade, 5K run/walk, and beaucoup food.

The musical lineup at the Petroleum Heritage Music Stage in Lawrence Park:

Friday, September 1

• 5:30 PM Born Ready Band
• 9:00 Powerhouse Band

Saturday, September 2

• 11:30 AM Gospel Music in the Park
• 3:00 PM Justin Cornett Band
• 5:30 Gilberto Saucedo
• 7:30 Deep Water Rehab
• 9:30 Kings of Neon

Sunday, September 3

• 12:00 PM Rick Lorenzo
• 1:30 Earmuffs
• 3:00 Queso Ra
• 5:00 No Posers
• 7:00 Dr. Rock
• 9:30 Shorts in December

Monday, September 4

• 12:00 PM Cliff Hillebran & Sidepiece Band
• 2:30 Soulshine
• 5:00 South 70

No ice chests or pets are allowed. Admission is free.

The Creole Renaissance Festival - Rayne - September 2

210 Frog Festival Drive

Held at the Rayne Civic Center & Pavillion, the Creole Renaissance Festival is a family-friendly celebration of all things Creole. Guests can enjoy food, culture, and Zydeco music beginning at 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 2.

Musical acts include:

• Koray Broussard
• Step Rideau
• Gerald Cruenig
• J. Paul Jr.
• Rosie Ledet
• Preston Frank & the Frank Family Band
• Jo Jo Reed
• Lynn August
• The Zydeco Blazers featuring Lappy Broussard
• Keith Frank & the Soileau Zydeco Band

Tickets are $25 for adults; $5 for kids 12 and under.