Festivals Acadiens et Créoles returns for 50th anniversary Oct. 11-13 at Girard Park

Friday marks the 50th anniversary of Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, continuing the celebration of Cajun and Creole heritage.

This year’s Festivals Acadiens et Créoles is set to take place Oct. 11 to 13 at Girard Park. The event is free and open to the public. Throughout the weekend, the festival will offer a range of music, food, art and culture.

The 2024 Festivals Acadiens et Créoles music lineup is as follows:

Friday Night 50th anniversary tribute to the 1974 concert house band:

Presented by Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center

Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys

1974 original artists performed by contemporary musicians:

• Inez Catalan and Marcus Landry, performed by David Greely and Megan Brown Constantin
• Dennis McGee and Sady Courville, performed by Joel Savoy / Linzay Young
• Varise Conner and Lionel Leleux performed by David Greely and Cameron Fontenot
• Marc Savoy performed by Marc Savoy and family
• Ardoin Family, performed by Dexter Ardoin and Cedric Watson
• Balfa Brothers, performed by Christine Balfa and Peter Schwarz
• Clifton Chenier, performed by CJ Chenier
• Nathan Abshire, performed by Robert Jardell
• Blackie Forrester, performed by Donny Broussard and Sheryl Cormier
• Jimmy C Newman, performed by Gary Newman

Friday, October 11

Scène Ma Louisiane

5:30-8:30 50th Anniversary Revue with Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys & special guests: Joel Savoy, Linzay Young, David Greely & Cameron Fontenot, Marc Savoy & Family, Dexter Ardoin & Cedric Watson, Christine Balfa & Peter Schwarz, CJ Chenier, Robert Jardell, Donny Broussard & Sheryl Cormier and Gary Newman.

Saturday, Oct. 12

Scène Ma Louisiane

• 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Joe Hall & the Cane Cutters
• 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.: The Daiquiri Queens
• 1-2 p.m.: Balfa Toujours Presented by National Park Services
• 2:15-3:15 p.m.: CJ Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band Presented by National Park Services
• 3:30-4:45 p.m.: Feufollet & Friends honor Chris Stafford
• 5-6 p.m.: Lafayette Rhythm Devils
• 6:15-7:30 p.m.: The Revelers Presented by National Park Services

Scène Mon Héritage

• 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Jambalaya Cajun Band
• 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.: Bruce Daigrepont
• 1:15-2:15 p.m.: Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet (50th Anniversary)
• 2:30-3:30 p.m.: Roddie Romero & the Hub City Allstars Presented by National Park Services
• 3:45-5 p.m.: Magnolia Family Band Presented by Nicholas Poulos, Berlin, MA
• 5:15 -6:15 p.m.: Wayne & Same Ole Two-Step Presented by Festival International de Louisiane
• 6:30-7:30 p.m.: Bonsoir, Catin

Scène Atelier

• 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.: Jerry Devillier – Tradition Bearer Award – w/ Jeb & Chad Huval and Chris Segura
• 1-2 p.m.: One Generation at a Time: Family Bands across the Generations: Steve Riley w/ Elise, Burke & Dolsy – Moderated by Ben Sandmel
• 2:15-3:15 p.m.: New Songs in the Tradition:  Jourdan Thibodeaux, Bruce Daigrepont & David Greely – Moderated by Kristi Guillory
• 3:30-4:45 p.m.: Ed Poullard & Cedric Watson
• 5:15-6:15 p.m.: Joel Savoy & Linzay Young

Scène La Salle de Danse

• 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Kyle Huval & the Dixie Club Ramblers
• 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.: Jesse Legé & the Bayou Aces
• 1-2 p.m.: Corey Ledet Zydeco Presented by Super One
• 2:15-3:15 p.m.: Donny Broussard & the Louisiana Stars
• 3:30-4:30 p.m.: Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas
• 4:45-6 p.m.: Cameron Dupuy & the Cajun Troubadours
• 6:15 – 7:15      Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys Presented by Brent Lambiotte, Hoover, AL

Jam Ça!

• 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: Sheryl Cormier
• 12:45-2 p.m.: Cedric Watson & DeWayne Simmons
• 2:15-3:30 p.m.: Gina Forsyth
• 3:45-5 p.m.: Joe Hall

Sunday, Oct. 13

Scène Ma Louisiane

• 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Amis du Teche
• 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.: Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band
• 1-2 p.m.: Kevin Naquin & Cajun Preservation w/ special guests Virgil and Terry Montoucet
• 2:15-3:15 p.m.: Lost Bayou Ramblers Presented by Robert Frayne, St. Louis, MO
• 3:30-4:30 p.m.: Jourdan Thibodeaux  et les Rôdailleurs Presented by The Apothecary Shoppe
• 4:45-5:45 p.m.: Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie Presented by National Park Services
• 6:00-7:30 p.m.: Wayne Toups & ZydeCajun

Scène Mon Héritage

• 10:45-11:45 a.m.: Luke Huval Band
• Noon-1 p.m: Chère Elise
• 1:15-2:15 p.m.: Horace Trahan & the Ossun Express Presented by Kitt Fedoroff, Alexandra, La.
• 2:30-3:30 p.m.: Frank Family Band
• 3:45-4:45 p.m.: Pine Leaf Boys Presented by Haynie Family Foundation
• 5-6:30 p.m.: Lil’ Nathan & the Zydeco Big Timers

Scène Atelier

• Nooon-1 p.m.: One Generation at a Time: Family Bands Across the Generations: Nathan Williams Jr. & Naylan Williams, Christine Balfa, Sophie & Amelia Powell – Moderated by Ben Sandmel
• 1:15-2:15 p.m.: The Holiday Playgirls
• 2:30-3:30 p.m.: The Life & Music of Chris Stafford
• 3:45-4:45 p.m.: The Legacy of Jo-El Sonnier
• 5-6 p.m.: T’Monde

Scène La Salle de Danse

• 9-10:30 a.m.: French Mass
• 10:45-11:45 a.m.: Sheryl Cormier & Cajun Sounds
• Noon-1 p.m.: Four Horses
• 1:15-2:15 p.m.: Cedric Watson & Bijou Créole
• 2:30-3:45 p.m.: Creole String Beans Presented by United Healthcare
• 4-5 p.m.: Alphonse Ardoin & the Zydeco Kingz
• 5:15-6:30 p.m.: The Traiteurs

Jam Ça!

• 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: Horace Trahan
• 12:30-1:45 p.m.: Kelli Jones
• 2-3:15 p.m.: Alphonse Ardoin
• 3:45-5 p.m.: Kristi Guillory

Food Vendors for 2024 Festivals Acadiens et Créoles

• Acadian Slice Pies
• Bayou Carlin Grilled Oysters
• Bil Wil & The Warden
• Bon Creole Seafood
• Cajun Cookery
• Cajun Table
• Carpe Diem Cafe & Wine Bar
• Charlie T's Specialty Meats
• Chets Grill
• Dardar's BlackPot Catering
• Dippin' Dots Ice Cream
• Doc Popcorn
• Fezzo's
• Frenchy's Snocones
• Geauxsicles Gourmet Ice Pops
• Lagneaux's
• McDonald's
• Magnolia Moon Herbals
• Nina Creole
• Pat's Downtown
• Poupart Bakery
• Rochetto's Pizza
• Russell's Cajun Kitchen
• Simply Carmelicious Authentic Pralines
• Slap Ya Mama
• Taco Sisters

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Festivals Acadiens et Créoles returns for 50th anniversary Oct. 11-13 at Girard Park