Opelousas is the Zydeco Music Capital of the World and home to one of the biggest zydeco music celebrations, The Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival. For over 35 years, this annual event has honored zydeco music fans with a Bloody Mary Zydeco Breakfast and a day-long lineup of South Louisiana’s trending zydeco musicians. This music concert is also popular for its authentic plate lunches and Creole cuisine.

1981, fearful that Creole and zydeco music was dying out, a group of concerned citizens organized the Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival. Today, the event features the best in zydeco in addition to some swamp-pop, swing, R&B, and southern soul artists. Admission to the festival is $15.00, but children 12 years old and under get in for $5.00.