In a state as rich in culture as Louisiana, every region boasts a unique sound, flavor and story. Yet too often, the vibrant pulse of Southwest Louisiana’s Creole music and cuisine is overshadowed in the cultural conversation—especially in New Orleans, the state’s global cultural epicenter.

Dat Zydeco Fest was born out of a desire to change that.

Set to make its inaugural debut on July 12, Dat Zydeco Fest is more than a festival. It’s a movement. A cultural declaration. A joyous, rhythmic, and flavorful invitation for New Orleanians to experience the full soul of Southwest Louisiana. With the powerful slogan, “Bringing the Soul of Southwest Louisiana to the Heart of New Orleans,” the festival celebrates the essence of our region through the driving rhythms of Zydeco music and the irresistible taste of Creole cuisine.

Dat Zydeco Fest was created with one core mission: to expose the vibrant Creole music and culinary culture of Southwest Louisiana to Southeast Louisiana and the Greater New Orleans community, and by extension, to the world.

New Orleans, often referred to as the cultural gateway to Louisiana, is a place where national and international visitors come to experience the best the state has to offer. Yet, despite its global influence, many facets of Louisiana’s cultural diversity remain underrepresented in the city, particularly the rich traditions of Southwest Louisiana.

Zydeco, a genre born from the Creole experience, is not only music, it’s a cultural legacy. It’s a sound that represents resilience, joy and celebration. By bringing Zydeco to the heart of New Orleans, we are not just putting on a show, we are putting our culture on the map.

For our inaugural year, we are proud to feature three giants of the genre Sean Ardoin, Chris Ardoin and J. Paul Jr. & The Zydeco Nubreedz.

These foundational artists are not just performers, they are cultural leaders. Their involvement sets the tone for Dat Zydeco Fest as a multi-generational, genre-spanning celebration of Creole identity.

These artists will anchor the festival each year moving forward, building continuity and tradition as we establish March 21 as the permanent annual festival date beginning in 2026.