Sixth annual festival brings “Zydeco with a NOLA Twist” on Saturday and Traditional Zydeco & Creole Music on Sunday, alongside the Gumbo Cook-Off, Trick or Trunk Car Show, Zydeco Fest Express, Creole Music Jam and more than 40 vendors
THE NORTHSHORE, LOUISIANA—SEPTEMBER 2026—The 6th Annual NOLA Zydeco Fest returns to Heritage Park in Slidell, Louisiana, Saturday, October 31, and Sunday, November 1, 2026, for a full weekend celebrating Louisiana Creole culture through live Zydeco music, dance, foodways, language, genealogy, family activities and immersive cultural experiences.
Produced by the New Orleans Zydeco Foundation and Presented by New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund (NOTCF), the two-day festival continues its growth from a music-centered celebration into a multigenerational cultural experience designed to preserve, promote and expand access to Louisiana Creole heritage while welcoming both local residents and traveling visitors. Over the years, NOLA Zydeco Fest has welcomed guests from throughout the United States and visitors representing more than 10 countries, demonstrating the global reach of Louisiana’s Creole culture and Zydeco music.
“Zydeco is living culture. We don’t want people to simply come and watch it—we want them to dance it, taste it, learn where it comes from, meet the people carrying it forward and introduce it to the next generation,” said Gabrielle Deculus, Executive Director of the New Orleans Zydeco Foundation and producer of NOLA Zydeco Fest. “This festival is about creating a place where our culture can be experienced in its fullness while also supporting the musicians, cultural practitioners, small businesses and families who keep it alive.”
Two Days, Two Distinct Zydeco Experiences
Saturday, October 31: Zydeco with a NOLA Twist
Saturday blends Louisiana Creole and Zydeco traditions with the energy, rhythms and cultural flavor of Greater New Orleans. The day will feature live Zydeco performances, the NOLA Zydeco Fest Gumbo Cook-Off, Mardi Gras Indian cultural programming, Family & Culture Corner experiences, more than 40 food, merchandise, artisan and community vendors, a special Trick or Trunk Car Show beginning at 4 p.m., Halloween-themed family fun and the Zydeco Fest Express from New Orleans to Slidell.
Saturday’s music lineup includes Jeremy Fruge and The Zydeco Hot Boys, Jeffery Broussard & Nighttime Syndicate, Mike Broussard & Nu’Edition Zydeco and Tonio Armani.
The Gumbo Cook-Off will bring together teams celebrating one of Louisiana’s most beloved culinary traditions. Winners will receive cash prizes and trophies. Gumbo Cook-Off teams are encouraged to register by September 15.
Beginning at 4 p.m., the festival will add a Halloween twist with its special Trick or Trunk Car Show, creating an additional experience for families celebrating Halloween at the festival.
Sunday, November 1: Traditional Zydeco & Creole Music
Sunday shifts the focus more deeply toward the traditional sounds, musicianship and dance traditions at the heart of Louisiana Creole culture. Programming will include live traditional Zydeco and Creole music, the Zydeco Dance Competition, the Creole Music Jam, Family & Culture Corner programming, cultural education and heritage experiences, food, artisans, more than 40 festival vendors and the Zydeco Fest Express.
Sunday’s featured performers include Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie, Alphonse Ardoin and the Zydeco Kingz, and Rusty Metoyer & Zydeco Krush.
The Creole Music Jam will feature musicians including Mark Ardoin, Jourdan Thibodeaux, Drake LeBlanc and additional special participants. Among the Jam’s youngest performers will be Caiman Richard, age 5, the New Orleans Zydeco Foundation’s 2026 NOLA Zydeco Youth Grantee. His participation reflects one of the festival’s most important goals: ensuring that Louisiana Creole music is not simply preserved as history, but actively taught, played and passed from one generation to the next.
Ride the Zydeco Express
Festivalgoers traveling from New Orleans can turn the journey itself into part of the experience through the Zydeco Fest Express, an Amtrak-based festival experience connecting New Orleans and Slidell on both festival days. Cory Ledoux will host the Zydeco Fest Express on Saturday, October 31, while Chef Pooch Rivera will host on Sunday, November 1. Guests interested in current schedules, ticket inclusions, boarding information and other experience details should visit nolazydecofest.com.
Six Years of Cultural and Economic Growth
Now entering its sixth year, NOLA Zydeco Fest has steadily expanded its footprint and programming, growing beyond traditional concert performances to incorporate Louisiana Creole foodways, dance, genealogy, language, youth education, cultural demonstrations, destination travel experiences and opportunities for Louisiana small businesses.
In 2025, NOLA Zydeco Fest welcomed more than 6,000 attendees, supported 50 vendors and small businesses, featured more than 60 artists and cultural participants, distributed more than 2,000 community tickets and generated an estimated $3.2 million in economic impact.
The festival continues to welcome visitors from across Louisiana, throughout the United States and around the world while remaining rooted in the communities responsible for creating and sustaining Louisiana Creole culture.
2026 Ticket and Parking Information
Current advance ticket pricing:
General Admission Day Pass: $30
General Admission Weekend Pass: $55
VIP Day Pass: $75
VIP Weekend Pass: $145
VIP + Amtrak: $175
VIP Table: $650
Kids under 12 are free.
Paid parking passes are available for $20 per day while they last.
Seniors and service members may purchase General Admission for $20 at the door with valid identification, a $10 discount from the regular single-day General Admission price.
Current prices are subject to increase on festival days. Cash is encouraged at the festival for guests who wish to avoid credit card processing fees.
Additional ticket, parking and festival information is available at nolazydecofest.com.
Cutwater Named Official Cocktail of NOLA Zydeco Fest
NOLA Zydeco Fest will feature Cutwater as the Official Cocktail of the 2026 festival, adding a branded beverage experience to the weekend’s food, music and cultural programming.
2026 NOLA Zydeco Fest partners and supporters include NOTCF, the City of Slidell, Visit The Northshore, Deculus Insurance Agency, Level Water, Saint Josephine and the Media Scholars Program.
NOLA Zydeco Fest Press Conference Set for September 29
NOLA Zydeco Fest will host a press conference at 10 a.m., Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Heritage Park in Slidell. Festival organizers will unveil the official 2026 commemorative festival poster and souvenir cup, share additional festival announcements and provide interview, photography and video opportunities for attending media. The official commemorative artwork is being created by Christina Pappion / Pappion Artistry. Members of the media are encouraged to RSVP in advance and may also request festival media credentials through the NOLA Zydeco Fest media registration process.