Slip on your dancin’ shoes in the birthplace of zydeco.
At a Glance
- Known For: birthplace of zydeco, Creole culture, Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino
- Top Things to Do: explore public art on Opelousas Main Street, visit Le Vieux Village Historical Park and Museum, try boudin at Billy’s Boudin & Cracklins
- Major Events: Here’s the Beef Cook-Off, Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Festival, Holy Ghost Creole Festival
Top Things to Do in Opelousas
Stroll the historic downtown area along Opelousas Main Street and explore public art. Browse Fiddle Mania, a selection of large fiberglass and metal fiddles decorated by community artists, inspired by Louisiana cuisine, music, history and culture. Other public art includes metal traffic boxes transformed into vibrant canvases that showcase the city’s character and culture. The Courthouse Square features magnificent live oak trees, including the massive 350-year-old Jim Bowie Oak. The citizen-artists often visit Art Box Studio & Gallery to gather supplies and ideas.
Visit Le Vieux Village Historical Park and Museum, which includes one of the oldest Creole homes west of the Mississippi River. Tour the Louisiana Orphan Train Museum, which tells the story of hundreds of orphaned children sent south by train.
Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino features nearly 1,000 slot machines, a FanDuel Sportsbook and a jam-packed racing schedule. Dance, lounge or enjoy a cocktail at Mojo’s, or catch a show at the Event Center.
Places to Stay
Stay where you play at the Evangeline Downs Hotel. Or book a comfortable room at the Days Inn & Suites, Spark by Hilton Opelousas or Hampton Inn Opelousas, featuring all of the amenities of a trusted brand name. Or opt for the vibrant, newly restored Hotel Klaus, a boutique in nearby Washington.
Food & Drink
Indulge in Cajun and Creole delicacies at local restaurants in Opelousas. Head to Crawfish House & Grill for crawfish bisque, oyster po’boys, and shrimp and grits. Soileau’s Dinner Club, a family-owned spot, serves chargrilled steaks, seafood and Cajun classics like crawfish étouffée. And don’t forget to stop by Billy’s Boudin & Cracklins for smoked sausage, smoked boudin and cracklins.
Events & Festivals in Opelousas
Carnivores won’t want to miss the Here’s the Beef Cook-Off in March. Watch local pitmasters and area chefs go head-to-head to craft the best brisket, roast, gravy and stew, tongue and ground meat.
In August, the Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Festival celebrates zydeco and Creole music. The first festival took place in 1982 in a bean field and has since grown into a weekend-long event with live music, traditional Creole food, and arts and crafts.
In fall, experience Creole culture at the Holy Ghost Creole Festival, held each November with live gospel and zydeco music, plus traditional Creole dishes like fried catfish. Enjoy a full weekend of food, music and community fellowship, including a 5K run, local specialties like boudin and sweet dough pies, and lively performances under the music tent.
Travel Tips & Resources
It's easy to navigate Opelousas. Catch a flight to Lafayette Regional Airport, then rent a car or take a rideshare. Opelousas is also a short drive from Beaumont, Texas (2 hours), Jackson, Mississippi (4 hours), and Hot Springs, Arkansas (6 hours).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Opelousas?
Some of the best things to do in Opelousas, Louisiana, include exploring the historic downtown along Opelousas Main Street, viewing public art like Fiddle Mania and visiting Le Vieux Village Historical Park and Museum. History lovers can tour the Louisiana Orphan Train Museum, while entertainment seekers can enjoy gaming, horse racing and live events at Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino.
What is Opelousas known for?
Opelousas is known for its rich Cajun and Creole culture, historic sites, and vibrant music traditions, including zydeco. The city is also recognized for its public art displays, local cuisine like boudin and crawfish, and annual events such as the Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Festival and the Holy Ghost Creole Festival.
What is the best time of year to visit Opelousas?
While there really isn’t a bad time of year to visit Opelousas, we’d say the best time is spring and fall, perfect for festivals and outdoor activities. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are generally mild and less crowded.
What is the weather like in Opelousas?
Opelousas typically enjoys hot, humid summers and short, cold winters. Expect average highs of 91° and 92° F in July and August, with lows dipping to 40° F in January. Pack layers for winter, and sunscreen and a hat for summer.
Where can I get more travel information about Opelousas?
For official travel information about Opelousas, Louisiana, visit St. Landry Parish, the area’s official destination marketing organization. The site provides visitor guides, maps, transportation details, hotel and lodging information, event calendars and planning resources to help travelers make the most of their visit. Travelers can also find statewide trip ideas, itineraries and regional guides on ExploreLouisiana.com, Louisiana’s official tourism website.