Cajun Music in Louisiana
Explore the Cajun music genre with its roots based in storytelling, singing and dancing.
Explore the Cajun music genre with its roots based in storytelling, singing and dancing.
At a Glance
- Cajun music is the traditional folk music style originated by Acadians, the French-speaking group of southern Louisiana.
- Top Cajun music festivals in Louisiana include Festivals Acadiens et Créoles in Lafayette, Mamou Cajun Music Festival, Cajun Music & Food Festival in Lake Charles, Cajun Woodstock in Church Point and the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Concert Series in New Orleans.
- Popular Cajun music venues in Louisiana include Fred's Lounge in Mamou, Mulate's Original Cajun Restaurant in New Orleans, Bayou Teche Brewing Company in Arnaudville and The Ruins Lounge in Lafayette.
Next to jazz, perhaps no musical tradition is more associated with Louisiana than Cajun. The Acadians, or Cajuns, found refuge in Louisiana after being exiled from Nova Scotia in 1755 and made a new life in the harsh environment. Instead of giving in to pressure to assimilate to American culture, Louisiana's Cajuns kept their folk music alive and true to its roots.
What is Cajun Music?
Cajun music is most easily recognized by three elements: the button accordion, the fiddle and the French language. Even today’s songwriters write their songs in French, having learned the language from their parents and grandparents, participating in local French tables and through the French immersion school programs. Most Cajun songs are either two-steps or waltzes and are written to accompany particular dance steps. While there is no question that the music "belongs" to the Cajun people, it also incorporates influences from Irish, German, African and Native American traditions. A lot of Cajun music can be heard in dance halls at fais do-do (dance party) and mixes traditional Cajun music with influences of rock, blues, soul and zydeco.
Popular Cajun Artists
The first recordings of Cajun music date to the 1920s, featuring performers such as Joe Falcon and Cléoma Breaux, Dennis McGee, Sady Courville and Creole accordionist Amédé Ardoin. Performers such as Iry LeJeune, Lawrence Walker, Aldus Roger and the Lafayette Playboys, the Balfa Brothers, Harry Choates (a.k.a. "The Fiddle King of Cajun Swing") and D.L. Menard (a.k.a. "The Cajun Hank Williams") helped develop and stretch the sound throughout the 20th century.
A crowd-stirring performance at the 1964 Newport Folk Festival by Gladius Thibodeaux, Louis "Vinesse" LeJeune and Dewey Balfa finally drew national attention to the tradition. And the decades that followed saw the rise of acts such as Zachary Richard, Michael Doucet and BeauSoleil, Wayne Toups, the Red Stick Ramblers, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Balfa Toujours, The Pine Leaf Boys and Cedric Watson.
Festivals Acadiens et Creoles in Lafayette.
Cajun jams are found all over southern Louisiana.
Hear live Cajun jams at the Blue Moon Saloon in Lafayette.
Bayou Teche Brewing in Arnaudville.
Popular Cajun Music Festivals in Louisiana
Today, you can hear live Cajun music at dance halls throughout southwestern Louisiana and at local festivals like:
Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, Lafayette
Discover the heart of Cajun and Creole culture at Festival Acadiens et Créoles in Lafayette, Louisiana. Held each October, this free three-day festival invites visitors to experience live Cajun and Zydeco music, authentic Louisiana cuisine, local crafts and vibrant cultural traditions in beautiful Girard Park.
Mamou Cajun Music Festival, Mamou
Experience authentic Cajun culture at the Mamou Cajun Music Festival, one of Louisiana's longest-running celebrations of traditional music and heritage. Held each September in Mamou, this two-day festival features live Cajun music, dancing, delicious Louisiana cuisine, family-friendly contests and warm small-town hospitality.
Cajun Music & Food Festival, Lake Charles
Savor the flavors and traditions of Southwest Louisiana at the Cajun Music & Food Festival in Lake Charles. Held each July, this beloved annual event brings together authentic Cajun music, homemade Louisiana cuisine, local arts and crafts, accordion competitions and family-friendly entertainment.
Cajun Woodstock, Church Point
Cajun Woodstock in Church Point invites visitors to celebrate Louisiana's rich culture with outstanding live music, regional cuisine, local vendors and fun-filled activities during a vibrant spring weekend. Beyond the entertainment, every visit helps support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, making this festival a meaningful addition to any Louisiana travel itinerary.
Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Concert Series, New Orleans
Plan your next Louisiana getaway around the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Concert Series, a free festival celebrating the rich musical traditions of Cajun and Creole culture. Held at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center in New Orleans, the event features two days of live performances by celebrated Louisiana musicians in an intimate, welcoming atmosphere.
Top Cajun Music Venues in Louisiana
Visit these legendary live music spots throughout Louisiana, known for playing Cajun tunes most nights of the week:
Fred’s Lounge, Mamou
Fred’s Lounge, a spot known worldwide, can be found in a little town called Mamou – also known as the Cajun Capital of the World. Alfred "Fred" Tate opened Fred’s Lounge in 1946, and what once was open seven days a week is now a Saturday tradition. Fred's - home to a two-hour radio tradition that has played on KVPI out of Ville Platte for more than 50 years - is only open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mardi Gras weekend leading up to Fat Tuesday is the only time that Fred's Lounge is open Friday and Saturday nights – giving locals and visitors alike an extra chance to take in the local Cajun culture. Since Fred passed away in 1992, his ex-wife Sue Vasseur has continued the tradition, earning the nickname “Tante Sue de Mamou.”
Mulate’s Original Cajun Restaurant, New Orleans
Mulate’s brings Cajun culture and traditions to New Orleans. Mulate’s founder, Kerry Boutté, grew up in Arnaudville in the heart of Cajun country. The restaurant’s menu is inspired by his mother’s cooking. Boutté found himself in Germany in the 1960s, where he was introduced to beer gardens. These places where people of all ages came together to eat, drink and dance to traditional German music reminded him of his own Cajun culture, where families gathered in their homes to enjoy good food and a unique musical tradition. Fast-forward to today, and patrons from near and far flock to Mulate’s for Cajun food and music seven nights a week.
Find Cajun jams across the state.
Accordions and fiddles are important elements of Cajun music.
Enjoy a local fais do-do.
See the Cajun Music Hall of Fame in Eunice.
Bayou Teche Brewing Company, Arnaudville
Bayou Teche Brewing was founded on this simple dream: to craft beers that complement the cuisine and lifestyle of Cajuns and Creoles. In the family & pet-friendly taproom, you’ll find many of Bayou Teche’s award-winning beers, plus awesome pizzas made with Cajun flair. Even better, Bayou Teche features live music frequently – including Cajun jams every weekend.
The Ruins Lounge, Lafayette
The Ruins is a sanctuary for music lovers looking for a more upscale, yet still warm and friendly ambiance (this is Louisiana, after all). At any given time there is a fun event scheduled – from open mic nights to karaoke to trivia nights. But we’re here for the music, right? Between their Saturday Club nights and Cajun acts, there’s something for every taste here.
Love Louisiana's music? Learn more about another native genre: Zydeco.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cajun music?
Cajun music is a traditional folk music genre that originated in southwest Louisiana from the musical traditions of the Acadian people, who settled in the region after being expelled from Canada in the 18th century. It is known for its lively rhythms, French-language lyrics and dance-friendly songs performed with instruments like the accordion and fiddle.
Where can you hear authentic Cajun music in Louisiana?
Live Cajun music can be found throughout southwest Louisiana, especially in communities such as Lafayette, Breaux Bridge, Eunice, Mamou and Opelousas. Visitors can enjoy performances at dance halls, local restaurants, festivals, community events and dedicated music venues throughout the region.
What are some famous Cajun songs?
Some of the best-known Cajun songs include "Jolie Blonde," often called the "Cajun national anthem," along with classics such as "Lâche pas la Patate" and "La Porte d'en Arrière." These songs remain popular at festivals, dance halls and live performances throughout Louisiana.
When is the best time to experience Cajun music in Louisiana?
Cajun music can be enjoyed year-round, but visitors will find especially lively performances during festivals, cultural celebrations and weekend dance events throughout southwest Louisiana. Many local venues also feature regular live music performances throughout the year.
Is Cajun music different from zydeco?
Yes, while both genres originated in southwest Louisiana and share some musical influences, Cajun music developed primarily from Acadian traditions, while zydeco evolved from Louisiana Creole culture. Cajun music often features French lyrics, accordion, and fiddle, whereas zydeco typically incorporates rhythm and blues influences and uses different accordion styles.
