Two Weeks of Cajun Caravan 2023
Cajun Heritage Fest + Cajun Caravan 2023
The annual Cajun Heritage Fest will be held on April 1, 2023 at the Carl A. Parker Multipurpose Center in Port Arthur. Now in its 7th year, the festival promotes the shared history of Southeast Texans and Louisianans through music and food.
The festival has hosted several award winning musicians in the past including Grammy Award winners Jo-El Sonnier and Wayne Toups. This year Leroy Thomas & the Zydeco Roadrunners, Jamie Bergeron & the Kickin’ Cajuns, Travis Matte & the Kingpins, and Dylan Aucoin & the Judice Ramblers take the stage. The musical acts begin at noon. and attendees can take advantage of the open dance floor all day.
Aside from music, festival goers can expect a variety of Cajun food vendors, beer and beverages, dance contests, crawfish racing and eating contests, and children’s activities.
March 31 through April 8, 2023
If one day of Cajun goodness isn’t enough, the Cajun Caravan promises much, much more! From March 31 to April 2, experience a self-guided tour through the area’s Cajun historical markers and restaurants and attend special Cajun-themed events. Be sure to check out one (or more!) of these Cajun restaurants while you are here: Judice’s 1927, Judice’s Cafe, Reel Cajun, The Schooner, and Touch of Cajun.
Friday
On Friday, March 31, the Museum of the Gulf Coast will host screenings all day of the award winning documentary Roots of Fire: A Louisiana French Music Documentary Project by Lavoi Creative LLC. The film follows the efforts of Cajun musicians to keep their music and heritage alive in the face of fading memories and language. Featuring electrifying performances, this vibrant documentary examines the intersection between music and preserving tradition for future generations.
On Friday evening, Clifford Distilling (235 Procter Street, Port Arthur) will host the Cajun Eatz food truck and the Humidor Cigar Lounge beginning at 5 PM.
Local Cajun musician and accordion expert Jude Moreau will provide live music.
Saturday – Cajun Fest
The annual Cajun Heritage Fest will be held on April 1, 2023 at the Carl A. Parker Multipurpose Center in Port Arthur. Come for live music, crawfish and a two-steppin’ good time. Doors open at noon!
Sunday
On Sunday, April 2, the Nederland Chamber of Commerce will be at La Maison Acadienne (1500 Boston Ave, Nederland, TX) from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. performing an historical reenactment of Acadian life. Visitors are encouraged to take pictures.
The Cajun Heritage Fest is presented by the Southeast Texas Arts Council (SETAC) with support from the City of Port Arthur, Cajun Sounds Internet Radio, Texas Commission on the Arts, Porter’s Plumbing Solutions, and the Foundation for Southeast Texas.
