Introduction to Cajun and Zydeco Music

Though Cajun and zydeco music are not native to New Orleans (they’re rooted in Acadiana, the area around Lafayette), they’ve made a solid and lasting impression on the Big Easy’s musical scene. You’ll see lots of Cajun and zydeco bands at all major New Orleans festivals, including Jazz Fest, the French Quarter Festival, and (obviously) the Cajun-Zydeco Festival.

Moreover, there are plenty of good Cajun and zydeco bands playing throughout the city each week. Therefore, no matter when you visit, you should be able to find an excellent band that’ll have you waltzing and two-stepping around the floor for hours. It’s perfectly fine to just sit back and enjoy the show as well; however, don’t be too surprised if a friendly local pulls you onto the dance floor at some point. Follow their lead; you’ll be fine.

To discover local music events, grab a copy of OffBeat Magazine or The Gambit at any newsstand as soon as you arrive in town. Tune your radio to WWOZ at 90.7 FM for concert listings, and keep an eye out for these excellent venues likely to feature Cajun and zydeco music.

Mid-City Lanes Rock’n’Bowl

Mid-City Lanes is a unique venue that combines bowling, food, and live music for an experience you won’t replicate anywhere else. The music variety is diverse; however, Cajun and zydeco music is featured at least once a week (usually on Thursdays and occasionally on weekends). The bands on stage include some of the biggest names in the scene: Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie, Chubby Carrier, Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. and the Zydeco Twisters, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, and Keith Frank & the Soileau Zydeco Band. It’s an excellent venue for dancing (and even bowling if you’re inclined) and is absolutely worth seeking out.

3000 South Carrollton Ave.

Tipitina’s

This renowned music club features some of New Orleans’ finest performers across various genres as well as well-known touring bands. Every other Sunday, Tipitina’s hosts a Cajun Fais-Do-Do (which is a dance event). The Fais-Do-Do typically features the talented Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band, but if Bruce is on tour, another worthy group always replaces him. These shows are highly popular among local Cajun dancers, so if you want to experience authentic Cajun dancing (and perhaps join in), be sure to swing by.

501 Napoleon Ave

Mulate’s

Initially an offshoot of the now-defunct Mulate’s Cajun Restaurant located in the small Acadiana town of Breaux Bridge, Mulate’s offers a great combination of food and live music. There is a dance floor adjacent to the dining room, where dancers twirl between courses while a live band performs. While it can be a bit of a tourist trap, the convenient location near the Convention Center and the Julia Street Pier, where cruise ships dock, adds to its appeal. The music is authentically Cajun every night, with regular performances by Lee Benoit & the Bayou Stompers and La Touché on weeknights, while weekends often feature the wonderful Jonno & Bayou Deville.

201 Julia Street

Krazy Korner

If you’re exploring the French Quarter with zydeco in mind, Krazy Korner is your destination. This bar is among the few Bourbon Street venues that actively promote excellent local zydeco, blues, and R&B. While the drinks may be overpriced (as expected on Bourbon Street), it’s still a lively place to spend a couple of hours dancing. Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers, led by the son of the legendary zydeco accordionist Rockin’ Dopsie, perform here multiple times a week throughout the year and are worth checking out.

640 Bourbon Street

Tropical Isle Bayou Club

Another essential stop in the French Quarter, the Bayou Club specializes in two delights: Cajun music and Hand Grenades, a notorious liquor-heavy beverage that promises to elevate your dancing (or so you may think). Cajun music is featured every night; however, it’s more of a Bourbon Street dive where you won’t find a strong local presence. If you’re hoping to find a local partner for dancing, this may not be your best bet. That said, it’s a reliable spot for listening to quality Cajun music in the Quarter, so it’s worth a visit. Keep an eye on the schedule for performances by Brandon Moreau and CajunGrass. Moreau is a skilled fiddler hailing from the Cajun music hub of Evangeline Parish.

610 Bourbon Street

d.b.a.

Frenchmen Street is the go-to location for consistently excellent and diverse live music in New Orleans, with Cajun and zydeco being just two of the many genres celebrated at over a dozen clubs each night. Your best bet is d.b.a. Although they host Cajun and zydeco bands only once a month or so, they consistently attract top talent such as The Lost Bayou Ramblers, Feufollet, and The Pine Leaf Boys. With enough of a local crowd, you’ll witness authentic dancing; consequently, d.b.a. draws a younger audience compared to other venues, making it a perfect spot for those seeking lively entertainment.

618 Frenchmen Street