History
Festival International de Louisiane is a community-based, non-profit arts organization formed in 1986 to produce an annual visual and performing arts festival celebrating the French cultural heritage of southern Louisiana - primarily a combination of French, African, Caribbean and Hispanic influences. The largest outdoor, FREE Francophone event in the U.S., the Festival places special emphasis on highlighting the connections between Acadiana and the Francophone world. Each year, artists from Europe, Africa, Canada, the Caribbean and the Americas are invited to share their talents with the community. Since its creation, Festival International de Louisiane has become famous as a premier presenter of some of the most unique world musicians and performances in the United States. Popular artists such as Aaron Neville, Dr. John, Irma Thomas, Black Joe Lewis, The Wailers, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, and Buddy Guy have all performed on our stages.
Specialties
Festival International de Louisiane strives to be the premiere international festival known for bringing a variety of unique and emerging performers to Southwest Louisiana. The Festival, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, is committed to maintaining the venue as a free, community supported event. In addition to the music, the event also features workshops, theater and other forms of performance arts. The family-oriented event is held each year in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana. Our loyal audience, comprised of local, as well as global patrons, return year after year. The organization also coordinates promotion and production of other venues and events.