
Lots of Exciting Developments in Cajun Tradition Are About to Unfold
Acadiana doesn’t change just because the calendar does. The music, the food, the way people pass a good time, it’s all still here. What is changing in 2025 are a few ways to experience it.
New festivals, old traditions getting bigger, and some things getting recognized for what they’ve always been. Here’s what’s worth checking out this year, whether it’s been a while or you’ve never left.

Fais Do-Do Still Ain’t Going Nowhere
Cajun dancing has never died out, but in 2025, more people are jumping in. The biggest fais do-do this year at Lafayette’s Blue Moon Saloon is set to draw over 10,000 people, and dance halls that have been around forever are still packed on the weekends.
The steps are simple, but the pace is fast. You’ll see teenagers dancing alongside couples who never miss a Saturday night. Standing on the sidelines isn’t an option. Someone will pull you in.

The Swamps Are Quieter, But Still Full of Life
Swamp tours are getting an upgrade this year, with new electric flatboats making it easier to hear what’s actually going on out there. The old ones are loud, and they scare off half the wildlife before you even get close.
Now you can glide through the Atchafalaya without disturbing much, and some tours are adding night trips with infrared lights to show you what’s moving after dark.

The Living History Museums Are Adding Tech—But Not Changing the Story
Swamp tours are getting an upgrade this year, with new electric flatboats making it easier to hear what’s actually going on out there. The old ones are loud, and they scare off half the wildlife before you even get close.
Now you can glide through the Atchafalaya without disturbing much, and some tours are adding night trips with infrared lights to show you what’s moving after dark.

The Biggest Boucherie Yet Is Happening in Eunice
Acadiana doesn’t do small boucheries, but the town of Eunice is taking it to another level this year.
Over 5,000 people are expected to show up, which means a lot of pork, a lot of storytelling, and a lot of time spent standing around waiting for the best cuts to finish cooking.
Some restaurants are even offering boucherie experiences, where they let people help out before serving the finished product.

Bayou Teche Is Finally Getting National Recognition
Anyone from here already knows how important the Bayou Teche is, but now it’s getting named a National Scenic Byway. The route hasn’t changed, but now there’s an app that plays stories and music as you drive.
It’s not the same as hearing it from someone who grew up along the bayou, but it’s better than reading a plaque.
New Iberia’s Bayou Teche Museum is also adding a permanent exhibit this year about the waterway’s history.

The Liberty Theater Is Back
The Liberty Theater in Eunice has been closed for a while, but it’s finally reopening in 2025. This place has been a big deal for Cajun and Zydeco music for generations, and it’ll be good to see it full of people again.
A new festival this year is bringing in over 50,000 people, mixing traditional Cajun music with newer styles. Even the Grammy Awards are finally recognizing Cajun/Zydeco with its own category.

St. Martinville’s Acadian Memorial Is Expanding
St. Martinville has always been a key spot for Cajun history, and now the Acadian Memorial is adding an interactive exhibit that lets people trace their family lines back to Canada.
A new exchange program is also kicking off, connecting Cajun families here with their relatives in Nova Scotia. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is opening a new research center dedicated to Acadian studies, making it easier to dig deeper into Cajun history.

Avery Island Is Adding New Tours
Tabasco’s been made on Avery Island for 155 years, and this year, they’re marking the anniversary with special tours of the pepper fields.
The Jungle Gardens are adding night tours, too, focused on Louisiana’s bioluminescent plants and nocturnal animals. There’s also a new Coastal Restoration Center opening, which makes sense considering how much work Avery Island has put into fighting erosion over the years.

Crawfish Farms Are Letting People Get Hands-On
Acadiana is still producing most of Louisiana’s crawfish, and in 2025, the state is expected to harvest over 150 million pounds. Some farms are now letting visitors help with the harvest and even boil their own batch.
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is also launching a Crawfish Research Center, focusing on sustainability and ways to improve the industry. Peak season is March through June, when the fields are full of traps.
The post 10 Cajun Experiences Worth Your Time in Acadiana in 2025 appeared first on When In Your State.