The Dewey Balfa Cajun & Creole Heritage Week (often called "Balfa Week") is a culturally immersive camp and festival dedicated to preserving the music, language, and foodways of South Louisiana. For 2026, the event is scheduled to take place from April 13 to April 17.
While the organizing body, Louisiana Folk Roots, is based in Lafayette and has historically held the event at Lafayette's Vermilionville Living History Museum, the 2026 Balfa Week will be held at Lakeview Park & Beach in Eunice, Louisiana.
Balfa Week is designed as a "band camp for adults," though it attracts participants of all ages from around the world to study with master musicians and culture bearers.
Following Balfa Week, many participants head to downtown Lafayette for the Festival International de Louisiane, which begins shortly after the heritage week concludes.
Would you like to see a list of nearby lodging options in Eunice or more information on the nightly dance schedule?
Event Overview
Location & Logistics
•Vermilionville Living History Museum
•Music & Dance Workshops: Intensive, multi-day instruction is offered for traditional instruments including fiddle, accordion, guitar, bass, and percussion. Dance classes focus on Cajun and Creole styles like the two-step and waltz.
•2026 Special Theme: This year features a new Culinary Creativity (Créativité Culinaire) component that explores the deep connection between Louisiana food recipes, music history, and French language dialects.
•Public Activities: While daytime workshops require registration, the nightly barn dances and afternoon Jam des Amis sessions are often open to the public with a ticket purchase.
•2026 Faculty: Instructors for this year include Trey Boudreaux, David Greely, Luke Huval, Kelli Jones, Chas Justus, Blake Miller, Amelia Powell, John Vidrine, and Kevin Wimmer.
•Primary Venue: Lakeview Park & Beach, 1717 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Eunice, LA 70535.
•Lakeview Park & Beach
•Registration: Full-time tuition typically includes all classes, workshops, and Louisiana-style meals. You can register or find more details on the official Louisiana Folk Roots website.
Updated at 23 Mar 2026