{ Festival FAQ : Festival International de Louisiane }

Festival 411

Schedule & Performers

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Frequently Asked Questions : FAQ

What is Festival International de Louisiane?

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.

What kind of music does the festival feature?

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 Louisiana artists such as Allan Toussaint, Zachary Richard, Sonny Landreth, Beausoleil, Buckwheat Zydeco, Boozoo Chavis, Amedee "Bois Sec" Ardoin, D.L. Menard, Terrance Simien, C.J. Chenier, Geno Delafose, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Canray Fontenot and Buddy Guy have all performed on our stages. International artists such as Mahotella Queens (South Africa), Zap Mama (R.D. Congo), Burundi Drummers (Burundi), Oliver M'Tukudzi (Zimbabwe), Les Yeux Noirs (France), Ladysmith Black Mambazo (South Africa) and Baaba Maal (Sénégal) have also played the Festival.

When and where is it held?

The annual 5-day festival is held during the last full week of April. Historic downtown Lafayette, Louisiana, is transformed into an entertainment complex featuring six music stages, food court areas, street musicians and animators, arts and crafts boutiques, art galleries, beverage stands, cultural workshops, international cooking demonstrations and a world music store.

When is the performance schedule released?

The performance schedule will be up on the website on February 1, 2009.

How do I get to the Festival grounds?

Click on the "Visitors Guide" link on the left, then click "Directions" for driving info and a map.

Do you help Festivalgoers in booking hotel rooms?

No, but you can visit the Accommodations page of the Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission website for hotel information.

Do you help Festivalgoers find rental cars?

No, but you can visit the Transportation page of the Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission website for car information.

Is the Festival accessible to people with disabilities?

Yes. Handicap parking is available in the Downtown parking garages. Each stage at Festival International de Louisiane has wheelchair accessibility.

Where could I get camping and RV information?

You can consult the LCVC website or call them at 337.232.3737 to inquire about campgrounds and RV information.

Are there ATM machines in the Festival vicinity?

Yes. ATM Machines can be located on our Festival Map. (Click on the "Festival Map" link on the left.)

What kind of food will be available in the food areas?

Click on the "Artists & Vendors" link above for a list of food & beverage vendors and their menus.

Are there vegetarian items available?

Yes. Several food vendors offer vegetarian items. (Click on the "Artists & Vendors" link above to view food vendor list.)

How do I become a Festival volunteer?

Call us at 337.232.8086 or Email us or fill out an online application. Click on Volunteers on the top left of this page.

How can I apply to perform at or suggest a performer for the Festival?

Please keep in mind that we are a Francophone Festival; we strive to keep 80% of our Programming 80% Francophone. Submissions are accepted May 15 - Aug 15 for the upcoming festival year. Demos along with biographical information (Press Kits) can be mailed to Festival International de Louisiane, P.O. Box 4008, Lafayette, Louisiana 70502 to the Attention of the Programming Coordinator. Due to the volume of submissions we receive, not everyone will receive a response unless chosen to perform at the festival. Someone will contact you if you are chosen.

Who would I contact to apply for a food booth?

Call or email the Production Coordinator, 337.232.8086.

Who would I contact to apply for an Arts & Crafts booth?

Call or email the Production Coordinator, 337.232.8086.

If I’m a member of the press, how can I get Media credentials?

You can download a Media Accreditation Application on the Media page of this website. Any questions can be addressed to the Marketing Coordinator, Adrienne Stewart, 337.232.8086.

Where can I park at the Festival?

There are parking garages in Downtown Lafayette as well as limited street parking. Please consult the Festival Map (click on the Festival Map link on the left). We now offer a FREE shuttle service that shuttles festival goers to and from Cajun Field. For more shuttle information click on Visitors then Festival Shuttle.

How can I become a Festival sponsor?

There are several ways to support Festival International de Louisiane. As a Corporate sponsor you can contact the Festival International de Louisiane Office and speak to our Development Coordinator, Jerry Walters, 337.232.8086. There are also contributing sponsor opportunities such as Rain Angels and the Amis du Festival Program. (For more info, visit our Sponsors and Volunteers pages.)

What does Francophone mean?

Francophone means "French-speaking" and is often used to refer to nations where French is the official language or is commonly used.

2009 Official Poster Artist: Kate Ferry

Poster: Painting by Kate Ferry; Design by Anne & Curtis Darrah, Darrah Design+Marketing.
Pins: Designs by Anne & Curtis Darrah, Darrah Design+Marketing, based on Painting by Kate Ferry.

^{This site was made possible by a grant from the National Endowment
of the Arts, the Louisiana State Arts Council and the Louisiana Division
of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of
Culture, Recreation and Tourism.}