LOUISIANA FOLKLIFE VILLAGE

Like its signature dish, gumbo, Louisiana is a spicy stew comprised of many distinctive elements – African American, Cajun, Native American, Isleño and practically everything in between.  To experience this unique culture firsthand, visit the Louisiana Folklife Village and discover many of the state’s generations old traditions.
In the Louisiana Folklife Village, tradition bearers and master artisans from all over the state are invited to demonstrate their craft and interact with Festival-goers.  Here you can see musicians meticulously handcraft accordions and fiddles, artists create elaborate sculptures for Mardi Gras floats, and a Creole cook grind sassafras leaves into filé for gumbo.

Learn the art of quilting, how to braid a bull whip, or cook up an Isleño cure for the flu. These are only a few of the dozens of traditions featured in the Louisiana Folklife Village that bear witness to our state's unique cultural history.

NATIVE AMERICAN VILLAGE

Louisiana is rich in Native American culture.  A celebration of the influence of Louisiana tribes, the Native American Village within the Folklife Village focuses on the rich heritage of our state’s indigenous peoples. Relax under the shade canopy of a palmetto-thatched chickee while enjoying traditional drumming and singing by Southeastern dance and pow-wow troupes.  The Native American Village offers Festival-goers an oasis of tranquil charm.

GRANDSTAND

The Grandstand enables Festival-goers to take an intimate look at the vibrant culture, cuisine and art of Louisiana.  Exhibits are featured on the first floor of this state of the art air-conditioned building.  The Grandstand features four unique presentation stages - Zatarain’s Cajun Cabin (on the apron outside Food Heritage), Zatarain’s Food Heritage Stage (1st FloorEast), and Allison Miner Music Heritage Stage.(2nd floor east).  The Grandstand is also the scene of the Lagniappe Stage (in the outdoor paddock).