A new painting brings the music, landscape and culture of NOLA Zydeco Fest together in one scene. The festival unveiled its official 2026 poster, “Fête on the Bonfouca,” during a Sept. 29 press conference at Heritage Park in Slidell.
Louisiana artist Christina Pappion of Pappion Artistry created the acrylic painting. It features Zydeco musician Rusty Metoyer playing accordion from a pirogue and singer Robin Barnes, known as the Songbird of New Orleans, singing from a dock.
Mardi Gras Indians, dancers and the festival stage appear in the background. Oaks, Spanish moss, water lilies and Louisiana irises frame the scene around Bayou Bonfouca.
Pappion said she spent about a month creating the work, using thick layers of paint and a palette knife. She said the layers reflect the many cultural influences that shaped Louisiana Creole heritage.
The poster is available in three sizes: an 11-by-17-inch edition, an 18-by-24-inch edition signed by Pappion, and a 26-by-36-inch edition signed and numbered by the artist. The signed and numbered editions are available in limited quantities, according to the release. Posters are for sale here.
The sixth annual NOLA Zydeco Fest will return to Heritage Park on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Organizers say the two-day event will feature music, food, dance, family activities and cultural programming.
Saturday’s lineup includes Jeffery Broussard and Nighttime Syndicate, Mike Broussard and Nu’Edition Zydeco, Jeremy Fruge and the Zydeco Hot Boys, and Tonio Armani. The day also will feature a gumbo cook-off, Mardi Gras Indian programming, a car show beginning at 4 p.m. and family activities.
Sunday’s performers include Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie, Alphonse Ardoin and the Zydeco Kingz, and Rusty Metoyer and Zydeco Krush. The schedule also includes a Creole Music Jam, a zydeco dance competition and cultural programming.
Festivalgoers can also travel between New Orleans and Slidell aboard the Zydeco Fest Express, an Amtrak-based experience offered both days. Cory Ledoux will host Saturday’s ride, and Chef Pooch Rivera will host Sunday’s. The release directs travelers to the festival website for schedules, availability and boarding information.
General admission costs $30 for a day pass or $55 for a weekend pass. VIP passes cost $75 for a day or $145 for the weekend. A VIP pass with the Amtrak experience costs $175, and a VIP table costs $650. Children younger than 12 can attend for free. Organizers say seniors and service members can buy $20 general admission tickets at the gate with valid identification. Festival-day prices may increase. Parking passes cost $20 per day while supplies last.
Organizers reported that the 2025 festival drew more than 6,000 attendees, supported 50 vendors and small businesses, and featured more than 60 artists and cultural participants. They also said the festival distributed more than 2,000 community tickets and generated an estimated $3.2 million in economic impact.
READ MORE:NOLA Zydeco Fest unveils 2026 poster celebrating music, culture and Bayou Bonfouca
