To support the important environmental, cultural and economic work of the Bayou Vermilion District, please follow the link below. Your help will make a difference in the future of Bayou Vermilion and our community. Merci beaucoup!
Vermilionville Living History Museum’s mission is to increase appreciation for the history, culture, and natural resources of the Native Americans, Acadians, Creoles, and peoples of African descent in the Attakapas region through the end of the 1800s. Through historic interpretation and conservation along the Bayou Vermilion, we strive to educate guests on the interactions of these groups and the connections between past and contemporary folklife, thus empowering guests to apply these lessons from our shared histories.
Bayou Vermilion District’s purpose is to improve the water quality and the aesthetics of the Bayou Vermilion within the Parish of Lafayette in an effort to promote the bayou as a recreational and cultural asset; to create and control a new type of viable economic development adjacent to Bayou Vermilion so as to provide a diversified economic base for the City and Parish of Lafayette; and to do any and all other acts which would enhance the general condition of the Bayou Vermilion.
Artifact Collections
View some the frequently asked questions of Vermilionville’s artifact collections
Membership
The Vermilionville Living History Museum and Folklife Park relies on annual, tax-deductible memberships and donations to fund its ongoing efforts to offer a living history museum where visitors can see what life was like for the Acadian, Creole and Native American Cultures in the Attakapas region from 1765 to1890.
Events
Calendar of Events
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Cajun filmmaker Pat Mire gives us an inside look at the colorful, rural Cajun Mardi Gras. Every year before Lent begins, processions of masked and costumed revelers, often on horseback, go from house to house gathering ingredients for communal gumbos in communities across rural southwest Louisiana. The often-unruly participants in this ancient tradition play as beggars, fools, and thieves as they raid farmsteads and perform in exchange for charity or, in other words, "dance for a chicken." |
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The last Wednesday on each month is Homeschool Day at Vermilionville -- homeschooling families get a discount on visits to the village! Come enjoy a self-guided tour and an optional rain garden tour (offered at 10 AM, 12 PM and 2 PM)Admission prices for Homeschool Day: age 5 - 17: $6; 18 -older $10.Just let the gift shop know you're a homeschooling family, and the discount will be applied! |
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Vermilionville's weekly Cajun Jam Saturday afternoons 1-3 PM is led by some of the area’s finest musicians. The free jam is held in the Performance Center of Vermilionville and is open to all skill levels-beginner to professional. Admission is free but does not include entry to the park. Special thanks to the Cajun French Music Association for sponsoring our weekly jams! |
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Bayou Vermilion District & Vermilionville host the Bal du Dimanche (Sunday Dance) EVERY WEEK (may be pre-empted by private events.) This live music series is held in Vermilionville’s Performance Center and rustic dancehall from 1-4 p.m. Admission is $10 and includes a self-guided tour of the Vermilionville Living History Museum. Come early and grab lunch at Vermilionville’s restaurant, La Cuisine de Maman. The restaurant is open every Sunday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and features authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine. On Sundays, the restaurant features an all-you-can-eat Sunday buffet. Le Bal du Dimanche is broadcast live on KRVS Public Media 1-3 PM. Sunday, February 1 -- T'Monde Admission to the Live Concert Series is included in your Bayou Vermilion District & Vermilionville membership. To purchase or renew your membership online, visit this link: https://bayouvermiliondistrict.org/membership All proceeds from this event go towards helping the Bayou Vermilion District and Vermilionville fulfill their local, environmental and cultural missions. |
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Going to the Courir but nothing to wear? We've got you covered -- at least your face, that is! Come celebrate the culture of Acadiana at our Courir de Mardi Gras Mask Workshop, February 7 at Vermilionville. Evette Marsh and Jessie Louviere of VaCajun will lead participants through the process of making a traditional wire mesh mask, perfect attire to chase chickens! (Just in time for Vermilionville's Courir de Mardi Gras February 8!) Register today, all supplies and tools included, limited spots available at $45/person! Photo of our vintage masks currently on display for inspiration!
$45.00
Vermilionville's weekly Cajun Jam Saturday afternoons 1-3 PM is led by some of the area’s finest musicians. The free jam is held in the Performance Center of Vermilionville and is open to all skill levels-beginner to professional. Admission is free but does not include entry to the park. Special thanks to the Cajun French Music Association for sponsoring our weekly jams! |
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Come out to Vermilionville to experience a traditional Mardi Gras run Sunday, February 8, 2026! The whole family can participate in this interactive event where the Basile Mardi Gras Association shares in the medieval tradition of the Courir de Mardi Gras. Disguised revelers, led by Le Capitaine and singing La Chanson de Mardi Gras will make their way through the historic village begging for the ingredients to make a gumbo. The event will begin at 10 AM. At 10:15, learn all about the history and origins of the Courir from Dr. Barry Jean Ancelet. At 11 AM, musician Kevin Rees will demonstrate the use of the "Chanson de Mardi Gras," with the attendees. At 11:30 AM, the Basile Association will begin run through the historic village and will end with the famous chicken chase for children. After the "run", grab a delicious lunch at Vermilionville's restaurant, then join us in the dancehall for live music from the Pine Leaf Boys, 1-4 PM. Bring the whole family, the kids will have a chance to make a capuchon, or traditional pointed hat 11-3 PM. This is one historic event you will not want to miss. Mark your calendars and come pass a […] 
Bayou Vermilion District & Vermilionville host the Bal du Dimanche (Sunday Dance) EVERY WEEK (may be pre-empted by private events.) This live music series is held in Vermilionville’s Performance Center and rustic dancehall from 1-4 p.m. Admission is $10 and includes a self-guided tour of the Vermilionville Living History Museum. Come early and grab lunch at Vermilionville’s restaurant, La Cuisine de Maman. The restaurant is open every Sunday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and features authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine. On Sundays, the restaurant features an all-you-can-eat Sunday buffet. Le Bal du Dimanche is broadcast live on KRVS Public Media 1-3 PM. Sunday, February 8: The Pine Leaf Boys celebrate our Courir with us! Admission to the Live Concert Series is included in your Bayou Vermilion District & Vermilionville membership. To purchase or renew your membership online, visit this link: https://bayouvermiliondistrict.org/membership All proceeds from this event go towards helping the Bayou Vermilion District and Vermilionville fulfill their local, environmental and cultural missions. |
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Come take a tour on the Cocodrie 2, Bayou Vermilion District’s flat bottom boat. Learn all about the history, geology and environment of the Vermilion River. See the sights, flora and fauna (who knows, and a gator or two!) Spend an hour in the morning breezes with our boat captain, Mike Fowler, and Ivy Broussard as your guides. First step: register for the tour here: https://forms.gle/5hCgsHTadpcZgS8eA ALSO, if you're looking for something else cool to do after your boat tour, you can buy tickets for a self-guided tour of our historic village here, as well. If your group would like a guided tour of the village, please email engagement@bayouvermiliondistrict.org to arrange! Life jackets must be worn and will be provided for adults and children over 30 lbs. Siblings ages 3-4 are free, and welcome, but MUST be at least 18 pounds with an approved USCG life jacket to sit. We have a few life jackets for children above 30 pounds. All children must counted in the ticket numbers (limited space on our boat...) If they do not qualify for the 30-pound limit, you must bring a USCG-approved life jacket for them. . Ticket availability:23 PLEASE NOTE: We cannot guarantee a spot […]
$7.00 – $12.00
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Vermilionville's weekly Cajun Jam Saturday afternoons 1-3 PM is led by some of the area’s finest musicians. The free jam is held in the Performance Center of Vermilionville and is open to all skill levels-beginner to professional. Admission is free but does not include entry to the park. Special thanks to the Cajun French Music Association for sponsoring our weekly jams! |
1 event,
Bayou Vermilion District & Vermilionville host the Bal du Dimanche (Sunday Dance) EVERY WEEK. This live music series is held in Vermilionville’s Performance Center and rustic dancehall from 1-4 p.m. Admission is $10 and includes a self-guided tour of the Vermilionville Living History Museum. Come early and grab lunch at Vermilionville’s restaurant, La Cuisine de Maman. The restaurant is open every Sunday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and features authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine. On Sundays, the restaurant features an all-you-can-eat Sunday buffet. Le Bal du Dimanche is broadcast live on KRVS Public Media 1-3 PM. Sunday, February 15: Blake Miller & the Ol' Fashioned Aces Admission to the Live Concert Series is included in your Bayou Vermilion District & Vermilionville membership. To purchase or renew your membership online, visit this link: https://bayouvermiliondistrict.org/membership All proceeds from this event go towards helping the Bayou Vermilion District and Vermilionville fulfill their local, environmental and cultural missions. |
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Join us for a fun morning of playing Bourrée, Bataille, or Dominoes—just like your maw maw and 'em used to do! We'll practice our French while sipping on some delicious coffee and munching on biscuits. It’s all about friendly competition and keeping the culture alive. Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, come hang out, chat, and enjoy some laughs. Laissez le bon temps rouler! |
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Vermilionville's weekly Cajun Jam Saturday afternoons 1-3 PM is led by some of the area’s finest musicians. The free jam is held in the Performance Center of Vermilionville and is open to all skill levels-beginner to professional. Admission is free but does not include entry to the park. Special thanks to the Cajun French Music Association for sponsoring our weekly jams! |
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Bayou Vermilion District & Vermilionville host the Bal du Dimanche (Sunday Dance) EVERY WEEK (may be pre-empted by private events). This live music series is held in Vermilionville’s Performance Center and rustic dancehall from 1-4 p.m. Admission is $10 and includes a self-guided tour of the Vermilionville Living History Museum.Come early and grab lunch at Vermilionville’s restaurant, La Cuisine de Maman. The restaurant is open every Sunday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and features authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine. On Sundays, the restaurant features an all-you-can-eat Sunday buffet. Le Bal du Dimanche is broadcast live on KRVS Public Media 1-3 PM.Sunday, February 22: Glenn & Friends Swamp Pop ReviewAdmission to the Live Concert Series is included in your Bayou Vermilion District & Vermilionville membership. To purchase or renew your membership online, visit this link:https://bayouvermiliondistrict.org/membership">https://bayouvermiliondistrict.org/membershipAll proceeds from this event go towards helping the Bayou Vermilion District and Vermilionville fulfill their local, environmental and cultural missions.
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Join us for Hands-on Beignet Making, Sunday, February 22, 2:00 PM! Food historian and beignet-maker supreme, Jay Steiner, will lead you in the history and the process -- and you'll have a variety of toppings to choose from to bling up your beignets! Students age 7 and older, $17, including demo and tour of our historic village; Adults 18+ $22 including demo and village tour. Join us! Tickets available below.
$17.00 – $22.00
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The last Wednesday on each month is Homeschool Day at Vermilionville -- homeschooling families get a discount on visits to the village! Come enjoy a self-guided tour and an optional rain garden tour (offered at 10 AM, 12 PM and 2 PM)Admission prices for Homeschool Day: age 5 - 17: $6; 18 -older $10.Just let the gift shop know you're a homeschooling family, and the discount will be applied! |
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1 event,
Vermilionville's weekly Cajun Jam Saturday afternoons 1-3 PM is led by some of the area’s finest musicians. The free jam is held in the Performance Center of Vermilionville and is open to all skill levels-beginner to professional. Admission is free but does not include entry to the park. Special thanks to the Cajun French Music Association for sponsoring our weekly jams! |
1 event,
Bayou Vermilion District & Vermilionville host the Bal du Dimanche (Sunday Dance) EVERY WEEK (may be pre-empted by private events). This live music series is held in Vermilionville’s Performance Center and rustic dancehall from 1-4 p.m. Admission is $10 and includes a self-guided tour of the Vermilionville Living History Museum.Come early and grab lunch at Vermilionville’s restaurant, La Cuisine de Maman. The restaurant is open every Sunday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and features authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine. On Sundays, the restaurant features an all-you-can-eat Sunday buffet. Le Bal du Dimanche is broadcast live on KRVS Public Media 1-3 PM.Sunday, March 1: Leroy Thomas & the Zydeco RoadrunnersAdmission to the Live Concert Series is included in your Bayou Vermilion District & Vermilionville membership. To purchase or renew your membership online, visit this link:https://bayouvermiliondistrict.org/membership">https://bayouvermiliondistrict.org/membershipAll proceeds from this event go towards helping the Bayou Vermilion District and Vermilionville fulfill their local, environmental and cultural missions. |