Save the Date!
Balfa Camp 2027: the week of March 29th
Eunice, Louisiana
Eye opening・Ear opening・Soul opening
Immerse yourself in South Louisiana’s Cajun and Creole culture during four days of music lessons and workshops, dance classes, cultural storytelling, spontaneous jam sessions, lakeside campfires, barn dances with Acadiana’s hottest bands, and delicious home-cooked meals.
Learn directly from the masters in a peaceful, nature-based setting that truly feels like a home away from home.
Come ready to learn, play, dance, and form lasting connections with new friends from around the world.
Thank you 2026 Sponsors & Partners!!
2026 SCHEDULE:
Sunday, April 12: check-in starting at 4:30pm + dinner & welcome jam at 7:30pm
April 13-16: full days of lessons, meals, workshops, & dances (see schedule below)
Friday, April 17: goodbye breakfast 7:30-9am + check-out by 11am*
*additional off-site activities available after check-out
2026 MUSICIANS:
Balfa Week faculty includes outstanding Cajun & Creole music, dance, Louisiana French language enthusiasts and folk-life educators.
Full-Time Teaching Faculty: Trey Boudreaux, David Greely, Luke Huval, Kelli Jones, Chas Justus, Blake Miller, Amelia Powell, John Vidrine, & Kevin Wimmer
One-Off Workshop Instructors: Christine Balfa, Amelia Biere, Jimmy Breaux, Gina Forsyth, Mitch Reed, Steve Riley, Horace Trahan, Cedric Watson, & more
Jam Hosts: Mark Ardoin, Jimmy Breaux, Jesse Lége, Blake Miller, & more
Special Guests: Ann Savoy, Joel Savoy, Jane Vidrine, & more
Lakeview Park & Beach serves as the backdrop for Balfa Week. The Park is on the border of both Evangeline and St. Landry parishes, which are both rich in Cajun and Creole culture. You can reserve private or shared lodging for Balfa Week through the Lakeview Park office after you register for Balfa Week!
Full-time Balfa Week tuition ($750) includes all classes, meals, dances, and workshops. Tuition does NOT include private instrument lessons or lodging. Private music lessons can be arranged directly with the instructors during the week.
Housing options: Pitch a tent, rent or share a deluxe cabin, bring your RV, rent an RV, stay at a local B&B or hotel. Visit Evangeline Parish Tourism and St. Landry Parish Tourism for more ideas.
Work-Trade option: Help make Balfa Week run smoothly by trading your time for participation in the week's activities! Work-Trade covers 75% of the cost of Balfa Week!
Play. Dance. Eat. Repeat!
Balfa Week c’est un camp culturel de quatre jours qui vous plonge dans la culture louisianaise : des ateliers, des leçons et des spectacles qui vous permettent d'apprendre aux côtés de musiciens, danseurs, cuisiniers et artisans dans un cadre naturel. Des feux de camp au bord du lac, des jams à la bonne franquette, de nouveaux amis venus du monde entier... c’est ça l'ambiance de Balfa Week!
Prenez des leçons personnalisées avec des musiciens renommés pour apprendre à jouer une chanson qui vous tente. Discutez du processus de création avec des artisans de l'art folklorique. Apprenez quelques astuces de la cuisine louisianaise lors de séances avec des chefs de la région. Imaginez-vous en train d'éplucher et de manger un tas d'écrevisses. Rendez-vous chaque soir aux bals dans la grange pour tester les nouveaux pas de danse.
Jouez. Dansez. Mangez. Répétez !
