CAJUN FEST 2025
PRESENTED BY
ALL YOU CAN EAT is BACK!
*CAJUN FEST IS SOLD OUT*
Join us Saturday, June 14 from 11am to 5pm at The Hall in West Des Moines, Iowa, for an all day celebration of Cajun culture, brought to life by Louisiana transplants and Iowa natives who know how to throw a spicy party!
We’re going back to our roots this year — your $45 entry includes all you can eat Cajun classics: Crawfish Boil, Gumbo, Jambalaya, Beignets, Dirty Rice, and more! Kids 10 & under are FREE (one per registered adult).
What else can you expect?
Specialty cajun drinks + The Hall’s beer menu
Live Music
Camp Cajun (family activities)
Street performers/contests
Ready to party Cajun-style? Grab your ticket now and join us for the most ragin’ Cajun festival in the Midwest!
EVENT SCHEDULE & MAPS
(CLICK THE IMAGES BELOW TO VIEW FULL SCREEN & DOWNLOAD)
GATOR TABLES
NEW TO CAJUN FEST
Your all day private table for eight is served a whole 16 pound bacon wrapped alligator to devour! Perfect for friends and families looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can’t be found in Iowa. Reserve your Gator Table today because they will sell out (limited to 15)!
General Admission for eight (8) adults
One (1) 16 Pound Bacon Wrapped Alligator (exclusive to Gator Tables)
One (1) drink ticket per adult
Private festive table all day long (your choice of indoor or outdoor table at ticket checkout)
Plus Cajun goodies and more!
LIVE MUSIC
The Swampland Jewels transport you along historic Highway 61 and Route 90, from Southwest Louisiana to East Texas, with their eclectic mix of original compositions, Gulf Coast classics, Cajun/Creole, and TexMex tunes. Prepare to dance as they showcase the accordion in a way that'll make anyone a fan!
BYOBrass is a dynamic group of musicians and educators from across Iowa, known for high-energy performances that blend original music with unique takes on popular classics. Drawing inspiration from a wide range of genres, their eclectic sound and lively shows have captivated audiences across Iowa and the Midwest.
CAMP CAJUN
Activities for Kids!
ENTERTAINMENT
Win Special Prizes!
EVENT FAQS
Where and when is Cajun Fest?
Cajun Fest 2025 is on Saturday, June 14 at The Hall (111 S 11th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265) from 11am to 5pm.
Are you selling tickets at the door?
Yes, we are selling General Admission (GA) at the door! At check-in, you will receive a wristband which you must have to be served food.
If I buy a Gator Table or Four-Pack, how do my guests get in?
Whoever checks-in first will be given all the wristbands for their group to distribute when other guests reach the event.
Is the Cajun Fest inside or outside
Cajun Fest is both inside and outside! We’re using The Hall’s whole property (click here to view map); including indoor space, patio, and lawn area with additional tents and tables. With plenty of space, we have a 800 person capacity.
What’s included with $45 general admission?
General admission includes: all you can eat cajun food, live music, and Camp Cajun (family activities), as well as access to all bars, street performers, vendors, and more!
What’s on the food and drink menu?
• Food – We’re serving our authentic crawfish boil, gumbo, jambalaya, beignets, dirty rice, and hot dogs.
• Drinks – We have The Hall’s main bar (serving The Hall’s limited beer/liquor menu), two satellite bars (serving select canned beers and seltzers), and our Cajun cocktail bar (Cajun Spiked Lemonade and Hurricanes).
What are the payment methods at the bars?
• The Hall’s indoor main bar is accepting cash and card, but the satellite bars and Cajun cocktail bar are card only. Personal or business checks are not accepted.
What foods are super spicy and/or gluten free (GF)?
• Crawfish Boil = Spicy, GF
• Gumbo (without rice) = GF
• Jambalaya = Spicy
What does the Gator Table include?
• General Admission for eight (8) adults (one kid free per adult admission also applies)
• One (1) Whole 16lb bacon wrapped alligator
• Eight (8) drink tickets
• Private festive table all day long (your choice of indoor or outdoor table as add-on during ticket checkout – important: we can update your preference a day before the event, but cannot remove your spot day of [only exceptions may include weather or medical conditions])
• Plus Cajun Fest goodie bag!
How do I volunteer and what do I get for volunteering?
Visit our Volunteer Page to learn more on volunteering. All volunteers receive: GA access, Cajun Fest t-shirt, and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and snacks.
Are kids welcomed at Cajun Fest?
Yes! Not only are kids welcomed to Cajun Fest, but kids 10 & under are free! (one per registered GA ticket).
Where can I park?
You can park in The Hall's parking lot and overflow parking lawns (click to view parking map), as well as Valley Junction’s public parking lots (click to view Valley Junction’s public parking map).
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, dogs are welcomed in the outdoor areas at Cajun Fest! However, animals are not allowed inside The Hall indoor areas (only exception are service animals in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA])
What kind of entertainment will you have?
• Live music featuring The Swampland Jewels and BYOBrass
• Camp Cajun (family activities, including bead making, face painting, mask making, etc)
• Activities including (tarot readings, caricature artist, bead toss, hot sauce competition, costume contest, various games)
How do I participate in the contests?
• The Royal Court (Costume Contest) – Come dressed to impress! (open to anyone – we will make a live announcement on how to participate before the contest, which begins at 12:30pm – judges will select up to 10 individuals/couples to participate) *be sure to listen to our announcements :)
• Hot Sauce Competition (Spicy Contest) – Think you can handle the heat? Prove it! (open to anyone – we will make live announcement on how to participate before the contest which begins at 1:30pm – judges will select participants – must sign waiver to participate) *be sure to listen to our announcements :)