CAJUN FEST
BOIL & BREW
SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2026
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE MARDI GRAS OF THE MIDWEST!
Cajun Fest 2026 will be held 12pm-8pm on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at The Meridian Events Center 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!
ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT CAJUN CUISINE
Crawfish Boil
Shrimp Boil (NEW)
Jambalaya
Beignets
Boudin Balls (NEW)
Hot Dogs
Drink Menu
Cajun Specialty Cocktails
Beers and Hard Seltzers
Coca Cola Products
ENTERTAINMENT
Live music featuring BYOBrass, The Swampland Jewels, and The Other Brothers
The Hottest Hot Sauce Showdown in Iowa
Mardi Gras Costume Contest
Bead Toss
Tarot and Palm Readings
Face Painting and Glitter Bar
Balloon Artist and Camp Cajun
2026 Sponsors
RETURNING TO CAJUN FEST
GATOR TABLES Presented by Flying Mango
Your all-day private table for eight is served a whole bacon-wrapped alligator to devour! Perfect for a group of friends looking for a once in a lifetime experience that can’t be found anywhere else in Iowa. Keep your eye out for Gator Table tickets, because tables sold out in 2025.
General Admission (GA) for eight (8) adults
One (1) Whole Bacon-Wrapped Alligator (exclusive to Gator Tables)
One (1) drink ticket per adult
Private festive table all day long
Plus Cajun goodies and more!
EVENT MAPS
Click on the maps below to view full-screen and download.
LIVE MUSIC
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.
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!
From Des Moines, IA, The Other Brothers are turning up the heat as they enter 2026. Finishing their sixth record and setting their sights beyond the Midwest. Their sound fuses the grit of the blues, the swagger of rockabilly, and the soul of rock & roll. A 70’s sound on 60’s money – pure and unapologetic.
CAMP CAJUN
Activities for Kids!
ENTERTAINMENT
Win Special Prizes!
EVENT FAQS
Where and when is Cajun Fest?
Cajun Fest 2026 is on Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 12pm-8pm CST at The Meridian Events Center.
Are you selling tickets at the door?
Cajun Fest has sold out, so we are no longer selling online or in-person at the door. At check-in, you will receive a wristband which you must have to be served food and drinks.
If I buy a Gator Table or GA 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 indoor or outdoor?
Cajun Fest is both indoor and outdoor!
What’s included with GA?
All-you-can-eat Cajun food and live music, as well as access to all bars, entertainment, street performers, and more!
What does the Gator Table include?
• GA for eight (8) adults (one kid 10 & under free per adult also applies)
• One (1) whole bacon wrapped alligator
• Eight (8) drink tickets
• Private table all-day
• Cajun Fest goodie bag
What’s on the food and drink menu?
• Food – We’re serving our authentic crawfish boil, jambalaya, and new shrimp seafood boil and bouban balls.
• Drinks – Hurricanes, Cajun Spiked Lemonade, and more options (TBA).
What are the payment methods at the bars?
• Credit and Debit Cards (no cash or checks).
How do I volunteer and what do I receive for volunteering?
Learn more about volunteering here: https://www.cajunfestiowa.com/volunteer
Are kids welcomed at Cajun Fest?
Yes! Kids 10 & under are welcome and free! (one per GA ticket).
Where can I park?
Free parking is available around the venue. Recommended attendees park near the entrance in the NW parking lot (view the parking map).
Can I bring my dog?
No pets are allowed (only exception are service animals in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA])
What kind of entertainment will you have?
• Live music featuring BYOBrass, The Swampland Jewels, and The Other Brothers.
• Entertainment and street performers, including tarot/palm readings, artists, glitter/face painting, balloon artist, bead toss, hot sauce competition, costume contest, Camp Cajun, plus various games and activities)
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 – judges will select up to 5 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 – judges will select participants – must sign waiver to participate) *be sure to listen to our announcements :)
Food Allergy Notice
All food is prepared in shared cooking spaces where shellfish, dairy, wheat/gluten, eggs, pork, soy, sesame, and other allergens may be present. Because of this, Cajun Fest cannot guarantee any item is completely allergen-free. Cross-contact may occur.
Have questions about ingredients or allergens? Please ask any food serving volunteers or chefs.
Menu Allergen Breakdown
Crawfish Boil – Shellfish, Pork
Seafood Boil – Shellfish
Jambalaya – Pork, Wheat/Gluten, Soy
Boudin Balls – Dairy, Eggs, Wheat/Gluten, Pork
Beignets – Dairy, Eggs, Wheat/Gluten
Gators – Dairy