CAJUN FEST
BOIL & BREW

THANK YOU FOR
AN AMAZING 2026

Cajun Fest 2026 was 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

  • Royal Court Costume Contest

  • Bead Toss

  • Tarot and Palm Readings

  • Face Painting and Glitter Bar

  • Balloon Artist

  • Camp Cajun

THE MARDI GRAS
OF THE MIDWEST!

2026 Sponsors

GATOR TABLES Presented by Flying Mango

All-day private table for eight 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. Sold out two years in a row.

  • General Admission (GA) for eight (8) adults

  • One (1) Whole Bacon-Wrapped Alligator (gators are exclusive to Gator Tables)

  • One (1) drink ticket per adult

  • Reserved table all-day long

  • Plus Cajun goodies

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!

Children participating in a craft event, engaging in activities like face painting, mask and bead making, and coloring, with signs indicating each activity.

ENTERTAINMENT

Win Special Prizes!

Event promotion featuring three activities: "Royal Court - Best Costumes!" with a woman and man in colorful outfits, "Hot Sauce Showdown - Survive the Five Rounds of Heat!" with people at a table, showing excitement, and "Bead Toss - Be Fast and Catch Some Beads!" with a crowd reaching for beads.