Cajun Music & Dance Weekend
Welcome to a weekend of Cajun music and dance with the very finest tradition-bearers.
Our 2024 Cajun Weekend featured Balfa Toujours marked the 40th anniversary of when legendary Cajun fiddler Dewey Balfa performed at Folklore Village. Folklore Village’s Cajun Weekend includes multiple levels of instruction in fiddle, accordion, guitar, and dance, plus cultural discussions, jam sessions, parties, traditional food prepared by RedBarn Catering, and more!
Stay tuned for more information on our 2025 festival.
Scholarships
Sugar Maple Scholarship
The Madison-based Sugar Maple Music Festival is sponsoring a BRAND NEW festival scholarship; the recipient will receive $150 off tuition to Folklore Village’s Cajun Weekend AND free admission to the Sugar Maple Music Festival, held August 2-3, 2024. There are 2 Sugar Maple Scholarships available. The scholarships are open to any age, with preference given to residents of the Upper Midwest (WI, MN, MI, IA, IL). To apply for the Sugar Maple Scholarship, contact Kelli Emerson at programs@folklorevillage.org.
About Sugar Maple:
Presented by the Four Lakes Traditional Music Collective, the Sugar Maple Music Festival is a two-day outdoor festival in Madison that celebrates traditional music and dance, including Cajun/Creole/Zydeco, through performances, educational workshops, and interactive jam sessions. This year the Daiquiri Queens out of Lafayette LA will be performing and leading the Cajun jam (www.thedaiquiriqueens.com) Check out other bands that will be performing, leading jams and doing workshop presentations at www.sugarmaplefest.org. This family-friendly festival invites people of all backgrounds and ages to enjoy and learn about the performing arts in the beautiful setting of W.G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park, Madison, WI
Dishwashing Scholarships
It takes a village to put on our festivals. Be a part of the dishwashing crew and help out by washing tableware (plates, silverware, and cups) after meals. By filling this essential role you will receive reduced tuition. Dishwashers pay just $120 for the entire weekend! Please contact Program Manager Kelli Emerson at 608-924-4000 or programs@folklorevillage.org to inquire about dishwashing scholarships.
Meals
Sharing meals together is a time-honored tradition at Folklore Village. Festival meals are prepared in-house by the fabulous RedBarn Catering team. Using fresh ingredients, head chef J. Miller creates delicious, cultural meals with vegetarian and gluten free options. Have other dietary needs? Please note these in your registration form. While we cannot guarantee that every dietary request can be accommodated, the RedBarn Catering team does their best to accommodate everyone and can provide information on potential allergens during the festival.
Accommodations
Bunkhouse (Very rustic): $20 per person per night
**Capacity limited**
Stay on-site within walking distance (about 3 blocks) of Farwell Hall (main activities building). The bunkhouses are heated and now air conditioned! Cots are provided, and camp-style toilets and handpump nearby. Showers are located in Farwell Hall. Bring your own bedding, pillow, towel, flashlight, etc. Men and woman are housed in separate buildings. You can register for bunkhouse accommodations via the festival registration form.
Tenting: $10 per tent per night
Stay on our beautiful grounds! Many sites are available. No campfires allowed. Showers and bathrooms are located in Farwell Hall (main activity building). You can register for tent camping via the festival registration form.
RV Camping with Electrical Hook-Up: $15 per RV per night
**Extremely limited; reserve a spot early**
Folklore Village has limited electrical hook-ups for RVs. To register for a spot with electrical hook-up please email programs@folklorevillage.org.
Other Accommodations:
Motels are available with 7-15 miles of Folklore Village. Please make your own arrangements.
AmericInn Dodgeville (608) 270-8935
Mention you are coming to a Folklore Village festival; our partner AmericInn Dodgeville will provide you with a special rate!
Deer Valley Lodge (608)924-1600
Best Western (608)935-7739
Pine Ridge Motel (608)935-3386
Quality Inn (608)987-4747
Lodging in Mineral Point
Thanks to our friends at Sugar Maple Music Festival for their support of Cajun Music & Dance Weekend