Festival International de Louisiane Announces 40th Anniversary Music Lineup

The 2026 festival will feature a diverse array of global artists to celebrate four decades of the event.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Festival International de Louisiane, one of the largest free music festivals in the United States, has unveiled the music lineup for its 40th anniversary celebration in 2026. The festival, which runs from April 22-26, will feature a mix of internationally renowned artists as well as local Louisiana acts, showcasing the event's commitment to celebrating the region's Francophone and international cultural ties.

Why it matters

Festival International de Louisiane has become a beloved annual tradition in Lafayette, drawing thousands of attendees from around the world to experience the city's vibrant music, arts, and culinary scene. The 40th anniversary lineup promises to be the most diverse and exciting yet, solidifying the festival's reputation as a premier cultural event that preserves and strengthens the community's Francophone and international connections.

The details

The 2026 lineup includes eight-time Grammy award-winning artist Stephen Marley, son of reggae legend Bob Marley, as well as folk icon Rhiannon Giddens, named by NPR as one of the 25 most influential women musicians of the 21st century. Unique to the lineup is Country Gongbang, South Korea's first and only bluegrass band, which has performed at the Grand Ole Opry. The festival will also feature a strong Francophone presence, including acts from France, Guadeloupe, Guinea, Mali, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick, as well as a variety of Louisiana-based Francophone artists.

  • Festival International de Louisiane will run from April 22-26, 2026.
  • The festival is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026.

The players

Festival International de Louisiane

One of the largest free music festivals in the United States, held annually in Lafayette, Louisiana and celebrating the region's Francophone and international cultural ties.

Scott Feehan

The Executive Director of Festival International de Louisiane.

Lisa Stafford

The Programming Director of Festival International de Louisiane.

Stephen Marley

An eight-time Grammy award-winning artist and the son of reggae legend Bob Marley.

Rhiannon Giddens

A folk icon named by NPR as one of the 25 most influential women musicians of the 21st century.

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What they’re saying

“Forty years is something to celebrate. What started as an unlikely dream has flourished into what we now know as Festival International de Louisiane. So many elements come together each year to make this event possible. We could not be more proud to present an amazing program to our community that has worked so hard year after year to make this event happen.”

— Scott Feehan, Executive Director, Festival International de Louisiane (KLFY)

“The 2026 lineup hits every note. There is something for everyone – from folk to funk, blues to pop. It's going to be an unforgettable year.”

— Lisa Stafford, Programming Director, Festival International de Louisiane (KLFY)

What’s next

The full schedule for the 2026 Festival International de Louisiane will be released in early March.

The takeaway

Festival International de Louisiane's 40th anniversary celebration in 2026 promises to be a truly global and diverse musical experience, showcasing the festival's enduring commitment to preserving and strengthening the cultural ties of the Francophone and international communities in Lafayette and beyond.