Midland TX Crawfish Cook-Off Brings Cajun Bands and Veteran Fundraiser

Annual event features live music, crawfish competition, and support for local nonprofit Mil2Civ.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:33pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating pattern of bright red crawfish against a vibrant neon background, conceptually representing the lively Cajun-inspired festival.The annual Midland crawfish cook-off celebrates Cajun culture and community while raising funds for local veteran support programs.Midland Today

Midland's annual crawfish cook-off is returning this weekend, bringing Cajun bands, family activities, and a fundraiser for the veteran nonprofit Mil2Civ. The event, organized by Down South Seafood, will include a crawfish competition, live music from Zydeco acts, crawfish races, a crawfish eating contest, and raffles. Proceeds from the event will support Mil2Civ, a local organization that provides assistance and outdoor rehabilitation programs for veterans in the Permian Basin.

Why it matters

The crawfish cook-off is a long-standing tradition in Midland that celebrates Cajun culture and brings the community together. By supporting Mil2Civ, the event also helps address the specific needs of local veterans, providing them with resources and a sense of community.

The details

The crawfish cook-off will feature a competition with teams preparing the crawfish, which will be judged by a panel of 6-10 judges. In addition to the competition, the event will include live music from Zydeco acts like Jimmy Breaux, Jamie Bergeron and the Kickin' Cajuns, and Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band. Other activities include crawfish races, a crawfish eating contest, and raffles.

  • The event will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from noon to 9 p.m.

The players

Down South Seafood

The organizer and host of the annual crawfish cook-off event in Midland.

Mil2Civ (Military to Civilian)

A local nonprofit organization that provides assistance and outdoor rehabilitation programs for veterans in the Permian Basin. Proceeds from the crawfish cook-off will support their efforts.

Ryan LeJeune

The organizer and business owner of Down South Seafood, who oversees the annual crawfish cook-off event.

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What they’re saying

“The event is family-friendly.”

— Ryan LeJeune, Organizer and business owner of Down South Seafood

What’s next

The event is officially sanctioned by the Southern Cajun Cookoff Association, and more information can be found on the event's website.

The takeaway

The Midland crawfish cook-off is a beloved community event that celebrates Cajun culture and supports local veterans through the Mil2Civ nonprofit. By bringing together live music, a competitive cooking contest, and family-friendly activities, the event offers a unique and meaningful way for the Permian Basin to come together.