Lowcountry Cajun Festival set for Saturday, April 18 at James Island County Park!

The Lowcountry Cajun Festival is back this spring at James Island County Park! Charleston’s favorite ragin’ Cajun celebration will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 12 – 6 p.m.

Bringing Louisiana to the Lowcountry, the Lowcountry Cajun Festival is an afternoon of Zydeco music, food, kids’ activities, and all-around ragin’ Cajun fun! Savor the tastes of authentic Cajun and Creole fare including jambalaya, alligator, etouffee, andouille sausage and crawfish. Also available will be favorites such as seafood, Southern barbecue and traditional festival foods. Festival attendees can boogie down to live, non-stop Zydeco and Cajun music performed on stage throughout the day.

The 2026 Entertainment Schedule is:

• 1 – 2:15 p.m.: Ceasar Creole Soul
• 2:30 – 4 p.m.: Canebrake Cajun Band – Based in DC, this group of traditional Cajun music veterans serves up a spicy mix of Southwest Louisiana music sure to fire up your dancing feet.
• 4:30 – 6 p.m.: Corey Arceneaux & the Zydeco Hot Peppers – Recognized as a Louisiana Creole Zydeco Ambassador, Corey is a fourth-generation Creole accordionist.

Other entertainment and educational sessions will take place on the small stage:

• 12 – 1 p.m.: “Shell Stories, Let’s Talk Turtle!” – Children’s turtle program presented by All Thing Acre
• 1 – 2 p.m.: “Secrets of the Swamp” – Children’s reptiles and amphibians program presented by South Carolina Aquarium
• 2:30 p.m.: Crawfish Eating Contest – Sign up when you arrive to ensure your spot in the contest
• 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.: “Shell Stories, Let’s Talk Turtle!” – Children’s turtle program presented by All Thing Acre

Other festivities include a large crafters’ market, souvenirs for sale, and a kids’ area. Children can enjoy access to the inflatables and the climbing wall in the kids’ area all day with the purchase of a $10 hand stamp. Credit cards will be accepted at select locations but attendees are encouraged to bring cash for convenience purposes.

Festival admission will be charged per vehicle. A limited number of vehicles will be admitted, so advance purchase is recommended. Tickets are $30 per vehicle of up to 15 people in advance. Tickets at the gate will be $40 per vehicle. For details and to purchase tickets, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com (direct link). Gold Pass holders do not need a ticket.

Gold Passes will be valid for vehicle admission; the pass must be presented at the gate for entry. Gold Passes will not be sold on site the day of the festival, but may be purchased in advance at CharlestonCountyParks.com (receipt will not be accepted).

No coolers or outside food or alcohol permitted. Carpooling is highly encouraged. Pets are not permitted at this event. James Island County Park will be closed to regular park guests on April 18 in order to host the festival. Accessible restrooms and portolets are available at the event. An accessible viewing area will be available near the stage. A quiet area will be offered at the Toogoodoo Porch. Visit the Accessibility Tent for more information and to check out KultureCity sensory bags.

For more information on the Lowcountry Cajun Festival, including event rules, or to purchase tickets, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com (direct link) or call 843-795-4386. 

Owned by Charleston County Parks, James Island County Park is located at 871 Riverland Drive. The mission of CCPRC is to improve the quality of life in Charleston County by offering a diverse system of park facilities, programs and services. The large park system features over 11,000 acres of property and includes four land parks, three beach parks, four seasonally-lifeguarded beach areas, three dog parks, two landmark fishing piers, three waterparks, 19 boat landings, a skate park, a historic plantation site, a climbing wall, a challenge course, an interpretive center, an equestrian center, cottages, a campground, a marina, as well as wedding, meeting and event facilities. CCPRC also offers a wide variety of recreational services – festivals, camps, classes, programs, and much more. For more information on CCPRC, call 843-795-4386 or visit www.charlestoncountyparks.com.