Note: The Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise has announced that the next Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival will be held in 2021.
Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival is a two-day event that features Cajun, Blues, Zydeco, and Creole entertainment. It takes place in Simi Valley, California, and is produced by The Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise. It was started in the year 1988, and the Cajun and Blues theme was adopted two years later.
The concerts take place on multiple stages set up throughout the venue. Artists who have performed at the event in previous years include Jefferson Starship, Acadiana, Delgado Brothers, Dave Mason, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Spencer Davis Group, and Mike Zito.
Visitors can also enjoy shopping for unique handicrafts at the vendor booths and indulging in the delicious Cajun cuisine. Each day of the festival ends with a fun parade featuring marching bands, stilt walkers, and people dressed in costumes.
Since its inception, the Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival has grown into one of the largest festivals of its kind in the region. Proceeds from the event go toward benefitting various local charities. Around 20,000 people attend it every year from different parts of the country and the world. This has had a positive impact on the economy of Simi Valley and the surrounding areas.
Tickets to the Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival can be purchased on the website or at the door. In recent years, ticket prices have ranged from $20 (Single-day Festival Pass) to $35 (Two-day Festival Pass). The festival has been free for children under the age of 13.
There is also a premium-priced Super Ticket option, which will get you access to exclusive perks like a separate entrance and reserved seating. Proceeds from the event will go towards supporting various charitable causes. Apart from buying passes, you can contribute by purchasing official merchandise or becoming a volunteer.
Simi Valley is part of the Greater Los Angeles Area, and the drive from Downtown Los Angeles may take you only about an hour. The festival takes place at the Rancho Santa Susana Community Park. You can get there via Highway 118. Once you reach Stearns Street exit, you'll need to head south for about four blocks.
Only ADA parking spaces are available onsite. Vehicles displaying handicapped identification will be allowed to park in the main lot. Other cars can be parked for free at one of the offsite parking lots affiliated with the event. Shuttles have been available in the past to take fans from these lots to the venue. Parking for a large rig can be challenging to find, so it’s best to leave it at your campsite.
Taking the Metrolink is a convenient way to get to the venue. The closest train station is across the street from the front gate of the festival. Taking a bus is also an option, and there is a stop less than a mile away. You can also use a taxi or ride-hailing service to get to the park.
Simi Valley is a great location for camping since you will be able to get away from the chaos of city life while still being close enough to Los Angeles attractions. However, Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival does not offer RV camping options.
Malibu Creek State Park is a short 35-minute drive from the venue and offers primitive RV camping. Leo Carrillo State Park, which is about 50 miles away, is a good option for those looking to stay by the Malibu coastline. It offers partial hookups and has an onsite store, making it a convenient option.
You’ll need to get around on foot, so wear comfortable shoes. ATVs, Golf carts, bicycles, skateboards, scooters, and other vehicles will not be allowed in for safety reasons. The park is accessible thanks to the pathways that snake throughout the grounds. Also, there is a mile-long walking path that connects different parts of the venue.
Costumes, headdresses, masks, and beads are encouraged, especially if you’d like to be a part of the Mardi Gras style parade. Anything goes as long as your attire is family-friendly at the Simi Cajun & Blues Music Festival. You can also choose to go dressed in comfortable, casual clothing like shorts, dresses, and t-shirts.
Carry a small day pack with essentials like sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a portable charger, hand sanitizer, bug spray, and breath mints. Small coolers will be allowed in after being checked at the entrance. Seating will not be provided, so take a low backed chair or a lightweight blanket.
A number of drinking water stations will be present throughout the grounds. Take a refillable water bottle with you if you plan on spending the day at the festival. Outside alcohol will not be allowed in, and alcoholic beverages can only be consumed in specific areas within the park.
While some campground might have a convenience store where you can pick up a few basic supplies, it may be simplest to bring the majority of your food items with you. If you’re on the lookout for fresh produce, head to one of the farmer’s markets. Stock up on veggies and fruits as well as ready-to-eat sauces and pasta. You may want to opt for meals that are easy to throw together at the end of a long day at the festival.
People from near and far travel to Simi Valley for its delicious Mediterranean food. You’ll also come across classic American fare and many other cuisines like Greek and Korean. If you’re looking for even more options, head to Downtown Los Angeles, which is one of the top food destinations in the country.
At the Simi Cajun & Blues Music Festival, you’ll find over 150 vendors selling food, beverages, and handicrafts. The delicious Cajun-Creole food will take center stage. There will be something for everyone, including vegan and vegetarian options. Some of the must-try dishes are the jambalaya, funnel cake, kettle corn, fruit smoothies, and BBQ sandwiches.
Private and public security officers will conduct bag checks at the entrances and will also be present at various locations on the festival grounds. You can approach them if you need information or assistance. Avoid packing any banned items like weapons or alcohol in your Simi Cajun & Blues Music Festival day bag, since they may be confiscated.
Visitors to the area can expect excellent weather in May. Daytime temperatures range in the low 70s. The nights tend to be considerably colder than the days, so carry some warm outerwear. Check the event’s social media pages for road alert information and weather updates in Ventura County, California.
Festival guests will have access to basic first aid facilities at the venue. In the case of a medical emergency, guests will be rushed to the closest medical center, which is about five miles away. Contact festival organizers in advance if you need to carry medically necessary items or food with you during the events.
