On May 10th, 2025 The Bayou Bandit is returning to host the Midwest’s premier Crawfish Cookoff and Cajun Festival at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in the Queen City of the Ozarks- SPRINGFIELD, MO!

As in 2024, access will be provided through Gate 10 off Smith Street and you’ll find us located on the Northeast corner of the fairground property at the Central Buildings Event Center, visible from N. Grant Avenue.

Gates open early for those that want to watch the teams cook, browse vendors or get in on other activities. Sampling of the crawfish dishes will be available to the Public, with paid admission, along with raffles and games.

Our first year, 2022, brought us 12 teams that boiled crawfish.
Our second year, 2023, brought us 22 teams that boiled crawfish.
Year 3, 2024, brought us 28 teams with many participating in both the Boiled & Open Divisions.

In 2025, the Team Roster will be limited to the first 30 teams that sign-up and pay entry fees.

The OPEN division proved to be a great time in 2024 for dishes containing crawfish as the primary meat, but prepared in a manner other than boiling; for example, gumbo, jambalaya, etouffee, chowder, etc. We see this expanding greatly... don't miss out!

Your paid admission allows you to sample dishes from all of the competition teams at no additional cost. There will also be free samples prepared by The Bayou Bandit team. In years past, this has included Alligator, Boudin, shark, and a long list of other items. We have some surprises in store for you this year!

Beverages (alcoholic and non) will be provided by the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds.

Wear your dancing shoes, because live music will be playing during the event. The Vybes are coming back!!

Souvenirs and event merchandise will be available for purchase.