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Bayou Bedlam, the contra dance weekend in Houston, Texas BBayou Bedlam, the contra dance weekend in Houston, Texas

Bayou Bedlam

Bayou Bedlam 2022

Bayou Bedlam 2022 will feature Mary Wesley calling to Stomp Rocket on the weekend of February 11-13.

Mary Wesley and Stomp Rocket

About Bayou Bedlam

Bayou Bedlam is the Houston, Texas weekend of contra dancing, food, and friendship. It takes place every February and features nationally known, or soon-to-be known, bands and callers.

The name “Bayou Bedlam” refers to the 22 bayou systems and waterways in the Houston metro area. One of Houston's nicknames is “The Bayou City”.

Every Bayou Bedlam features a Friday night dance, workshops during the day on Saturday, a Saturday buffet lunch, a Saturday night dance, and a fabulous, famous Sunday brunch and dance.

Bayou Bedlam is produced by the Houston Area Traditional Dance Society. For information about HATDS, the regular contra dances in Houston, or contra dancing in general, see the HATDS website at hatds.org.

We maintain a history of the Texas contra dance weekends, including Bayou Bedlam, on our history page.

Bayou Bedlam is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and fragrance-free event.

Why attend Bayou Bedlam?

You'll be joining dancers from all over Texas, the United States, and occasionally even foreign countries. Bayou Bedlam is also a great value for your money; in fact, we believe that it is one of the best values in contra dance weekend festivals. Here's why:

  • Unlike many contra dance groups, we are fortunate to have an older hall with a sprung wood floor that was built specifically for dancing.
  • Houston's February weather is normally mild—comfortably cool and sunny.
  • The food! We include home-cooked lunch on Saturday and brunch on Sunday as well as snacks during the evening dances.
  • We offer the opportunity for callers in attendance to work with the featured band and for musicians to work with the featured caller.

Please join us!