When it comes to having fun, the city of Lafayette and the surrounding region offers plenty of opportunities to “pass a good time,” as the locals say. Acadiana, generally defined as Lafayette Parish and the seven surrounding parishes, is the heart of Cajun Country. While Louisiana is as rich in culture as you’ll find anywhere in the United States, Acadiana is one of the locations that has truly helped the state earn this reputation. The marshes, prairies, and bayous of this area were settled primarily by Cajuns, but they are home to a mixture of French, Germans, Spanish, Africans, and more who all contributed to the food, music, and joie de vivre (joy of life) that you’ll find—from the area’s biggest festivals down to a Sunday dinner at someone’s Maw Maw’s house (if you’re invited, definitely go...and bring your appetite).
Time to Fest
There is not a weekend in Louisiana that lacks a festival (or six) and many of the best fests can be found in Acadiana. The Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival, Delcambre Shrimp Festival, Zydeco Musical Festival, Festivals Acadiens et Creoles, and The Rayne Frog Festival are just a few you can find—almost all of which are free. Lafayette is also home to the amazing Festival de International, which is the largest international music and arts festival in the United States. At these multi-day events you’ll discover a variety of music, a diversity of people, and some of the most heavenly food you can imagine. When it comes to revelry, let’s not forget Mardi Gras season. Yes, New Orleans may have the biggest parades, but the Acadiana region has its fair share of celebrations, which include multiple parades and festivities culminating in the parties taking place on Fat Tuesday. In some of the smaller towns around Lafayette such as Mamou, Iota, Elton and Church Point, the traditional Cajun Country Mardi Gras takes place. An event like you’ve never seen, the Courir de Mardi Gras dates back to medieval France. Today, costumed men and women on horseback and trucks travel the countryside to beg residents for ingredients to cook a communal gumbo for the entire town and visitors. Outsiders are welcome to join in the revelry, but don’t be surprised if you end up chasing down a chicken with the locals.
This barrage of live music and delicious food is not confined to festival weekends. Local bands abound in smaller clubs and bars almost every night of the week and major touring acts like Jason Aldean, Chris Stapleton, KISS, Def Leppard, Lil Wayne and more make regular stops to The Cajundome in Lafayette. The Acadiana Center for the Arts is the area’s hub for art and culture. This beautiful facility plays host to an annual concert series, plays, musicals and other events. Kids can get into the action as well at the Children’s Museum of Acadiana or the Lafayette Science Museum. Finally, Lafayette has an amazing public art scene—from building walls to storm drains—that revitalizes and inspires, featuring the unique stories and heritage of the region.
If you want to immerse yourself in music, arts, and culture, Lafayette and the Acadiana region is a place where you can dive headfirst into a sea of activities year-round. As the locals say, “Allons y!” Or, “Let’s Go!”