Happiest City in America
 

Welcome to Lafayette, Louisiana

Lafayette is at the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun & Creole Country, an area known as the Happiest City in America. Their history dates back to the 18th century, when Canada’s Acadians were expelled and settled in Louisiana. More than two centuries later tourists visit for a rare taste of the genuine Acadian experience.
 
Lafayette has a distinct culinary identity as the epicenter of Cajun cuisine that’s earned them the title Best Food City in the USA. Lafayette’s culinary scene is steeped in tradition and continues to evolve with a new generation of chefs making it an incredible place to eat.
 
No matter what time of year you visit Lafayette they will have something for you to celebrate. It doesn’t take long to get hooked on Lafayette’s Cajun and Zydeco music and there’s never a shortage of dance partners if you want to try your hand at a two-step or waltz.

Whether your passion is for their rich cultural history, the bustling culinary scene or distinctive blend of Cajun and Zydeco music, you can be sure you will leave with a smile on your face.

Y Lafayette Sign

Blue Dog Café

It's Crawfish Season Y'all

With over 50 restaurants serving up this craveable crustacean it's not wonder people wait all year long for crawfish season.

Foodie's Guide

For foodies looking to travel to Lafayette or locals in search of somewhere new, it's hard to go wrong. In fact, the biggest challenge will be working out what not to eat.

Weekly Events

If you're looking to spend some time in the Hub City and want to know what events are happening, you're in the right place. We'll give you a weekly rundown of live music and other events taking place each week in the Happiest City in America.

Lafayette Parish Bicentennial

In 2023 Lafayette Parish will celebrate its bicentennial with a series of events throughout the year that honor the history of the parish and look to what the future holds.

African American Musical Legends in...

June is African American Music Appreciation Month. A time to honor, celebrate, and reflect on all the musical accomplishments Black Americans have given... Read More

June Events Spotlight

If you're looking to spend some time in the Hub City and want to know what events are happening in June, you're in the right place. We'll... Read More

Lafayette Weekly

The Cajun Heartland State Fair rolls on this week with nightly performances by artists from right here in Acadiana. Performers include rock guitarist... Read More

Creole Music

An early 20th-century precursor to zydeco, la-la music melds indigenous American, African, European, blues, nascent rhythm and blues, and Louisiana... Read More

Getting to Lafayette

The city of Lafayette, LA is located in the center of Lafayette Parish at the intersection of I-10 and I-49 between New Orleans and Houston and only 35 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico. The eight parishes that comprise the area are Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, and Vermilion. Acadiana is made up of 22 South Louisiana parishes that extend from south of Alexandria in the center of the state, to Lake Charles on the west, south of New Orleans on the east, and to the Gulf of Mexico in the south.

Plan Your Escape

Lafayette, LA is at the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun & Creole Country, an area known as the ‘Happiest City in America’ and it’s no mystery. Whether your passion is for our rich cultural history, the bustling culinary scene or distinctive blend of Cajun and Zydeco music, you can be sure you will leave beaming from ear to ear. Plan your escape to the Happiest City in America.

Allons is the official tourism publication of Lafayette Travel. Request a Copy View Digital Version