Long before “farm-to-table” became a trend, Lafayette was already living it. In Lafayette, the term “farm to table” is a necessity. As a native myself, I grew up among the rice fields and crawfish ponds of the Acadiana area. Buying boiled crawfish at a restaurant was a foreign concept to me until…
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Each spring, Downtown Lafayette comes alive with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Festival International de Louisiane, the largest free Francophone festival in the U.S. This five-day event transforms the city into a global stage, where music, art, and culture from around the world take center…
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The origins of some of South Louisiana’s deepest traditions may have been lost in time, or perhaps in the revelry. But rituals of faith still play a large role in how we celebrate, what we eat, and when we rest. As you explore this region’s rich culture and history, it’s worth a visit to many of its…
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Since the very first Festival International de Louisiane in 1986 photographer Philip Gould has captured moments that show how the unique festival has grown to become one of the largest non-ticketed Francophone events in the world. We have partnered with him to showcase some his most memorable…
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It's the place you swing by after a long day work, to watch the game or just to yuck it up with some familiar faces. It was the backdrop of a long-running TV series where "Everybody knows your name". Yes, I'm talking about the neighbor bar. South Louisiana has a long list watering holes that cater…
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With its close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, Lafayette is a parish where many restaurants serve up some of the finest Gulf seafood delicacies. Each place has a dish they excel in, from great fried catfish and spicy boiled crawfish to gumbo. There are hole-in-the-wall drive-thrus to high-end…
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It’s hard to find a more authentic destination in the United States than Louisiana’s Cajun & Creole Country, home to energetic roots music, untainted foodways, a rich Francophone heritage, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. Springtime brings out the best in the magical part of the…
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Lafayette is a treasure trove for shoppers seeking something special. Whether you're hunting for a gift basket, handcrafted art, or unique Cajun & Creole flavors, our city's local gift shops offer an authentic taste of Acadiana culture and creativity. Here's your guide to the best spots for finding…
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Stretching across Lafayette and the surrounding communities, the African American Heritage Trail offers a powerful, place-based journey through the people, institutions, and stories that shaped Black life in Lafayette Parish and throughout Acadiana. From historic churches and schools founded during…
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GRAMMY award-winning and nominated musicians from Acadiana Music has been the soul of Acadiana since the area's humble beginnings, with a melting pot of Cajuns, Creoles, European, and Native American cultures inspiring fresh new sounds. South Louisiana has fostered folk music, country, rock, rhythm…
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