Sharing the food, music, culture, and history at the heart of Cajun & Creole Country.

Festival International Field Guide

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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Biggest Spring Events in Lafayette

As the chilly air turns into a warm breeze, there's no better time to get out and about in Lafayette than spring. Like the flowers, celebrations of Cajun culture, food, and music bloom during the springtime and color the calendar with some of the city's finest annual events. If you can smell the…

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Unique Venues to Meet in Lafayette

The venue can make all the difference when planning a meeting, conference, or special event. Lafayette, Louisiana, offers a variety of unique and inspiring spaces showcasing the region’s rich history, culture, and hospitality. Whether you're looking for a historic setting, a lively entertainment…

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Mardi Gras Frequently Asked Questions

South Louisiana is home to the greatest free party on earth, a colorful celebration known as Mardi Gras. In Lafayette, LA, residents celebrate in many ways, including the traditional courir de Mardi Gras; parades with marching bands, beads, and doubloons; Mardi Gras Indians with elaborate dancing…

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History of Festivals Acadiens et Creoles

In the 1930s, folklorists John and Alan Lomax visited South Louisiana to record Cajun and Creole songs for the Library of Congress Archive of American Folk Song (now the Archive of Folk Culture). It was the first time someone recorded Cajun and Creole songs on tape for archival purposes. In 1964…

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Lafayette's Unique Seasons

Immerse yourself in the untouched purity of a cypress and tupelo swamp. Sway your hips to the upbeat tempo of accordions and washboards, or let the seductive flavors of Cajun and Creole cooking dance on your palate. Join in on a colorful Mardi Gras celebration and experience the largest non-ticketed…

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