7 Annual Events that Make Lafayette a City for All Seasons

If there's one thing Cajun country is known for, it's the celebrations. In Lafayette, located at the heart of Acadiana, Mardi Gras is only the beginning. All year round, seasonal events celebrate every facet of the Louisiana experience and beyond. Whether it's fall, winter, spring, or summer, Lafayette has something to celebrate. Keep reading for just some of our favorite annual events!

Festivals Acadiens et Creoles

Since 1974, Lafayette has been celebrating Festivals Acadiens et Creoles, which remains fall's biggest event. What else would you expect from a free—yes, free—festival that includes live music, dancing, food, and local artisanship? The musical lineup includes a lively selection of Zydeco performers. There are even live demonstrations from some of the area's best chefs. Speaking of chefs, you can't have a festival without great food, and Festivals Acadiens et Creoles teams up with dozens of local vendors to serve local delicacies and delights. If your appetite leans a little more toward the arts and crafts side, the festival also puts on a giant crafts fair with all sorts of local creativity on display. 

Cinema on the Bayou Film Festival

Winter brings us the yearly Cinema on the Bayou Film Festival, which celebrates independent movies worldwide but specializes in Creole and French-language films. In addition to movie screenings, awards are given out by both a jury and the audience. If you'd like to see your name on the marquee, submissions for films are open to the public. Categories include Narrative Feature, Documentary Feature, and Experimental Short. Louisiana's second-oldest film festival is where your story starts. 

Vermilion Voyage

One of Lafayette's more adventurous annual events is the Vermilion Voyage, a 50-mile paddle down the beautiful Bayou Vermilion. This three-day overnight adventure starts at the Acadiana Park Nature Station and goes to Palmetto Island State Park. Registration will cost $350 and includes everything you need for the trip and a few extras. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all included, as is evening entertainment. 

Bayou Vermilion Festival & Boat Parade

For those who like boating down the Bayou Vermilion but need more confidence in their paddling abilities to make a three-day trip, the Bayou Vermilion Festival & Boat Parade is for you. Every September, you can watch the parade from dry land or rent a canoe to join in. It's only a 10-mile journey down the river, so you only need to bring an extra pair of clothes if you plan on competing in the costume contest!

Rhythms on the River

Speaking of rivers, we have to mention Rhythms on the River. This seasonal—and free—concert series is held every Thursday in the spring and fall at the picturesque River Ranch's Town. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of Cajun, Zydeco, and more. Whether you work up a sweat by dancing or need a drink to wind down, local vendors set up shop to serve some local hospitality. Burgers, quesadillas, churros, and Cajun favorites are just some options you can expect.

Daylily Festival & Garden Show

You can attend the horticultural extravaganza on the first Saturday in June, the Daylily Festival & Garden Show. Follow your nose to Magdalen Square, and you'll find a beautiful, aromatic collection of floral displays. You'll enjoy the flowers so much that you'll want to take some home with you. Good news: You can! In addition to the displays, vendors sell daylilies, hibiscus, and rare plants you're not likely to find at the local nursery. 

Scott Boudin Festival 

Boudin is one of the premier examples of Cajun cuisine, of course. There's nothing else quite like it, and for that reason alone, it deserves an entire festival! The Scott Boudin Festival takes place every April in the small city of Scott that borders Lafayette. Scott is known as the "Boudin Capital of the World" for producing more boudin than any other city in Louisiana. At the festival, you can look forward to a family-friendly environment of live music, amusement rides, fireworks, local art, and lots and lots of boudin. The boudin vendors are all local businesses, so you know you're getting the real deal. 

Plenty of Things to Do All Year-Round in Lafayette

In Lafayette, LA, there's always a reason to celebrate. Visit any time of year, and you'll walk right into a festival, parade, or concert series. Whichever time of year you choose to visit, we'll ensure you're treated right at one of our many hotels.