Festival International Insider's Guide Itinerary

5p    Downtown Dinner

An early dinner right before the Festival begins is a must, and we're giving you a few suggestions based on your budget and cravings. For these suggestions, we're keeping it Downtown so you can park once and enjoy dinner and the Festival.

Quick Meal - Ideal if you're running late or have the kids in tow

• Pop’s Poboys: Classic Southern po' boys along with modern takes.
• CENTRAL Pizza & Bar: Wood-fired pizzas and seasonal cocktails.
• The Flats: Burgers, fries, draft beer, and cocktails with an outdoor patio.

Friend/Date Night Feels - Perfect for setting the Festival Interntaional mood

• Vestal: Welcoming, upbeat environment with open hearth cooking and thoughtfully, deliciously crafted beverages.
• Pamplona: Urban elegance with rustic Spanish simplicity, transporting flavors from traditional Spain fused with international tastes.
• Minami: Authentic Japanese dining experience with sushi, sashimi, ramen, hibachi and other delights.

We're Here for The Cocktails - More drink forward with some snacks

• Spoonbill Watering Hole & Restaurant: Serving a variety of plates ranging from fresh gulf seafood to burgers with patio seating, perfect for drinking local beer, cocktails as well as tiki drinks.
• Wild Child Wine Shop: Your friendly neighborhood wine shop and tiny bar, focused on small production wines and conservas.
• Hideaway on Lee: Casual eatery serving comfort food and offering a full bar and live music.

6:30p    Festival International

The opening night of Festival International features an act out of New York and a local artist at Scene Fais Do Do, starting at 6:30 p.m. with two performances.

9p    Live Music Options

The Festival may be over, but the live music is just getting started. Explore the many dancehalls and music venues Downtown by checking out Lafayette Weekly. See below for a complete list of who to see and where to go for a fun-filled night of dancing.

8a    Breakfast

Fuel up before a day of exploration and evening of music with some of Lafayette’s best breakfast spots! Whether you’re craving fluffy biscuits and hearty omelets, a fresh and locally sourced meal, or classic Cajun-Creole flavors, there’s a perfect spot to start your Festival day. Grab a bite, sip some coffee, and get ready to experience the magic of Festival International!

• Edie’s Biscuit: Acclaimed breakfast venue whipping up omelets, biscuits and other hearty plates in no-frills digs.
• Five Mile Eatery: Counter-service eatery offering organic, vegetarian, and locally sourced dishes, plus craft coffee.
• T’Coon’s: Home-style cafe serving up breakfast classics & Cajun-Creole dishes, from omelets to crawfish étouffée.

10a    Swamp Tour

In St. Martin Parish, a must-see is the Atchafalaya Basin, and there's no better way to explore this waterway than on a swamp tour. Whether you prefer a slow boat tour or a fast-paced airboat tour, you will see some amazing sites. The weather around this time is a little cold for alligators, but you will definitely see some birds and other wildlife, as well as the beauty of moss-draped cypress trees and other flora and fauna.

12:00p    Lunch

Take a break from the excitement of the swamp tour and enjoy a delicious lunch at one of these local favorites! If you're staying in St. Martin Parish, sip craft brews and savor wood-fired pizza, enjoy Cajun classics, or feast on generous portions of Creole comfort food. If you’re heading back to Lafayette Parish, dig into smoky barbecue and boudin, grab a po’ boy, or indulge in soulful Southern staples. No matter where you dine, you’re in for an unforgettable taste of Lafayette!

Dine in St. Martin Parish

• Bayou Teche Brewing: Locally brewery with Neapolitan style pizzeria, tiki bar, and vintage arcade.
• Little Big Cup: Cajun-inspired eatery featuring breakfast, seafood, and po' boy sandwiches, and a full bar.
• Glenda’s Creole Kitchen: Casual, beloved eatery offering sizable servings of traditional Creole fare, including BBQ and stuffed turkey.

Dine in Lafayette Parish

• Johnson’s Boucaniere: Down-home Cajun eatery known for homemade boudin served with smoked meats, BBQ, and beer.
• Acadian Superette: Barbecue joint serving brisket, po' boys, and other comfort grub in a casual setting.
• Laura’s II: Soul food restaurant serving turkey wings, ribs, and chicken and waffles, in an informal setting.

2:00p    Walk, Explore, and Learn

Dive into Lafayette’s rich history and culture of Lafayette while walking off lunch at these must-visit museums. Whether you want to learn more about the contributions of Free People of Color and formerly enslaved individuals in the historic Freetown neighborhood, wanting to step back to a living history museum showcasing restored 18th- and 19th-century homes, local crafts, and live music, or want to have a more hands-on experience with interactive exhibits and the planetarium, there’s something for everyone!

• Maison Freetown: Located in Lafayette’s historic Freetown neighborhood, Maison Freetown is a museum dedicated to preserving and honoring the untold stories and contributions of the Free People of Color and formerly enslaved individuals who shaped the community.
• Vermilionville: Living history museum with restored 18th- to 19th-century homes, a restaurant, a gift shop, and live music on the weekends.
• Lafayette Science Museum: Interactive exhibits exploring paleontology, marine biology & geology, plus a planetarium.

4:00p    Break

Need a little downtime before diving into Festival International? Grab a cozy spot for a coffee in a relaxing atmosphere, indulge in nostalgic treats, or unwind with craft cocktails and good vibes. Take a break, recharge, and get ready for an unforgettable evening at Festival!

Coffee & Sweet Treats

• Carpe Diem Café & Wine Bar: Cozy espresso bar serving coffee, desserts, and cocktails, including gluten-free options.
• Reve Coffee Roaster: Coffee roaster offering brews and light bites in a bright, inviting space with Wi-Fi.
• Borden’s Ice Cream Shoppe: Restored landmark sweet shop offering ice cream, malts, hot dogs & other nostalgic treats.

6-10:45p Festival International

10:45p    Live Music Options

The Festival may be over, but the live music is just getting started. Explore the many dancehalls and music venues Downtown by checking out Lafayette Weekly. See below for a complete list of who to see and where to go for a fun-filled night of dancing.

8:00a    Breakfast

Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at one of Lafayette’s favorite local spots! Step back in time for a classic breakfast plates and plate lunches, opt for a cozy café vibe, or dine on a creative breakfast fare with a Southern twist. No matter your pick, you’ll be fueled up and ready for a full day of Festival fun!

• Hub City Diner: Breakfast and plate lunch diner with a full menu served in 1950s-style digs with red booths and black tile.
• Black Café: Locally owned cafe with a full-service espresso bar serving breakfast and lunch.
• The French Press: Easygoing spot furnishing breakfast fare, sandwiches at lunch & American French dinners on weekends.

9:00a    TABASCO

We've got something to spice up your morning. Head down to Avery Island for the whole TABASCO experience. Start with the many stops along the factory tour where you'll learn about the family's history, how TABASCO is made from plant to bottle, and even taste some TABASCO ice cream and soda in the Country Store on your way out. Be sure to check out Jungle Gardens before you leave, a driving trail through the flora and fauna of the area, including a Budha statue believed to be from 1100 A.D. and a bird sanctuary.

11:30p     Bach Lunch

Bach Lunch is a  free  lunchtime concert series takes place in the heart of Downtown Lafayette. Enjoy live music, good food, and fun for all ages. Food vendors begin selling lunch at 11:00 a.m. and live music is from 12:00-1:00 p.m. Bring your blankets and chairs so that you can enjoy the show picnic-style!

2:30p     Cajun Food Tour

Hop on Cajun Food Tour’s cozy customized tour bus to visit five locally owned authentic Cajun eateries over the course of three and a half hours. Discover Lafayette’s unique history, fall in love with the renowned culture, and, best of all, savor the staples that make Cajun cuisine so special.

5:15-10:15p    Festival International de Louisiane

10:30p    Live Music Options

The Festival may be over, but the live music is just getting started. Explore the many dancehalls and music venues Downtown by checking out Lafayette Weekly. See below for a complete list of who to see and where to go for a fun-filled night of dancing.

8-11a    Courir du Festival 5K

Walk, jog, or run through the historic tree-lined streets of downtown Lafayette on the Saturday morning of Festival International. Cross the finish line with live music, food, and beer! The Courir du Festival 5K is a great way to show support for the Festival while also promoting your own health. Note: Runners must register in advance.

8a    Breakfast

Running not your cup of tea? Have a cup of coffee and breakfast instead at one of the breakfast places below and watch as the marathon passes by.

• Ton’s Downtown: Casual restaurant serving American and Creole dishes, including breakfast, burgers, and seafood.
• The Brown Skillet: Restaurant serving comfort food with a particular focus on breakfast, plus cakes and various flavors of lemonade.
• Dwyer’s Café: Longtime spot offering homestyle diner classics and some Louisiana specialties for breakfast & lunch.

8:45a-9:15p   Festival International de Louisiane

9:30p    Live Music

The Festival may be over, but the live music is just getting started. Explore the many dancehalls and music venues Downtown by checking out Lafayette Weekly. See below for a complete list of who to see and where to go for a fun-filled night of dancing.

7a   Breakfast

Before diving into Festival International, start your day with a satisfying breakfast at one of Lafayette’s breakfast spots! Whether you are craving classic and creative biscuit-based dishes, paired with coffee, beer, or cocktails, a cozy and welcoming atmosphere with delicious morning favorites like eggs Benedict and beignets, or a classic diner experience with all-day breakfast in a fun ‘50s-style setting, there's something for everyone. No matter your choice, a great meal awaits to kick off your Festival adventure!

• Parish Biscuit Company: Casual restaurant serving up traditional and innovative biscuit-based dishes, along with beer and cocktails.
• Ema’s Café: American restaurant serving dishes such as eggs Benedict and beignets in a cozy atmosphere.
• Mel’s Diner: Classic diner with '50s decor serving all-day breakfast, blue-plate specials & other comfort eats.

12p Festival International de Louisiane

7:30p    Boiled Crawfish

There's no better way to end Festival International than with some piping hot, seasoned to perfection, crawfish. In Lafayette there is no shortage of boiled crawfish places and you can check them all out here.

• Prejean's: Serving up delicious Cajun flavors for over 75 years.
• The Cajun Table: Serving home-style Cajun cuisine from classic Louisiana dishes to boiled seafood.
• Dwight's: Cajun home-cooked plate lunches.

9p    Live Music Options

The Festival may be over, but the live music is just getting started. Explore the many dancehalls and music venues Downtown by checking out Lafayette Weekly. See below for a complete list of who to see and where to go for a fun-filled night of dancing.