Lafayette, LA is a year-round destination, with long summers followed by pleasant winters in the mid-60s. Here in Cajun Country, we define our seasons by festivals, food, and time-honored traditions.
Come during the holidays, and the whole town sparkles. During our Cajun & Creole Christmas, Lafayette transforms into a winter wonderland with light shows, parades, a tour of homes, and special performances. Did you resolve to try something new this year? Then Cajun Country is the place for you! Only in Lafayette can you attend a rodeo, film festival, concert series, and a Mardi Gras parade! On colder days, warm up with a plate lunch of Cajun comfort foods, and treat your palate to a slice of king cake. If peace and quiet is more your speed, our fairytale gardens, cozy inns, and fine dining restaurants are ideal for a romantic getaway.
Crawfish are at their peak in early spring. Roll up your sleeves and pick your own or eat it with a fork in an etouffee at one of our many restaurants or the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival. No trip is complete without boudin and po’boys. Be sure to stop at one of the legendary spots on our Cajun Boudin Trail and attend the annual Po’Boy Festival. Burn off some calories at a lively dance hall, or participate in the Vermilion Voyage, a three-day, 50-mile, overnight paddling excursion. Spring is also an ideal time to spend a day in Downtown Lafayette, where you’ll find attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. Every April, Downtown hosts Festival International, bringing more than 500 musicians from 15 countries to the stage.
Summer starts early and sticks around a while. Stay cool with delicious frozen snoballs and local craft beer. Give the kids a summer history lesson at Vermilionville, a historic village that hosts Creole and Acadian culture days, and admire some of our incredible architecture and public art around town. Plan your meals around EatLafayette, where the top restaurants around town offer incredible deals. On your way out of town, shop our local makers for a tasty or artistic souvenir. On your drive home, be sure to listen to some great Zydeco and Swamp Pop music with our Lafayette Weekly playlist on Spotify!
Fall is especially beautiful for spending time outdoors, with nature trails and cypress bayous waiting to be explored. Fall is also filled with events and festivals celebrating everything from blackpot cooking to local haunts, vintage hotrods, and modern films. The season’s biggest event is Festival Acadiens et Créoles, where our local culture shines with three days of authentic music, dancing, art, and food.
No matter when you’re here visiting, you’re sure to find authentic, one-of-a-kind experiences.
The most exciting week of live music to grace our city is here. Musicians from far-reaching corners of the globe gather for five days of unparalleled rhythm, dance, art, and…
Get ready for a belly-full of fun and a Cajun experience like no other! The Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival, held the first weekend in May, isn't just about crawfish (although…
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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.
