Playlist: Lafayette Weekly (February 10-17, 2019)
One of Lafayette’s most beloved and respected artists will perform a rare solo show this Wednesday
MoreWe’ve all been there.
You work hard, saving your time off to take that much-needed vacation. You’re itching to get away, and you might even be considering a trip to Lafayette. But you’ve got that nagging feeling that “maybe you shouldn’t” because it’s going to cost you…right?
Here in Lafayette, Louisiana we believe fun shouldn’t be an expense. It’s one of the reasons we’re known as the Happiest City in America even when your budget is tight and you’re in a pinch. That’s why we bundled all of our favorite things to do in here in Lafayette, Louisiana at little to no cost.
So give yourself and your wallet a much needed break. The trip you’ve been waiting for is waiting on you.
Lafayette, Louisiana has the Cajun & Creole flavors you crave, along with the freshest in Louisiana Gulf seafood. New generations of chefs across South Louisiana are putting an inventive spin on time-honored recipes, making every bite of food a unique experience. Whether you’re dining at one of our local restaurants or laying newspaper down for a crawfish boil, we guarantee it’s going to taste incredible.
Every hour is happy here in Lafayette. While other areas might boast about their “2-for-1” cocktails or drink specials, we package all of our favorite things into our happy hours.
Almost every day of the week, you’ll find specials ranging from freshly caught oysters to some unique pizza creations and yes, even those coveted 2 for 1 drink specials.
Some treat brewing as a craft. Here in Cajun Country, local businesses are transforming it into an art form. Acadiana already has three established breweries that locals and visitors know and love.
Bayou Teche Brewing, Parish Brewing and Cajun Brewing continue to expand production and distribution as more and more people clamor to get a taste of Lafayette.
Kick your year off with a Mardi Gras celebration like no other. Right up the road from New Orleans, we’ve got all the excitement and revelry of carnival season in a family-friendly atmosphere. Or, if you’re looking for a more “traditional” experience the Courir de Mardi Gras (French for “Fat Tuesday Run”) is an experience you’ll only find in South Louisiana.
The good times keep on rolling through April when we celebrate the largest outdoor Francophone event in the world with Festival International de Louisiane. Hundreds of performing and visual artists from 17 countries, along with Lafayette’s own artists, converge on six stages across Downtown Lafayette for five days of world music.
The fall is even busier kicking off with Festival Acadiens et Creole, a Cajun and Creole experience like no other. Taking place the second full weekend of October, this free three day festival welcomes locals and visitors alike to share in food, music, dancing as well as arts and crafts that make the region so unique.
Kick off your weekend starting Wednesday in Pelican Park with the Mercredi Concert Series.
The good times keep rolling on Thursday with Rhythms on the River, a free evening concert series held in River Ranch’s Town Square.
Friday's are a double header with Bach Lunch, a free popular lunchtime music series that takes place on Fridays in Downtown Lafayette coupling local food offerings with music for all ages.
The fun continues into the evening on Friday with Downtown Alive! another local favorite concert series offering free music from regional artists of all genres.
Lafayette, LA is at the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun & Creole Country where you can truly feel the pulse of the distinct food, music and culture we have to offer. This cultural oasis on the bayou blends contemporary sophistication of a cosmopolitan city with a unique heritage and culture hard to find anywhere this side of Europe.
Experience the history of Lafayette as you walk through the Downtown and Freetown areas of the Hub City. Learn about historic buildings, architecture, figures that shaped the city and much more. Choose between the Downtown Tour (Lafayette Walking History Tour) or the Freetown Tour (Freetown Creole of Color Tour) in both English and French.
The Acadian Cultural Center in Lafayette, Louisiana tells stories of the origins, migration, settlement, and contemporary culture of the Acadians (Cajuns) and other area groups. Ranger programs, films, exhibits, and events share a variety of local traditions including music, story-telling, dance, and food as well as exploring the mysteries of the Atchafalaya Basin, Louisiana’s wildest place.
Whether you’re a professional photographer or you’re looking for that perfect Instagram photo, Lake Martin is the perfect backdrop for your getaway. The Cypress Island Nature Preserve at Lake Martin is one of Louisiana’s largest nesting colonies for many species of water birds. Lake Martin is also home to a substantial nesting population of alligators, which can typically be spotted from Rookery Road, which runs right along the edge of the lake. Lake Martin can be easily reached by car and much of the surrounding area can be explored on foot, canoe or kayak.
Opened in 1978, the Acadiana Park Nature Station is located on a 150-acre facility complete with 6 mile trail system. The trail system will introduce you to some of the native flora and fauna of the area and the Nature Station staff is on hand to answer any questions. In addition they also offer plenty of programming for all ages including excursions and night hikes. Surrounding the Nature Station is a public park complete with playgrounds, tennis courts, soccer fields, pavilions and a 36-hole frisbee golf course that’s perfect for a long afternoon walk or a picnic.
Click here for more information on Acadiana Park and the Nature Station.
If you have a passion for discovering local works of art, souvenir shopping, antique shopping or just enjoy window shopping from store to store we have a great selection of locally owned shops waiting for you. Just kick back, relax and let us help plan your shopping escape to the Happiest City in America.
Lafayette is a town of culture, food, music, festivals and history. There is plenty to do no matter the time of year, but shopping is a nice, cool, option. Here in Lafayette there are plenty of places to shop, but if you prefer a bit of a treasure hunt be sure to check out some of our antique shops and perhaps even take a piece of history home with you.
Click here for the complete Antique Shopping Trail guide and accompanying map.
Experience the beauty of one of the largest green space parks in Lafayette while shopping and supporting local farmers and artisans. With local food vendors, artisans, jam sessions, park tours and educational seminars it’s a great way to spend a Saturday. The park and farmer’s market is open every Saturday rain or shine from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., but you can remain in the park to stroll about or plan a family picnic.
Click here for more information about the Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market at the Horse Farm.
One of Lafayette’s most beloved and respected artists will perform a rare solo show this Wednesday
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