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 and Cajun Brewing continue to expand production and distribution as more and more people clamor to get a taste of Lafayette.
With its close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, Lafayette is a parish where many restaurants serve up some of the finest Gulf seafood delicacies. Each place has a dish they excel in, from great fried catfish and spicy boiled crawfish to gumbo. There are hole-in-the-wall drive-thrus to high-end,
More
Lafayette is a hot spot for up-and-coming chefs and seasoned culinary professionals alike. With such a rich landscape for food lovers to thrive, the area is home to a plethora of various kitchen connoisseurs. Some have gone through professional training and schooling. Some have cut their teeth at
More
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
More
It’s no secret that the food and bar scene of Downtown has exploded into an exciting array of tastes and flavors, which makes it the perfect foundation to build your own tour. Make it all restaurants, all bars, or a mixture of both – however you choose to spend your day or night Downtown, it’ll be
More
In addition to being known as the Cajun & Creole Country, Lafayette, LA is also known as the Heartbeat of Acadiana and with good reason. Our distinctive mix of Cajun, Creole, and Zydeco have people coming down from all over for a two-stepping good time. On any night of the week, you can listen to live music while sampling some authentic Cajun & Creole cuisine or kickback with a Sweet Crude Rouler that will have your taste buds dancing as much as your feet.
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.
A relatively recent invention, the bellows-driven, vibrating reed squeezebox known as the accordion
More
The triangle is a simple, percussive, rhythm instrument central to Cajun music. Consisting of two
More
A bowed string instrument, the fiddle is central to the sound, culture, and history of Cajun music.
More
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.
Lafayette is a hot spot for up-and-coming chefs and seasoned culinary professionals alike. With such a rich landscape for food lovers to thrive, the area is home to a plethora of various kitchen connoisseurs. Some have gone through professional training and schooling. Some have cut their teeth at
More
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
More
Some time in 1960s, businessmen with the Japanese electronics company Hitachi flew to southwest Louisiana, specifically, we are told, to Ville Platte. Of interest to them were the curiously high sales marks of their rice-cookers across a region otherwise alien to their products. At the time,
More
The Cajuns' Love of Rice Some time in the 1960s, businessmen with the Japanese electronics company Hitachi flew to southwest Louisiana, specifically, we are told, to Ville Platte. Of interest to them were the curiously high sales marks of their rice-cookers across a region otherwise alien to their
More
Lafayette’s an area known for its swampland dotted with moss-draped cypress trees teeming with wildlife, which makes it the perfect destination for bird watching, paddling, fishing, and numerous other outdoor activities.
Whether you’re a professional photographer or you’re looking for that perfect Instagram photo, Bayou Vermilion is the perfect backdrop for your getaway. The Vermilion runs 70-miles through Lafayette and Vermilion Parish. The Vermilion is also home to plenty of wildlife including a variety of birds and the occasional alligator in the northern portion. There are many access points in Lafayette Parish as well as many routes you can take. Rentals are available at Bayou Vermilion District as well as guided tours.
Opened in 1978, the Acadiana Park Nature Station is located on a 150-acre facility complete with a 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.
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
More
These days capturing the perfect photo for your Instagram feed is almost a necessity. Whether you're from Lafayette or just visiting, many places in the area serve as the perfect backdrop! We have gathered some "hidden" and not-so-hidden spots that will surely take your Insta-game to the next level!
More
Southern hospitality is a draw for travelers. The charm of Lafayette is evident in its visual,
More
While much of the country is still covered in snow and frost, spring bursts forth in Lafayette with millions of azalea blossoms in spectacular shades of pinks, purples, corals, and white. Azaleas were brought to the Gulf Coast over two centuries ago from East Asia. In Chinese culture, azaleas are
More
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.
Lafayette is a town of culture, food, music, festivals and history. There is plenty to do no matter the time of year, but with the weather heating up, 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
More
Cajun Country is home to one of the most authentic cultures in the country. After visiting, you don’t just have to tell your friends and family about it, you can let them experience it for themselves, thanks to artful, unique and tasty local souvenirs you can order online and ship right to their
More
Your Guide to High-End Shopping & Dining in Acadiana Thanks to its lucrative oil and gas industry,
More
With its close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, Lafayette is a parish where many restaurants serve up some of the finest Gulf seafood delicacies. Each place has a dish they excel in, from great fried catfish and spicy boiled crawfish to gumbo. There are hole-in-the-wall drive-thrus to high-end,
More
Lafayette is a town of culture, food, music, festivals and history. There is plenty to do no matter the time of year, but with the weather heating up, 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
More
Lafayette is a hot spot for up-and-coming chefs and seasoned culinary professionals alike. With such a rich landscape for food lovers to thrive, the area is home to a plethora of various kitchen connoisseurs. Some have gone through professional training and schooling. Some have cut their teeth at
More
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
More
Who haunts the houses and buildings of Acadiana, a region rich in culture and history? Those who refuse to leave hang in shadows, tease us with weird happenings, and some even show themselves in the dark of night. Here are a few scary places to visit in Lafayette, but only if you’re brave enough to
More
It’s no secret that the food and bar scene of Downtown has exploded into an exciting array of tastes and flavors, which makes it the perfect foundation to build your own tour. Make it all restaurants, all bars, or a mixture of both – however you choose to spend your day or night Downtown, it’ll be
More
Halloween week is here, and there is plenty of music to be heard in the Hub City. The Bucks, an all-star classic country outfit led by Gary Newman, will be performing at the Feed n’ Seed on Thursday night. Although the annual Blackpot Festival is canceled this year, one of the event's favorite
More
Pizza has a long history and even more varieties adapted over the years and in different regions. According to History.com, flatbreads with toppings were consumed by the ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks. The latter ate a version with herbs and oil, similar to today’s focaccia. But the modern
More
Nothing seems more American than a good burger. A dish that has stood the test of time and can be reinvented in various ways, it's no wonder burgers are still a favorite among foodies. Lafayette has a variety of burger joints, from classic drive-thrus and historic restaurants to vegetarian and vegan
More
Why reserve tacos just for Tuesdays? Lafayette has a hidden street taco scene, and all you have to do is look just beyond the horizon. Staring at us in plain sight are a mix of authentic, affordable, and delicious tacos from families with origins in Mexico, Honduras, Venezuela, and El Salvador.
More
Glenn Murphree grew up in New Orleans, so he understood poorboys, a sandwich born in the Crescent City. When a small corner grocery store dating back to the mid-1900s came up for sale in Lafayette, Murphree bought the property and began serving poorboys to Acadiana residents. Over the years, Olde
More
The path to establishing Spoonbill Watering Hole & Restaurant is a curvy country road. It originates in the days of the Olympic Grove pizza truck when Stephen Verret and Jeremy Conner brought games, chill vibes, and tasty pizza pies all over town. Stephen, while having little experience in
More
BJ’s Pizza, a Lafayette institution, opened in 1981. The name is based on card games, blackjack specifically. There are several items on the menu that have poker-inspired names, the Full House Pizza, Royal Flush, two of a kind, and the gambler poboy. It started as a franchise, and the owners
More
Hot style deli sandwiches, toasted wraps, salads, and a daily soup selection are all available at family-friendly Super Taters in Scott. All in all, there are over 100+ unique baked potato offerings ranging from classic combinations served with a twist to Cajun hometown favorites. No matter which
More
Louisiana’s prime location in the South means the weather can be hot and humid, but plenty of places around town provide a refreshing splash of fun. And even though Lafayette’s balmy winters, families can dive right into swimming pools and splash pads open year-round. Toddlers to tweens can’t
More
Thank goodness for public art. It revitalizes, beautifies and shares the unique stories and heritage of communities. And they withstand the test of time or at least a few decades. The Hub City has done its part to contribute to a movement to restore, enrich and honor its corner of the American South
More
In the last 15 years, Louisiana has acquired the nickname "Hollywood South" thanks to early 2000s legislation that created tax incentives that attracted film companies to the Pelican State. The Louisiana film industry continues to boom bringing film crews to locations throughout the state to shoot a
More
Lafayette, Louisiana, aka The Hub City, is a charming town along the Vermilion River in the southwestern area of the state. While locals may focus a lot of their attention on the Ragin’ Cajuns of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, there’s another sport in town that’s worth paying attention to
More
Research shows that eating more plant-based dishes and shying away from animal protein can be better for health and longevity. Whether you’re just trying to eat healthier or you’re committed to living a vegan lifestyle, there are a fresh crop of pop-ups and established brick and mortar locations
More
If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, then there are many important factors to consider, especially when you’re in South Louisiana. Biscuits? What about a pastry? Do I want classic eggs bennie or greasy spoon fries? Of course, there are a few famous dishes you can only get in this area
More
