Your go-to resource for discovering the culture, events, and year-round experiences that make Lafayette and the greater Acadiana area unforgettable.
Welcome to Acadiana, where the culture runs deep, the food is unforgettable, and every weekend brings a reason to celebrate. Whether you’re here for a short stay or an extended visit, Lafayette — the heart of Cajun Country and Acadiana’s “Hub City” — offers something special in every season.
Plan your trip and discover even more at LafayetteTravel.com.
Seasonal Festivals & Events
From Mardi Gras beads to boudin festivals, here’s your quick guide to the region’s signature celebrations.
February
- Mardi Gras Lafayette – Parades, beads, and family fun all week long.
March
- Celtic Bayou Festival – Irish meets Cajun with food, whiskey tastings, and music.
- Patty in the Parc – Lafayette’s St. Patrick’s Day block party tradition.
April
- Cycle Zydeco – A four-day bike ride through Cajun Country with food, fun, and festivals along the way.
- Scott Boudin Festival – All things boudin, plus music and rides.
- Festival International de Louisiane – Lafayette’s largest event of the year, with world music and art filling downtown streets.
May
- Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival – A three-day celebration in the Crawfish Capital of the World, featuring nonstop Cajun and Zydeco music, dancing, local artists, cooking competitions, and all the crawfish you can eat.
- Zydeco Extravaganza – Live zydeco all day, Cajun dancing all night.
October
- Festivals Acadiens et Créoles – A celebration of Cajun and Creole music, food, and culture.
- Blackpot Festival & Cookoff – Roots music, Dutch-oven cook-off, and camping under the oaks.
November
- Southern Screen Festival – Film, music, and storytelling converge in downtown Lafayette.
- Camellia Crossing: Acadiana’s Gleaux Run – A glowing 5K that lights up River Ranch, benefiting a local cancer services center.
December
- LARC’s Noël Acadien au Village – A Christmas wonderland of lights in a recreated Cajun village.
- Christmas at Bridge Point Farms – Family fun with festive lights and farm charm.
Year-Round Attractions
Even when the festival lights fade, there’s plenty to explore all year long:
- Vermilionville – Step back in time at this living history village.
- Moncus Park – Walking trails, dog park, splash pad, and weekly farmer’s markets.
- Hilliard Art Museum – Contemporary and classic art exhibits near UL Lafayette’s campus.
- Zoosiana – Lions, tigers, and giraffes — a perfect family outing.
Downtown Lafayette
The cultural heart of Acadiana, known for its award-winning restaurants, vibrant nightlife, live music, art walks, and year-round festivals. Whether you’re strolling through local shops or dancing to a zydeco band at a street concert, downtown delivers an unforgettable taste of Cajun Country. Visit their website to learn more.
- Rock ’n’ Bowl Lafayette – Bowling, dancing, and live music under one roof.
- Children’s Museum of Acadiana – Hands-on fun for the little ones.
- Lafayette Science Museum – Interactive exhibits for curious minds.
Swamp & Cultural Tours
You can’t truly experience Acadiana without getting up close with its swamps and culture:
- Cajun Country Swamp Tours
- McGee’s Swamp Tours
- Champagne’s Cajun Swamp Tours
- Cajun Food Tours– Hop on a cozy bus and eat your way through Lafayette’s best local bites.
Worth the Drive
Make a day trip out of it — these Acadiana landmarks are worth the extra miles:
- Avery Island: Home of TABASCO® & Jungle Gardens – Tour the TABASCO factory, then stroll through lush gardens filled with wildlife.
- Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino – Horse racing, gaming, and fine dining just up the road.
Plan Your Stay with Frontline’s Short-term rentals
From festivals to swamp tours, there’s no shortage of adventure in Lafayette and the surrounding parishes, affectionately known as Acadiana. Stay close to it all in a comfortable Frontline short-term rental — where Cajun hospitality meets modern convenience.
Ready to explore? Book direct for the best rates and local recommendations you won’t find anywhere else.
