Festival Acadiens et Creoles

Lafayette

Discover America’s Happiest City, home to authentic Cajun and Creole culture and cuisine.

At a Glance

  • Known For: Cajun culture, Courir de Mardi Gras, Festival International de Louisiane, Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, Vermilionville, zydeco music and boudin
  • Top Things to Do: Tour LARC’s Acadian Village, explore the Children’s Museum of Acadiana, watch live performances at Artmosphere or Blue Moon Saloon, sample local delicacies on a Cajun Food Tour
  • Major Events: Mardi Gras and Courir de Mardi Gras, Festival International de Louisiane, Festivals Acadiens et Créoles

Top Things to Do in Lafayette

Lafayette’s rich history means there are plenty of museums and historical sites to explore. Discover the city’s heritage at LARC's Acadian Village, a beautifully recreated early Acadian town, with seven authentic 19th-century homes that stand as a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of their original builders. Learn even more about Acadian culture at Vermilionville, a living history museum and folklife park, where you can explore on foot or take a boat tour along Bayou Vermilion. Bring the whole family to the Children’s Museum of Acadiana, where the little ones can play doctor in the Acadian Ambulance or make believe as “Bob the Builder” at the Itty Bitty Builders exhibit.

Cajun music lives in Lafayette. Artmosphere is always a must-visit for local performances and game nights. Or catch a show at Blue Moon Saloon, where you can perfect your Cajun two-step. At Hideaway on Lee, nom on upgraded bar snacks, burgers and build-your-own floats while enjoying performances from Cajun and zydeco bands. The sister venue and bar, The Sidecar, hosts a rotating selection of Louisiana musicians of all genres, from laid-back folk and country to swamp blues, jazz and rock.

Places to Stay

Looking for places to stay in Lafayette, Louisiana? Consider booking a room at the Carriage House Hotel, a serene, luxurious boutique hotel known for its Southern hospitality. Also home to an on-site day spa, world-class fitness center, tennis court and lazy river pool, it’s the perfect place to spend a relaxing weekend. The quaint, 20-room Juliet Hotel is conveniently located in downtown Lafayette, and the historic Maison Mouton Bed & Breakfast transports guests to 1800s Acadiana. Both La Quinta Inn – Lafayette North and Wingate by Wyndham Lafayette are great options for budget travelers, offering the comforts and amenities of chain hotels. 

Food & Drink

T-Coon’s Restaurant has been serving home-cooked favorites to Lafayette locals and visitors for four generations. Lunch specials are the main draw, with comforting dishes like smothered rabbit, short-rib fricassee and shrimp-and-okra stew. Steve n Pat’s Bon Temps Grill is a family-friendly spot with a long menu, ensuring everyone at the table can find something to enjoy. Favorites include deep-fried meat pies, red beans and rice, crawfish pot pie and mesquite-grilled meat loaf. And you simply must make a stop at Johnson’s Boucanière for fresh boudin. Want to try everything, but don’t know where to start? Let Cajun Food Tours do the work for you!

Events & Festivals in Lafayette

Mardi Gras celebrations abound in Lafayette, with elaborate balls, high-energy parades and the storied Courir de Mardi Gras. This legendary Cajun tradition is a sight to behold, featuring costumed participants on horseback who travel the countryside to beg for gumbo ingredients. The trek includes a chicken chase and ends with communal gumbo for all.

In April, attend the Festival International de Louisiane, the country's largest international music festival. This five-day cultural event hosts performing artists from around the world, including Jamaica, France, Morocco and India. And the food is just as global, from spinach pie to samosas, shrimp tempura to Cuban tamales.

In fall, Festivals Acadiens et Créoles shines a spotlight on Lafayette’s unique culture and community. Enjoy live music, food and drinks, live cooking demonstrations and dance lessons. The best part? The entire festival is free and family-friendly!

Travel Tips & Resources

It's easy to navigate Lafayette. If you're flying into town, rent a car or book a rideshare from the Lafayette Regional Airport. Lafayette is also a short drive from Houston, Texas (3 hours), Jackson, Mississippi (4 hours), and Gulf Shores, Alabama (5 hours).

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Lafayette?

The best things to do in Lafayette, Louisiana, include learning about Cajun culture and history at Vermilionville and the Acadian Cultural Center, exploring Cajun cuisine with Cajun Food Tours, and experiencing live zydeco and Cajun music at the Blue Moon Saloon or Rock ‘n’ Bowl. Head to Johnson’s Boucanière for fresh boudin, or indulge in Cajun comfort food like crawfish pot pie at Bon Temps Grill. If you’re in town during the spring, attend the Festival International de Louisiane, the largest international music festival in the country.

What is Lafayette known for?

Lafayette is known as the heart of Acadiana. It’s often called “the Happiest City in America,” known for its Cajun heritage, culture and cuisine. Lafayette has also been voted “the Tastiest Town in the South” for its incredible food scene, from boudin and gumbo to cracklins and crawfish.

What is the best time of year to visit Lafayette?

While there really isn’t a bad time of year to visit Lafayette, we’d say the best time is spring and fall, when mild weather pairs with popular events like Festival International de Louisiane and Festivals Acadiens et Créoles. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are generally mild and less crowded.

What is the weather like in Lafayette?

Lafayette typically enjoys hot, humid summers and short, cold winters. Expect average highs of 90° and 91° F in July and August, with lows dipping to 44° F in January. Pack layers for winter, and sunscreen and a hat for summer.

Where can I get more travel information about Lafayette?

For official travel information about Lafayette, Louisiana, visit Lafayette Travel, the city’s official destination marketing organization. The site provides visitor guides, maps, transportation details, hotel and lodging information, event calendars and planning resources to help travelers make the most of their visit. Travelers can also find statewide trip ideas, itineraries and regional guides on Explore Louisiana, Louisiana’s official tourism website.