On any given day visitors will find live music, great food and a dance floor in Lafayette, Louisiana, the heart of Cajun Country.
However from spring to fall, endless festivals and special events kick the merriment up a notch.
Grab Your Partner
It begins with Festival International de Louisiane, the largest outdoor free Francophone festival in the United States. Bands from around the world perform on several stages throughout downtown during the festival’s five-day span; this year it’s April 24–28. The festival also features arts and crafts, food, theatrical performances, cultural discussions and the Courir du Festival 5K Run.
All thoughts turn to crustaceans in May, when the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival delivers endless music, food, cooking contests and more from May 3–5. Wear comfortable dancing shoes for the Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival in nearby Plaisance over Labour Day weekend, where people rate bands by the amount of dust dancers kick up.
Both Cajun and Creole heritage will be celebrated October 11–13 with the annual Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, three days of live music on several stages, Louisiana arts and crafts, food booths and demonstrations, children’s activities and cultural lectures. Like its spring cousin, admission is free.
With so many festivals to enjoy, the biggest problem is which to choose.
Travel Planner
For more information, visit:
Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission: lafayette.travel
Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival: bbcrawfest.com
Festivals Acadiens et Créoles:festivalsacadiens.com
Festival International de Louisiane: festivalinternational.com
Zydeco Music Festival: zydeco.org