On the Front Line of Exploring Lafayette: Your Insider’s Travel Guide

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.

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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.

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