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Spring in Lafayette, Louisiana, is one of the best times to enjoy FESTIVAL season! There are multiple festivals nearly every weekend, but there are heaps of other gems to enjoy in this Southern Louisiana belle of a town.
Reserve a reasonably priced room at the Holiday Inn Express, centrally located in town, for a comfortable and clean stay (with a hot breakfast included each morning).
Cajun Charm
Did you know that there is a happiest city in America? Lafayette wears that crown proudly, yet so many have never experienced its Cajun charm. When I recount my favorite things about Lafayette, it’s the live music and dancing, great food, and plenty to do and see in Cajun country. The people are great, too!
Musical Memories
Festival International de Louisiane
In 2026, Lafayette will celebrate its 40th Festival International, a completely free music fest downtown featuring musical acts from around the globe. Said to be the largest, free outdoor Francophone festival in the country, and dedicated to celebrating the connections between Acadiana and the Francophone world, each April, enjoy five days of top-notch music, Cajun food, cold beverages and handcrafted arts. Featuring seven stages and hundreds of performing and visual artists from over 15 countries, visitors experience a cultural celebration unlike any other. In one day (from noon – 9 pm), we were able to hear bands from Ireland, Haiti, Canada, Chicago, Austin, and Louisiana.
To keep the festival free, they sell a special pin of the year and encourage folks to purchase food and drinks, in addition to hand-crafted souvenirs. Locals greet each other saying, “Happy Festival!”
Food as International as the Music
With a tagline of: Wine.Bites.Conversation, transport to a French sidewalk bistro in this adorable walkable area of Lafayette. Known for its impressive wine selection, this is the ideal spot to toast a glass with folks you enjoy. Sharables are the way to go here with items such as truffle fries, brussel sprouts, Cajun crabcakes, Southwest salad and an artisanal grilled cheese packed with three cheeses and brisket (if you choose to add in some protein). While away a great evening here.
Right in the heart of downtown, and on the Festival International drag, this Mexican cantina, with its great air conditioning (yes, Lafayette is a humid Southern town that can heat up), is a beacon in the night for festival goers. Indulge in Enchalaidas Patron, a stuffed burrito or any hearty dish on this menu, and pair with a frozen margarita or draft beer (Pacifico or Modelo).
A great spot for Sunday brunch, dine on Southern faves like shrimp & grits, a breakfast bowl packed with eggs, beef and grits, fried green tomatoes, or something sweet like french toast or a pancake. Of course, you’ll have your choice of beverages from coffee to a champagne cocktail called 75 Francese.
Laissez les bons temps rouler
A fun combo unique to this business is providing their customers with the opportunity to go bowling and enjoy live music at the same time. With live music on Sundays from 5 to 8 p.m. (and other times, check their schedule), and prior to the music starting, they sing the Star-Spangled Banner with participation more than encouraged. Enjoy some Cajun-styled zydeco music with a packed dance floor while waiting for your turn to bowl. We were lucky enough to catch a show by Houston band Step Rideau.
Adopted Dog Brewing, Lafayette’s first and only brewery, caters to passionate craft beer
enthusiasts who travel extensively to explore unique breweries. With a commitment to offering a
diverse range of craft beers brewed in-house, the brewery welcomes all, including families and
dogs. Visitors can expect to also be entertained by live music on the weekends; we were lucky enough to catch an acoustic show by local Abi Claire.
Originated from a grocery store in 1937, this family owned business became famous for their smoked sausages and specialty meats. Try their appetizer plate with beignets and boudin or a breakfast bowl with eggs, grits, biscuit and a protein of your choice. Paired with a sunny day, dining on their outdoor picnic tables creates a relaxing afternoon or evening to cap off a busy day.
“Allons Manger” is the slogan, which means “let’s go eat!”
This well-known Cajun food tour was started over a decade ago by a former Louisiana history teacher, Marie Ducote-Comeaux, who proudly presents Louisiana culture by blending information on local history with knowing exactly where to get great food! Some of the locations you will get the opportunity to visit on their tours include: Ton’s in Broussard, BJs in Broussard, NuNus market, Fezzos and T-Coons.
Bites and knowledge from these stops are like “cultural gumbo,” they all flavor one another.
These 3-4 hour food tours are a bargain, starting as low as $57 per person!
Make like a local, and enjoy breakfast at T-Coons diner. If you’re lucky, you’ll have Heidi as your server. One of the unique and best parts about the diner is the opportunity to enjoy your very own Mellow Joy coffee at your table. Order a brisket or sausage link omelet, which will come with a homemade biscuit and gravy and or southern grits. No better way to start your day!
Spring time has come when you see 20 miles of Lafayette’s city streets lined with azaleas, with some patches of bushes of gigantic proportions being over 50-years-old. Enjoy the streets filled with a blend of lavender and fuchsia and snap some photos along the way. For those who prefer a more laidback route, trolley tours are offered the first and second Saturdays in March (plan for next spring).
Watch our recent San Antonio Living TV segment to learn more about Lafayette. And check out LafayetteTravel.com for more information. We’ve included some sample itinerary information below…
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Cover photo courtesy Lafayette Convention & Visitors Convention.
Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, and can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, such as KVUE, Daytime (FOX), San Antonio Living, Good Morning Texas, and KXAN! Marika spent five years as the voice of the “Weekend Trip Tip” on NPR’s Texas Standard pre-Covid. She is happiest (Happiest City in America) while dancing and dining with family!
