Downtown Alive! ft. Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas
Kick off Mardi Gras at Downtown Alive! featuring Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas with an opening set by Jason Harrington avec the Specklers.
Downtown Alive! is considered Acadiana’s longest-standing free concert series. A tradition that once started as a way to drive foot traffic to the Downtown core has transformed into a celebration of the music and culture the district is known for. Downtown Alive!, Downtown Lafayette, and Evangeline Maid merchandise is available for purchase online and during all DTA! events. Proceeds from these merchandise go back to Downtown Lafayette to help continue keeping the DTA! tradition alive.
Please leave ice chests at home to help keep DTA! free to the public – grab a drink from the beverage tent and a bite to eat from food vendors and downtown restaurants. For more information about Downtown Alive! and Downtown Lafayette, visit downtownlafayette.org and follow Downtown Lafayette on Facebook and Instagram.
Please leave ice chests at home and help keep DTA! free by grabbing a drink from the beverage tent and a bite to eat from food vendors.
Downtown Alive! is a free event and relies on community support from volunteers, business sponsors, and partner organizations. If you are passionate about family-friendly events or the revitalization of Downtown Lafayette, or your business could benefit from exposure to local families, then we urge you to contact us and express your interest in participating.
Jason Harrington avec the Specklers
Nathan WIlliams & the Zydeco Cha Chas
Nathan Williams began his music career at 21, recording for his brother Sid’s El Sid label and becoming a regular performer at El-Sid-O’s in Lafayette. His big break came when Buckwheat Zydeco recommended him to Rounder Records, leading to a recording contract and the founding of Nathan & the Zydeco Cha-Chas in 1985. The band debuted at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in 1988 and later became a staple at the New Orleans Rock 'N' Bowl. Williams' music blends zydeco, jazz, blues, and R&B, and he has toured internationally for over three decades, bringing zydeco to audiences worldwide. A family-driven band, the Zydeco Cha-Chas include his brother, son, cousins, and nephew, carrying on the tradition of zydeco with deep roots in Louisiana’s musical heritage.
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Other Information
FROM THE AIRPORT
After leaving the Lafayette Regional Airport, drive towards University Avenue to head into Downtown Lafayette by way of Johnston and then Jefferson Street.
FROM I-10
Take Exit 101 onto North University Avenue and follow the signs to Downtown Lafayette.
FROM Interstate-49
Interstate 49 becomes the Evangeline Thruway as you enter Lafayette. Take a right off of Evangeline Thruway onto Jefferson Boulevard.
FROM Highway 90
Highway 90 becomes the Evangeline Thruway as you enter Lafayette. Take a left off of Evangeline Thruway onto Jefferson Boulevard.
STREET PARKING
Downtown Lafayette makes parking easy with the ParkMobile Parking App for metered street parking. All metered spaces are free after 5:00 pm on weekdays and all day on weekends.
PARKING GARAGE
The Parc-Auto du Centre-Ville Garage, located at 121 East Vermilion Street, offers 530 affordable parking spaces.
BIKE RACKS
Parking your bike is simpler than ever with 75 new bike racks recently installed by Lafayette City Government in Downtown and nearby areas.
1. Is Downtown Lafayette a safe area to visit?
Yes, Downtown Lafayette is a safe and welcoming area. We have a 24/7 police presence to ensure safety and peace of mind for all visitors, residents, and businesses. Strolling through our vibrant streets day or night, you’ll find a warm, inviting community atmosphere.
2. Is Downtown Lafayette walkable?
Absolutely! Downtown is designed to be a walkable district, making it easy to explore on foot. Our streets are pedestrian-friendly, allowing you to easily access local restaurants, shops, and attractions while taking in the unique character of the area.
3. Is Downtown Lafayette suitable for family trips or couples' getaways?
Downtown Lafayette offers something for everyone! Families will enjoy parks, museums, and family-friendly restaurants, while couples can indulge in cozy cafés, art galleries, and lively music venues. Whether you’re here for a family outing or a romantic weekend, Downtown Lafayette has experiences to make your visit memorable.
4. Is Downtown Lafayette Francophone-friendly?
Yes, Downtown Lafayette warmly welcomes Francophone visitors! You’ll find bilingual wayfinding signage throughout Downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods, and even some restaurants offer menus in French.