Festivals
South Louisiana is known for having a rich cultural heritage and a fondness for throwing outdoor events.
Festivals of Downtown Lafayette
Over the years, Downtown has become the host of numerous events and festivals. Some of these parties may only occur once per year, but together they showcase the best of what Acadiana has to offer.
FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DE LOUISIANE
Festival International is Acadiana’s largest annual festival. The Francophone-focused international music festival brings 300,000 attendees to Downtown Lafayette each year, transforming the city center into an entertainment mecca like no other. The five day festival has been held the last weekend of April for over 30 years now.
DOWNTOWN ALIVE!
Downtown Alive! is Lafayette’s most exciting Friday night tradition. The weekly concert series provides the Lafayette community with free, high-quality live music 16 weeks a year in the Spring and Fall seasons.
PATTY IN THE PARC
Downtown’ annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration brings combines outstanding musical artists and an appreciation for Irish heritage.
BAYOU ROUND UP
The Bayou Round Up showcases the music, food, scenery and culture of Louisiana with a gathering of hot rods, custom cars, artists, vendors and more along with some of the best live music onstage.
ACADIANA PO-BOY FESTIVAL
The Acadiana Poboy Festival celebrates the legacy of the humble po-boy sandwich—a staple of South Louisiana culinary culture. Held on the first Saturday of April every year.
UNCLE SAM’S JAM
Downtown’s favorite Fourth of July Celebration event at Parc International has food, beverages, live music, and of course—fireworks.
ACLA LATIN MUSIC FESTIVAL
ACLA is an organization of volunteers who work to improve relations among our Latin community in Acadiana. The annual Latin Music Festival is a showcase of the culture of Latin-Americans living in Acadiana, and a celebration of all things Latin.
SOUTHERN SCREEN FILM FESTIVAL
Southern Screen is an annual event that focuses on storytelling. The four-day event offers a platform for creative expression and exchange. Aside from films, the festival offers music, live podcast, educational workshops and panels.
CINEMA ON THE BAYOU
Cinema on the Bayou presents U.S. and Louisiana premieres of new, cutting edge, fiction and non-fiction films from around the world in a relaxing environment, embellished with the unique identity markers of Cajun culture’s exquisite cuisine and great music.
BOUDIN COOK-OFF
A celebration of boudin and the folks who make it. Vote on your favorite link of boudin and enjoy live music, eating contests, games and children’s activities at this free event.
ZYDECO MARATHON
Lafayette’s only full-length marathon begins and ends in Downtown Lafayette. Every Spring the Zydeco Marathon brings thousands of runners to compete for glory in the run.
Want to find even more Downtown events? Our events calendar lists new Downtown festivals, concerts, art shows, and other events every day.
