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- Louisiana
Step into laid-back Louisiana, where letting the good times roll comes naturally.
Of course, it’s not a party without music. Fortunately for you, Lafayette is the self-proclaimed free music capital of the world, and experiencing exciting, one-of-a-kind and free musical festivals and concerts is easy here. No wonder Lafayette is known as the Happiest City in America. There’s always something to celebrate.
Festival International de Louisiane: Blending Music, Cuisine and Art
Each spring, on the last weekend in April, more than 300,000 people pour into town for one of the most beloved music festivals around. Best of all, it’s free. Celebrating French heritage through music, food and culture, the Festival International de Louisiane draws national and international music acts from more than 25 different countries. A diverse lineup featuring Cajun, Zydeco and other multicultural music acts hits multiple stages over the course of the festival. Fascinating art and cultural exhibits play a role too. You won’t go hungry either; carefully selected food vendors show up with their best delicacies including samosas, crawfish pistolettes, boudin (Cajun-style sausage), sweet potato beignets, deep-fried bananas foster bread pudding and more. It’s a good-natured crowd here ready for fun. If you don’t know the Cajun two-step, you will by the end of the weekend.
Zydeco washboard musician gives soulful performance at Festival International de Louisiane
Festivals Acadiens et Creoles: Cajun and Creole Rhythms
More free music descends upon Lafayette on the second full weekend of October. The Festivals Acadiens et Creoles is three days of endless hometown fun. A 40-year tradition, the festival officially opens with the “Cutting of the Boudin,” where a nearly two-meter boudin is sliced up by local dignitaries and served to the first crowds to arrive. After the cutting, a swamp pop band or Cajun duet will take to the stage to open up the party. Cajun and Zydeco music fans will be treated to live performances on multiple different stages and art lovers will be delighted by exhibitor displays. Organizers made sure to include a full-fledged food festival featuring chef demonstrations and samples. There’s also plenty of kid-friendly fun.
Couple dancing the Cajun two-step at Festivals Acadiens et Creoles
Fall and Spring Concert Series: Hometown Music
Temperate breezes in the fall and spring make conditions ideal for outdoor music. Pelican Park is the place to be on Wednesdays when the Mercredi series showcases musical acts playing a variety of tunes in the country, swamp pop and Cajun genres. Thursdays signal the time for Rhythms on the River at River Ranch Town Square. Under the town center’s gazebo, musicians fill the air with catchy beats while locals and visitors dance or park themselves in a nice shady spot. Fridays feature two festive events. At lunchtime, visit Parc Sans Souci for Bach Lunch featuring live music and special bagged lunches available for purchase from local eateries. In the evening, Lafayette truly kicks off the weekend with the free, family-friendly Downtown Alive! concert series showcasing acts from Cajun and Zydeco to modern and world music.
A traditional button accordion, a staple of Lafayette's music scene
Getting There
Lafayette is centrally located in the heart of Louisiana's Cajun Country, two hours from New Orleans and one hour from Baton Rouge. The city is serviced by Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT).
