Lafayette, Louisiana: An Insider’s Guide to Local Music Festivals
Enter a relaxed state of mind in Louisiana, where having fun is second nature.
It wouldn’t be a party without music, of course. Luckily for you, Lafayette bills itself as the world’s free music capital, and it’s simple to enjoy unique, thrilling, and cost-free music festivals and performances here. It makes sense why Lafayette is referred to as America’s Happiest City. There’s always cause for celebration.
The International Louisiane Festival: Merging Art, Music, and Cuisine
Every year, on the final weekend of April, over 300,000 people descend upon the city for one of the most cherished music festivals in the region. Most importantly, it’s free. The Festival International de Louisiane brings together national and international music artists from over 25 different nations to celebrate French history via music, gastronomy, and culture. Over the duration of the event, a varied roster including Cajun, Zydeco, and other multicultural music performers plays on several stages. Exhibits of fascinating art and culture can have an impact. You won’t go hungry either because only the greatest treats, such as samosas, crawfish pistolettes, boudin (a Cajun-style sausage), sweet potato beignets, deep-fried bananas foster bread pudding, and more, are served by carefully chosen food sellers. This group of people is kind and eager to have fun. By the end of the weekend, even if you don’t know the Cajun two-step, you will.
Soulful performance by a zydeco washboard performer during the Festival International de Louisiane
Cajun and Creole rhythms during the Acadiens et Creoles festivals
The second full weekend in October brings more free music to Lafayette. Three days of nonstop hometown pleasure are offered by the Festivals Acadiens et Creoles. The celebration begins with the “Cutting of the Boudin,” a 40-year tradition in which local authorities cut up a roughly two-meter boudin and feed it to the first arriving masses. A Cajun duo or swamp pop band will play to kick off the celebration following the cutting. Fans of Zydeco and Cajun music will enjoy live performances on many stages, while art enthusiasts will be enthralled with exhibitor displays. The event planners took sure to include a full-fledged food fair with tastings and chef demos. There’s also a ton of exciting stuff for kids.
A couple during the Festivals Acadiens et Creoles doing the Cajun two-step
Fall and Spring Concert Series: Hometown Music
Outdoor music is best enjoyed in the fall and spring when there are mild breezes. On Wednesdays, when the Mercredi series features musical groups performing a range of tracks in the country, swamp pop, and Cajun genres, Pelican Park is the place to be. River Ranch Town Square hosts Rhythms on the River every Thursday. Locals and visitors dance or find a pleasant shaded location as musicians fill the air with upbeat sounds beneath the gazebo in the town center. There are two fun events every Friday. Visit Parc Sans Souci for Bach Lunch at midday, which features live music and specially prepared bagged lunches that may be bought from nearby restaurants. The free, kid-friendly Downtown Alive! concert series in Lafayette, which features performances by bands ranging from Cajun and Zydeco to modern and global music, really gets the weekend started in the evening.
A traditional button accordion, a staple of Lafayette’s music scene
