Lafayette La Calendar Of Events

Are you planning a trip to Lafayette, Louisiana in 2023? If so, you're in luck! This vibrant city is known for its rich culture, delicious cuisine, and lively festivals. From music and dance to food and art, there's always something happening in Lafayette. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the city's calendar of events for 2023 and help you plan your itinerary.

January

The year kicks off with the Cajun Music & Food Festival, which takes place on January 7th and 8th at the Lafayette Cajundome. This two-day celebration features some of the best Cajun and zydeco musicians in the country, as well as plenty of delicious food and drink. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes!

Q: What is Cajun music?

A: Cajun music is a style of music that originated in Louisiana, blending French and African rhythms and melodies. It's often played on the accordion, fiddle, and guitar, and is known for its upbeat and lively sound.

February

February is the month of Mardi Gras, and Lafayette knows how to celebrate! The festivities begin on February 18th with the Krewe of Bonaparte Parade, followed by the Krewe of Carnivale en Rio Parade on February 19th. On February 25th, the Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival Association hosts its annual parade, featuring colorful floats, costumes, and plenty of beads.

Q: What is Mardi Gras?

A: Mardi Gras is a festival that takes place before the Christian season of Lent. It's celebrated in many parts of the world, but is particularly famous in New Orleans and other cities in Louisiana. Mardi Gras is known for its colorful parades, costumes, and parties.

March

In March, Lafayette celebrates St. Patrick's Day with the annual Patty in the Parc event. On March 17th, head to Parc International for live music, food, and plenty of green beer. If you're looking for something a little more laid-back, check out the Acadiana Po-Boy Festival on March 26th. This event features some of the best po-boys in the city, as well as live music and crafts.

Q: What is a po-boy?

A: A po-boy is a type of sandwich that originated in Louisiana. It's typically made with French bread and filled with meat, seafood, or vegetables. Po-boys are a staple of Cajun and Creole cuisine.

April

April is a great time to visit Lafayette if you're a fan of live music. On April 8th and 9th, head to the Cajundome for the Bayou Country Superfest, featuring some of the biggest names in country music. On April 22nd and 23rd, the Festival International de Louisiane takes over downtown Lafayette, showcasing the best in world music and culture.

Q: What is the Festival International de Louisiane?

A: The Festival International de Louisiane is an annual music and arts festival that takes place in downtown Lafayette. It features musicians and artists from around the world, as well as plenty of food, drink, and family-friendly activities.

May

May is a great month to explore Lafayette's outdoor spaces. On May 7th, the Bayou Vermilion Festival and Boat Parade takes place at Vermilionville, featuring live music, Cajun food, and a parade of colorful boats. On May 14th, head to Girard Park for the Cajun Heartland State Fair, featuring carnival rides, games, and plenty of fried food.

Q: What is Vermilionville?

A: Vermilionville is a living history museum and folklife park that showcases the Cajun and Creole cultures of Louisiana. It features historic buildings, live music and dance performances, and plenty of educational programs.

June

June is the month for seafood lovers in Lafayette. On June 4th and 5th, head to the Delcambre Shrimp Festival for fresh Gulf shrimp, live music, and carnival rides. On June 25th, check out the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival, featuring some of the best crawfish in the state, as well as Cajun and zydeco music and a parade.

Q: What are crawfish?

A: Crawfish, also known as crayfish or crawdads, are small freshwater crustaceans that are commonly eaten in Louisiana. They're often boiled and served with spicy seasoning, and are a staple of Cajun cuisine.

July

July is a great time to explore Lafayette's natural beauty. On July 4th, head to the Lake Charles Civic Center for the Red, White, Blue, and You Festival, featuring live music, food, and a fireworks display over the lake. On July 9th, check out the Cajun Hot Sauce Festival at SugArena, featuring plenty of spicy food and live music.

Q: What is Cajun hot sauce?

A: Cajun hot sauce is a spicy condiment that's popular in Louisiana cuisine. It's typically made with vinegar, peppers, and other spices, and is used to add flavor and heat to dishes.

August

In August, Lafayette celebrates its French heritage with the Acadiana Dragon Boat Festival. This event, which takes place on August 6th at Lake Martin, features dragon boat races, live music, and plenty of food and drink. On August 27th, head to the Cajundome for the Louisiana Craft Beer Festival, featuring some of the best local and national craft breweries.

Q: What are dragon boat races?

A: Dragon boat races are a traditional Chinese sport that involves teams of paddlers racing in long, narrow boats decorated with dragon heads and tails. They're often held as part of cultural festivals and celebrations.

September

In September, Lafayette celebrates its love of food with the Taste of Lafayette event. This food festival, which takes place on September 10th at Parc International, features dishes from some of the city's best restaurants, as well as live music and family-friendly activities. On September 24th, head to the Zydeco Music Festival at Plaisance Park for some of the best zydeco music in the state.

Q: What is zydeco music?

A: Zydeco music is a style of music that originated in Louisiana, blending Cajun, Creole, and African rhythms and melodies. It's often played on the accordion, washboard, and other instruments, and is known for its upbeat and danceable sound.

October

October is the month for Halloween fun in Lafayette. On October 15th, head to the Boo Bayou Fall Festival at Vermilionville for live music, food, and spooky activities. On October 29th, check out the Krewe of Boo Parade, featuring creepy floats and plenty of candy.

Q: What is the Krewe of Boo?

A: The Krewe of Boo is a Halloween parade that takes place in New Orleans and other cities in Louisiana. It features spooky floats, costumes, and plenty of candy.

November

In November, Lafayette celebrates its rich Cajun culture with the Festivals Acadiens et Creoles. This event, which takes place on November 4th-6th at Girard Park, features some of the best Cajun and Creole musicians in the country, as well as plenty of food and crafts. On November 19th, check out the Sugar Jam at Sugar Mill Pond, featuring live music and plenty of sugar cane products.

Q: What are Cajuns and Creoles?

A: Cajuns and Creoles are two distinct groups of people with roots in Louisiana. Cajuns are descended from French-speaking Acadians who were expelled from Canada in the 18th century, while Creoles are descended from French, Spanish, African, and Native American ancestors. Both groups have a rich culture and unique cuisine.

December

December is the month for holiday cheer in Lafayette. On December 3rd, head to the Downtown Christmas Parade for festive floats and plenty of lights. On December 10th, check out the Cajun Christmas Nights at Vermilionville, featuring live music, food, and a bonfire.

Q: What is a bonfire?

A: A bonfire is a large fire that's typically lit for festive or ceremonial purposes. In Louisiana, bonfires are often lit during Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations.

That's a wrap on our guide to the Lafayette LA calendar of events for 2023. We hope this article has given you some inspiration for your next trip to this lively and colorful city. Whether you're a music lover, a foodie, or just looking for a good time, Lafayette has something for everyone. Bon voyage!