Good morning, Lafayette.

The centuries-old Courir de Mardi Gras tradition — featuring its popular chicken run — will be celebrated this Sunday at Vermilionville as previewed by Al Hebert for Bayou Vermilion District.

Krewe de Canailles is kicking off Mardi Gras today with a downtown walking parade starting at 7 p.m. The parade features handmade + recycled art throws and celebrates unique roadside attractions.

LCG broke ground Thursday on improvements along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive to boost safety, accessibility, and connectivity.

The project will replace damaged sidewalks with a new five-foot path and drainage upgrades from I-49 Frontage Road to Lincoln Street, aiming for completion by Aug. 2026 at a cost of $845,000.

The Lafayette Police Department has shared Mardi Gras safety tips banning items like pops, cracker balls, and open flames along parade routes.

Officials advise parade goers to follow barricade rules and use designated medical stations if needed.

Braylon Calais, a standout at Cecilia High, was named the Toughest Player of the Year at a celebration held Wednesday night at Buck and Johnny's in Breaux Bridge.

He received a $1,000 scholarship from Courtesy Automotive Group.

Acadiana student-athletes signed letters of intent on National Spring Signing Day yesterday at local schools as they prepared for collegiate sports.

The Ragin' Cajuns baseball team held Media Day to share insights about their upcoming season and will face Missouri State on Friday the 13th at the Tigue (their home field).

Mardi Gras Mambo II

1-3 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $30 per person — Enjoy a family-friendly art session in a lively atmosphere.

Courir de Mardi Gras

10 AM – 4 PM — Lafayette Parish Bayou Vermilion District — Free entry — Experience a vibrant family-friendly Mardi Gras run with traditional music and gumbo gathering.

Roux Fest Gumbo Cookoff

5-8 p.m. — Blackham Coliseum — Proceeds support local nonprofits — Experience a vibrant gumbo showdown blending tradition and innovation with live music.

The Hub Lafayette Runwell 5K Walk/Run

8 AM – 12 PM — Geaux Run by Fleet Feet — Registration fees apply — Enjoy a family-friendly 5K and Kids Fun Run in Lafayette.

SPE International Conference on Formation Damage Control

February 18-20 — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette — Check website for cost — A conference focusing on engineering challenges in formation damage control.

Chris Thomas King Concert

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Ticketed event — Experience the soulful sounds of Chris Thomas King, a significant figure in folk blues history.

Ragin' Cajuns All Girl Cheer Clinic

3:00–6:00 p.m. — EK Long Annex — Registration required — Elevate your cheer skills with hands-on training and recruitment opportunities led by experienced coaches.

Candlelight Concert: Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons

6:00-6:59 p.m. — Petroleum Club of Lafayette — Tickets required — Experience a magical evening of live music featuring the hits of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons.

NoCap Live in Concert

9 p.m. — The District Event Center — No refunds — Experience an electrifying night with NoCap live in Lafayette.

Shadows Arts & Crafts Festival

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Shadows-on-the-Teche — $5 admission for adults — Browse original hand-crafted items and enjoy local food and drinks in a beautiful garden setting.