Good morning, Lafayette.

Baby Jacques Miller won the Ragin’ Cajuns King Cake Baby Race on Thursday night during halftime of the Louisiana vs. Coastal Carolina men's basketball game.

Le Festival de Mardi Gras is underway at Cajun Field—featuring carnival rides, food and live music for families—and will continue through Fat Tuesday in Lafayette.

This spring, Lafayette is set to host a vibrant series including the Historic Azalea Trail's 25-mile trolley tour (with bloom watch updates), a 3-day Vermilion Voyage canoe trip from Acadiana Park Nature Station, a Scott Boudin Festival near City Hall, Festival International downtown, and Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival.

Today, Festival International de Louisiane will unveil its 2026 music lineup at the Acadiana Center for the Arts as music fans get an exclusive preview from Al Hebert, presented by Bayou Vermilion District.

Lafayette Public Library held its annual 100 Book Club celebration on Monday, Feb.

9 at South Regional Library, awarding certificates, prizes and medals to 178 members who read 38,182 books in 2025 - the program welcomes new and returning readers ages 6 and older for next year's challenge.

PARC is accepting applications for summer jobs at the Girard Park Recreation Center and the Girard and Martin Luther King pools.

Work will run from June 1 to July 10 for camp and from June 1 to August 6 for swim season, and applicants must be 18 or older (applications are available online and at 500 Girard Park Drive).

Lafayette Consolidated Government reminds residents to plan ahead for Mardi Gras celebrations as street closures, parking restrictions and transit detours took effect from Feb.

12 and will continue through Mardi Gras Day — Tuesday, Feb. 17. Check official parade routes that run from Pontiac Point to Cajun Field before travelling.

After Mardi Gras, locals can join Alcohol Free for 40, an annual program launched by Ochsner Health and led by dietitian Molly Kimball that offers lab tests, support sessions and educational talks (held in Acadiana and other areas) to track changes like clearer skin and better sleep. Health experts say even short alcohol breaks reduce anxiety.

Pack and Paddle is hosting a Valentine's Day paddle and candlelight dinner (with Cajun music by the Vidrine Family Band) on Lake Martin today.

The event provides all equipment and welcomes beginners for a unique outdoor celebration.

Louisiana baseball hosted Missouri State in its Opening Day game yesterday at M.L. *Tigue* Moore Field.

The Ragin’ Cajuns, led by coach Matt Deggs and pitcher Ty Roman, worked to rebound from last season as they faced Missouri State’s returning pitcher Michael Yusypchuk.

Louisiana softball will play two games today at Lamson Park; Ole Miss returns at 1:30 p.m. and Prairie View A&M at 4 p.m. Fans may watch both matches live on ESPN+ for score updates during the Ragin’ Cajuns Invitational.

Coastal Carolina edged Louisiana 69-65 in the Sun Belt game at the Cajundome on Thursday.

Joshua Beadle led with 29 points while AJ Dancler and Rasheed Jones added key scores and Louisiana saw Dorian Finister and Jaxon Olvera each tally 19 points.

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.

Toughest Monster Truck Tour

3–5 p.m. — CAJUNDOME & Convention Center — Tickets required — Experience the thrills of monster trucks and Freestyle Motocross in an action-packed event.