Today
in Lafayette
Thursday, March 5th, 2026
Good morning, Lafayette. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 5th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Brianna G. Davis, a New Iberia native and Boys & Girls Club parish director, unites Iberia communities through youth programs connecting families to essential resources. She will be honored as a Top 20 Under 40 Acadiana Leader at a banquet on April 10 at ULL’s Student Union Ballroom. The Advocate
- ➤ The Lovewell Center in Lafayette offers support to those facing economic hardship and homelessness by providing services with respect and dignity. Brought by Bayou Vermilion District, the Where's Al effort helps community members move to the next level. News 15
- ➤ Second Harvest Food Bank acquired a new cargo van in Loreauville to extend food assistance to Iberia Parish through its partner (Our Lady of Victory). The move strengthens its response to local food insecurity. News 15
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Celtic Bayou Festival returns to downtown Lafayette on March 13-14, offering authentic Irish food, live music, cultural workshops (and a Friday pub crawl) to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Organized by Louisiana Celtic Connection, the event features cook-offs, children’s activities, and an Irish whiskey tasting for all ages. KATC
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Shintech will invest $3.4 billion to add a second ethylene unit & more production units at its Plaquemine site, creating 163 new direct jobs with above-average wages. The first phase of the expansion is expected to finish in 2030. The Daily Advertiser
- ➤ Renewable energy developers at the Petroleum Club in Lafayette spoke Tuesday about how data centers are boosting the state's energy demand and attracting $2B in renewable projects + future investments, though local opposition and federal uncertainty may slow growth. The Advocate
- ➤ Shintech Louisiana will invest $3.4 billion today to expand its Plaquemine facility in Iberville Parish, adding a second ethylene unit plus extra production units that will create 163 new jobs at above-average salaries. The project will begin construction in phases, with the first phase set to finish in 2030. The Daily Advertiser
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Ochsner Lafayette General launched a hybrid physical therapy program in partnership with LSU Health Shreveport and the Louisiana Department of Health to train local students and address a long-term therapist shortage. The program, accredited by CAPTE, is the first of its kind in Acadiana. The Current
- ➤ UL Lafayette has launched a fully online bachelor's degree program in psychology to meet local workforce demand and offer flexibility for both working and returning students; applications are open for Fall 2026. The Daily Advertiser
- ➤ UL President Ramesh Kolluru (new interim president) addressed students and faculty as he works to cut a $50 million deficit to $12 million and explores selling property to boost revenue; he said more spending cuts are planned to reach a balanced budget. News 15
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Sen. Gerald Boudreaux introduced a bill that would transfer the decaying Coburn’s Supply building in downtown to Lafayette Public Trust for redevelopment — previous efforts stalled amid red tape as DOTD signaled a desire to dispose of the property. The move could pave the way for reimagining this historic space. The Advocate
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Our Lady of Lourdes Women's & Children's Hospital expanded its NICU by adding 9 beds and 19 private family suites with bathrooms & family areas to help parents bond with their newborns. The upgrade is part of the $100 million Advancing Acadiana initiative. The Advocate
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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.
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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.
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Rocky Dale Davis Live
7:30-11:59 PM — Club 337 — $25 General Admission, $35 VIP — Enjoy a night of laughs with comedian Rocky Dale Davis at Lafayette's own Club 337.
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Jill Butler and her Joyride Band Performing Hits
7:30 p.m. — Heymann Performing Arts Center — Cost Info Not Provided — Enjoy an evening of soulful music inspired by Roberta Flack and Quincy Jones with Jill Butler and her Joyride Band.
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Louisiana Energy Education Workshop for Teachers
8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette — Free entry — A workshop for 6th-12th grade science teachers focused on energy education with meals provided.
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2026 Louisiana Environmental Conference and Trade Fair
8 AM – 12 PM — CAJUNDOME & Convention Center — Registration required — Explore vital environmental regulations and network with industry professionals.
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Candlelight: Tribute to Adele
8:30-9:45 p.m. — Petroleum Club of Lafayette — Get your tickets now to relive the music of Adele in a magical candlelight setting.
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Easter Fest
4-7 p.m. — Moncus Park — Free entry — Celebrate Easter with family-friendly activities and community fun at Moncus Park.
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Bark in the Park 2026
11 AM – 3 PM — Girard Park — Donations welcome — Celebrate pets and community with food, vendors, and adoptions for a great cause.
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Swan Lake
7-10 p.m. — Heymann Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience love and magic in this timeless ballet performance.
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